Pampered with a hamper

HUNDREDS of nominations have been submitted for the annual Pamper with a Hamper competition organised by the Coventry Telegraph, Heart of England Co-operative Society and FedEx Express Warwickshire.

Out of all the nominations, 140 lucky winners were selected to be gifted with a yummy hamper this Christmas.

We went out to visit one of the winners, Norman Paget, who was nominated by his two twin daughters. The 89-yearold has volunteered for junior football in Coventry for 68 years, since he was 21.

He also organises regular whist clubs for the elderly, which he has been doing for more than 60 years.

How does it feel to have won a hamper?

“Oh I’m gobsmacked that I’ve won it feels absolutely wonderful.

“I’m looking forward to sampling some of the treats in the hamper later on, there is such a good selection of goodies.

“It is really nice to know that people appreciate what I do for them.”

You were nominated by your twin daughters, how does that feel?

“It came as quite a surprise and I am just delighted that they thought of me.

“One of them is in Marlow and one of them is in Lightwater Surrey.

“They have obviously heard about Pamper with a Hamper. It was very nice of them to put my name forward.”

Could you tell us a little bit about the volunteering you

do locally? “I have done volunteer work for local junior football since I was 21, so I started 68 years ago. I also helped to start the Sunday Football League here in the city and I have been a trustee of that since the inception 57 years ago.

“I run three whist drives a week, for the elderley mostly. When I started running them of course there were no other attractions.

“We probably get about 20 to 30 people each time. I run one Monday afternoon, Wednesday afternoon and one on Friday evenings. I have also been doing that for more than 60 years.”

Jo Dyke, Heart of England Co-operative Society community and membership adviser, said: “Having read Norman’s nomination we were delighted to give him a hamper for his volunteering role for many years. But having met Norman tand hearing about all the fantastic things he does, he truly deserves a treat and is a true gentlemen.”

The 140 hampers are delivered out to winners by FedEx, who kindly do so for free.