On May 6th 2008 Week St Mary was entered into Cornwall Village of the Year Competition. The submission involved completion of a very extensive application form which required us to provide very detailed information on our village life (clubs, groups, organisations, institutions etc), its inclusive nature and the involvement of people in the village. 

Week St Mary was short-listed to go through to the second stage of judging involving a visit by the judges on Wednesday 6th August. The judges were looking for evidence of community involvement, pride and initiative. Preparation for the day involved putting together a range of materials that would show WSM in its best light. A computer displayed a visual presentation, and information pack of details on all village activities were speedily compiled.

On the day the judges, Lady Mary Holborow J.P. Lord-Lieutenant of Cornwall and Mr Peter Burton from Cornwall Rural Community Council (CRCC) were treated to tea and biscuits in the Methodist Chapel Schoolroom and met with an enthusiastic group who are closely involved with village organisations/clubs etc. After the initial shock of seeing who the judges were, we realised what we had let ourselves in for! After seeing the 10-minute film and asking questions relating to our written submission everyone was submitted to a gentle but thorough grilling. The judges were well prepared and well versed but thankfully so were we! This was followed by a quick tour around the village and special interest was paid to the bio-loo in the Church! The whole presentation lasted nearly two and a half hours after which the judges said that they had had a wonderful time. All we had to do then was wait.......

In the meantime a personal letter from Lady Mary expressed her thanks and congratulations to all, saying 'I think everyone can be very proud of the community spirit in Week St. Mary and what a thriving and supportive community you live in.'

On August 13th a letter from CRCC stated that the results and presentation of Cornwall Village of the Year awards would be at Truro on Friday 29th August at 2pm. The mini-Oscars for Week St. Mary!!! So keep your fingers crossed everyone as winning this could give us entry to the National Village of the Year Competition where there is an opportunity of sharing an estimated £30,000 prize fund.

I'd like to thank all those who provided us with the 'ammunition' and/or gave up their time at the presentation. Thank you to David Martin who put together a most impressive visual pastiche of village life - and the judges were impressed. In particular, a big thanks to Linda Cobbledick, who not only allowed me to 'pick her brains' for the original submission but also stepped into the breech to host the day on behalf of the village, and who could not sleep the night before! 

• • • STOP PRESS • • • 

We have just heard that the village of the Year was won by St Day, Redruth and that we received a Certificate of Commendation, so let's be proud of OUR village.  

Tricia Kabler, Competiton Co-ordinator.