Hailey is village of the year (From Witney Gazette)

Hailey is village of the year

3:12pm Monday 7th July 2008 in Witney By David Horne

HAILEY is West Oxfordshire's village of the year.

The community won its badge of pride in this year's competition, run by Oxfordshire Rural Community Council.

But it only decided to enter at the last moment, the first time it has bothered for some years.

Parish council chairman, David Musson, said this week: "It is good news to win the award.

"The judges looked at the village and commended us in particular on four areas - the school, Project Hailey and youth provision, our NAG membership, and the proactive and enthusiastic parish council."

The competition, sponsored by Calor, used to be based on how villages are kept tidy and well looked after, but the emphasis is now on community projects and involvement.

Hailey won top prize for West Oxfordshire district - and a cash award of £500 - while the overall winner for the county was Woodcote, in south Oxfordshire. Deddington and East Hendred won other district prizes.

Shipton-under-Wychwood also won one of the environmental prizes, and Cassington for its community activities.

Andy Smith, who helped put together the Hailey bid, said: "Hailey has such a great sense of community spirit, with so many activities and services available for all ages."

One of its key features was the Project Hailey, providing youth activities and equipment. Maureen Gillies said: "Parents and youths have worked together over the past few years raising money through annual rounders tournaments, sponsored walks, and much more.

"Our younger villagers told us what they would like, and together we have been able to provide a multi-sports system, skateboard area, and are installing a BMX trail."

Hailey's primary school has recently been awarded county council's status as an eco--school, and pupils have made regular visits to the Hailey Community Woodland to measure tree growth as part of their studies.

Parish councillor Michael Drew, said: "Over the last five years, our community woodland has really flourished.

"It has become a place for all to enjoy visiting, whether it is for our school's studies, walking, jogging, or even for holding children's outdoor birthday parties."