Devizes resident Sally Noseda is celebrating after being selected as the winner of a recent photography competition.

Run by McCarthy Stone, which is the developer behind the Shackleton Place development in Devizes, the competition called for local residents to share photographs of their favourite scenery, wildlife and landscapes in Devizes and the surrounding areas taken on their daily walks during lockdown.

The competition was judged by the Mayor of Devizes, Councillor Chris Gay, who chose Sally’s photograph entitled ‘Where Mediaeval Souls Meander’, as the winning entry.

The photograph will be displayed in the homeowners’ lounge at Shackleton Place for all to see.

The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald: Sally is overjoyed at her winSally is overjoyed at her win

Sally, who was awarded £100 for being chosen as a winner in the competition, says: “I am originally from Hampton Court in South West London and have gradually drifted westward to Devon. In 2017 we moved to Devizes and fell in love with the area, I feel very fortunate to live in such a beautiful place - I don’t anticipate ever moving again!

“I took the winning photograph on a beautiful day in May during lockdown last year. The hidden, historic corner of Devizes – St John’s Alley – has buildings dating back to 1550 AD and when you wander along the cobblestones with the ancient oak beams leaning out towards you, you feel the echoes of the mediaeval souls when you follow in their footsteps.

"It made for the perfect shot and I am delighted that the Mayor of Devizes felt the same. I am really looking forward to visiting Shackleton Place to see my photo in situ.”

Cllr Gay added: “Had I anticipated just how difficult this competition would be to judge, I might not have accepted the task of judging these photographs quite so eagerly!

The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald: Mayor Chris Gay in DevizesMayor Chris Gay in Devizes

"Our talented local photographers have truly captured the essence of beautiful Devizes and the outstanding countryside surrounding our town.

"Each photographer who entered a photograph is to be hugely congratulated.”

Nicki Beswarick, divisional marketing manager for McCarthy Stone Southern, comments: “All of the entries we received were brilliant, and I’d like to offer our congratulations to Sally for winning the competition. We have so many stunning views in and around Devizes, and we were overwhelmed with the standard of the photographs we received.

“Although current restrictions mean that we haven’t been able to officially unveil the image in our homeowners’ lounge just yet, we look forward to welcoming Sally to see it for herself once we can safely open the doors to Shackleton Place.”

Shackleton Place has been carefully designed for the over 70s to provide the very best in independent living within a safe and secure environment, with the opportunity to benefit from companionship when desired, as well as privacy when needed.

Prices at Shackleton Place currently start from £249,000 for a one-bedroom apartment and £299,000 for a two-bedroom apartment. Rental and part-buy part-rent options are also available.

More than nine out of 10 customers would recommend McCarthy Stone to a friend, ensuring it has received the full Five Star award for customer satisfaction from the Home Builders Federation for 16 years’ running. McCarthy Stone is the only UK housebuilder of any size or type to achieve this accolade for 16 consecutive years, which is every year the awards have been run.

McCarthy Stone also received the Housebuilder Special Recognition Award 2020 for working hard to protect its customers – Covid-19 infection rates among homeowners are significantly below the national rate of infection across all age groups – and for innovation in the retirement sector.

Those interested in Retirement Living in Devizes are invited to call 0800 310 0383 to book an appointment, or visit www.mccarthyandstone.co.uk/shackleton-place.