CPRE & MVFs Best Kept Village in Devon Competition

Final mark 92 August 2008

The village of Cheriton Bishop sits beside the busy new A30, the old road going straight through the village. The verges have been left for flowers and wild life but considering it is a busy road it is neat and tidy and litter free. The name at the entrance to the village is very attractive and forms a gateway.

The school at the far end of the village is on two sites. The old building which still retains the school bell would seem to contain the office while the newer part on the other side of the road has very attractive modern classrooms. There is a small playing field and a car park beside the school which all seem to be very well cared for. Spalding Hall, between the church and the school, although small, is well used.

The church which stands on the hill is clean and bright and has most unusual pews. The paths are very uneven and there is no obvious disabled access. The churchyard is tidy and well kept. The gates and the church door are beautiful.

The main street is very attractive and is lined by some very striking trees. The two public houses at the entrance to the village are very smart, well kept and inviting. The war memorial, which is sited on the main street, has been refurbished and a very attractive area has been created. The bus shelters in the main street are functional and kept clean and the telephone box is clean and in working order. Most of the houses and gardens are well kept and tidy. There are one or two sad looking properties in need of a little TLC. There is also a large shop and Post Office which are both well used by the community. The shop sells a wide range of both essential goods and locally produced preserves and fruit. It really is a one stop shop providing groceries, off licence, DVD rentals, newspapers and magazines. There is a small car park at the front.

Along the road from the shop is the village green. This is part of a field which has been fenced and mown, the other part being occupied by the sheep. It is well kept but there is no parking.

The small play area is well fenced and grassed. The grass is cut and there is a safety surface under the new equipment. It is all very appealing apart from the old play equipment which should perhaps have been removed.

Although there are a lack of facilities for sport the younger generation are well catered for with Young Explorers for the 14—18’s and a Young Farmers Club for the 14+ age group.

The village hall has good facilities and is obviously well used. The preschool meet in the hall while at the far end is the doctors surgery. There is a large car park at the front of the hall and with all this going on I am sure it is usually full.

At the entrance to Cheriton Bishop is the attractive Woodleigh Coach House. This is a real gem. The village toilets are sited in the car park here and are kept beautifully clean by the owner of the café, a real credit to her. Events are also held here to support the Devon Air Ambulance.

All in all this is a very attractive well kept village where people take a pride in their surroundings. Thank you for a wonderful day.