A VILLAGE just outside Salisbury that has recently been named as one of the best places to live in the southwest prides itself on community-led work, say locals. 

Broad Chalke was on the Sunday Times shortlist that came out on Friday. 

Locals also mentioned the cooperation in the village, along with volunteering and creating a friendly atmosphere at the heart of their ethos.

Tony Patel, the general manager of the local community hub, says the work done by volunteers and workers is the backbone of Broad Chalke, and that everyone looks out for each other.

The hub operates within the shared church space and allows the church to function properly as intended, while also acting as a non-profit organisation to benefit the community financially.

Salisbury Journal:

Read more: Broad Chalke picks up Sunday Times accolade 

It additionally acts as a space for local community events and a social activity space for the volunteers.

Tony added: "The hub shop came about when other stores in the village couldn’t survive so they closed down. The church couldn’t sustain itself, so everyone got together and thought why don’t we put a shop in the church? The community then got together and funded this, and we also got funding from some grants.

"We have about 70 volunteers on our books, it works a treat – we have a rota system online where people can fill in for anyone who can’t volunteer on some days. We hold evenings for the volunteers such as cheese and wine evenings and other social events which helps keep the community together."

Tony also explained how they also have a programme with Wiltshire music: "They come in and do events with us to give local artists a platform for exposure and generally give everyone some entertainment. People are so, so friendly – it doesn’t matter who you are or what walk of life you’re from, everyone is one – it’s a real community”.

See also: Queen's Head, Broad Chalke, celebrates reopening under new owners

Salisbury Journal:

The scenic landscape surrounding the village is a sight to behold, with chalk streams running through the valley and local farming resources offering a taste of authentic countryside life.

A Broad Chalke local says: “It really is a beautiful place, from the people to the scenery and natural features of the village, it’s just lovely. It’s not that big either, it has that small community feel without being too cramped”.