DEDICATED volunteers and organisations have been recognised in the Leamington Mayor’s Awards, for their outstanding and selfless services to the community during Covid-19.
Mayor Susan Rasmussen, said “These local community spirited people are so deserving as unsung heroes who gave their time and energies, in a wide variety of ways, during this unprecedented pandemic.
“It gives me great pleasure to recognise their achievements with this Mayoral Award. I thank them all for their hard work and dedication to the community during these unprecedented times.”
Michael Blackstock – for someone who has kept us moving and motivated during lockdown.
Michael has made a real contribution to people’s physical and mental health over the last 12 months with his video workouts and support groups for mental health. This has provided support and encouragement which has made a difference this year. He has brought people together at their lowest, enabled a group to support each other when struggling with isolation.
David Clargo – uses his professional production and broadcasting skills and interests to benefit the community and is Awarded as someone supporting the arts in town.
David was a volunteer producer and coordinator for ‘Leamington sings’ which organised a community choir bringing the community together. He also volunteers with Heartbreak Productions for stories in lockdown. And volunteered at Art in the Park for five years.
CJs Street Marshals team lead by John Walker – for people keeping the life of the town centre going.
The road marshal staff, who manned the Parade during the hottest and coldest months of the past year, have remained cheerful and professional and helped to keep our town centre safe. Unfailingly polite and professional even in the worst of weathers. Unnoticed by most but have kept our town centre safe and trouble free.
Michael Dorr – for his longstanding contributor to the life of our community.
He has been an active member of the Rotary Club of Royal Leamington Spa for nearly twenty years and former Club President. He was also active in Round Table and the 41 Club. Raising funds and serving others in the local community. Last November’s Tree of lights event was still celebrated via YouTube, due to Covid, raising a magnificent record sum of £13,500 for the Myton Hospices.
Kelly Iles – for her work with the NHS.
Kelly has donated more than 90,356 meals during Covid, lives in Leamington and is currently a volunteer on the vaccination programme and supporting the nursing staff with a community collection and delivery of lip balms, face masks and bath treats.
Steph Jones – recognising the valuable work that she does, for the most vulnerable and disadvantaged, as part of the Change, Grow Live initiative.
‘Change Grown Live do a fantastic job of uplifting the lives of some of the more vulnerable members of our community, many of whom have complex and long term problems. Steph has been singled out for particular praise by her nominator’. People have raved about how invaluable her support has been in lockdown.
Dr Suzanne Redfern – for her tireless work for her patients and within the community.
Suzanne is a Milverton resident and GP. She has been volunteering for extra sessions at the vaccine clinics to help through Covid. She has also spent her spare time during lockdown by dropping in little gifts of flowers or home-baked treats, sending goods to people she knows are finding things hard. Through these hard times she has given more to our local health and vaccine clinics and her community.
Helen Smith – for her impact and good works in the community.
Founder of Evelyn’s Gift. She supports many charities from LWS Night Shelter to Way A Head Project as well as doing acts of kindness for children. She does so much and has made such an impact in our community.
