The Village
This section of the website will guide you to what is available in the village in terms of social life. Below is a short article on an appreciation of Beckington
An Appreciation Of Beckington
Beckington is a village steeped in history. It is mentioned in the
Doomsday Book. Pre-industrial revolution it became a place of some importance as a result of the wool trade and a place of wealth. Evidence of the clothiers' importance can be seen by the clothiers' marks in the church and by the many large houses in the village main street. Along the side streets, principally Goose Street and Church Street are old stone built workers' and artisans' cottages. But this is not a moribund village.
In recent years the council and more recently, housing associations, have built a number of houses and older people's bungalows with a warden's accommodation – perhaps the modern equivalent of alms' houses. Private enterprise has resulted in more housing. All this leads to a good social mix – young families with children living alongside older people, single persons alongside couples whose families have grown up and left home.
The Beckington bypass road was completed in November 1989. It is 2.1 miles long and cost £4.6 million. It carries approximately 12,000 vehicles a day (6000 in each direction). The centre of the village is now much quieter, cleaner and free of heavy goods vehicles.
Beckington is a lively, friendly and articulate village. There is much support for the church, the school and the many and various social activities. All these institutions and activities are successful. The Mothers and Toddlers Group ensures that parents with small children are made welcome. The village first school offers primary school age children a high quality education in a happy environment. More senior citizens are made welcome in the meeting room and day care centre at Lahs Place or by the British Legion and the over sixties club who arrange outings and activities for them.
Once a month the Parish Council meets and conscientiously discharges its obligations in the running of the village. Early summer sees Village Day when the Warminster Road is closed, stalls are set up and the village enjoys its own fête. In November the British Legion holds its Remembrance Day service in the church and commemorative march through the village. Then in late autumn the local talent sets an exceptionally high standard in the production of a wide variety of sketches for the Old Tyme Music Hall. Christmas is celebrated by a religious service at midnight on Christmas Eve. And now in 1999 an active committee is raising funds and making plans to ensure that the Millennium is celebrated in memorable style. Various activities are planned. On New Year's Eve there is to be a church service in the evening followed by a procession through the village to the Village Hall and Recreation Field for feasting, dancing and fireworks. Other projects include the refurbishment of the children's playground and the provision of a restful seating area.
Unfortunately 1999 saw the closure of the Post Office. This is a great loss to the village, the grocery shop having closed a few years previously. The Country Homes gift shop, the garage and the three pubs (one in Rudge) continue to thrive, as do various businesses including Systems Engineering and Assessment Ltd at the castle and the music recording studios at the Wool Hall.
Beckington is a vibrant, friendly village, attractive architecturally, interesting historically and set in some lovely countryside and with its good communications it is indeed a fortunate village in which to live.