ABSOLUTELYFINALPLAN1stJune09 AW.pdf - Biddestone Village

Questionnaire Results: Church and TourismThe Church has also been used forthe Slaughterford Playgroup, theSlaughterford Country Fair held inand around the Church; the Harvestlunch; concerts and a talk on therestoration of Shackleton's huts inAntarctica.The churchyard is cherished by twomembers of the village. There areregular notes in the visitor‟s bookthanking the church for being keptopen and for the peace andtranquillity that is found there.“St Nicholas is athriving, vibrant villagechurch and we hope tokeep it that way!”courses, parties and other socialevents and the new children‟splayground adds to its attraction.Whilst the survey showed thatrespondents were in favour ofopening a cafe or tearoom andimproving information about localwalks and signposting, there was ageneral feeling that encouragingmore tourism would be to thedetriment of the community as awhole with increased traffic, parkingproblems and litter.Visitors and residents alike need tobe encouraged to use and enjoy thebeautiful environment in aresponsible and respectful manner.Many visitors come to the Parishbecause of its architecture andthe beauty of the surroundingcountryside. It is an area popularwith walkers and cyclists andvisitors are well served by theavailability of bed and breakfastaccommodation and the twopublic houses in Biddestone.The excellent sports facilities inthe Parish bring in many clubmembers from outside thecommunity. Biddestone villagehall is a popular venue for classes,“Biddestone church is abeautiful, simple buildingwhich has an atmospherereflecting the worship ofvillagers for many, manyyears. It is a haven of calmand I have often spent 10minutes or so in the emptybuilding calmed by theatmosphere.”Biddestone & Slaughterford Parish Plan44