Villages must demonstrate achievements in 4 categories:

Community

What activities, facilities and services are available for people in your village? Are all age groups catered for? How does your community identify the need for these activities?  How are they supported by the community? How are decisions made? How do you deal with low level crime like anti-social behaviour, graffiti and criminal damage?
 

Business

What part do local businesses play in supporting community life? What benefits does their existence bring to local residents?  (for example employment, accessible services etc.) How do residents support existing businesses, attract new ones or overcome the environmental impact of businesses? Are there any community-run businesses?

Sustainability

What is your community doing to help protect and improve the local and global environment? Are there any areas of soecial conservation or energy saving initiatives?  How are local people encouraged to become involved in these activities?

Communication
How are new residents welcomed and informed about life in the village? How is information circulated? How is the community consulted by the parish council or other bodies? How does the Parish Council ensure that all sections of the community have their say? How do people in need of care, help and support within your communityt find out what organised services are available to assist them? How does the village benefit from information communication technology? Do you have a newsletters or website you would like to tell us about?  In what other innovative ways is ICT being used? 

There is also a section in which we ask you to tell us what makes your village a special place to live.

Further ideas are found on the Calor Village of the Year website - www.villageoftheyear.org.