Hail Hungerford heroes!
Town mayor honours residents and groups who went extra mile during pandemic
HUNGERFORD’S heroes of the coronavirus crisis have been celebrated.
On Saturday, July 24, the winners – nominated by the public – were officially acknowledged at a party in The Croft Field.
Town mayor Helen Simpson said: “We asked the community to nominate someone they felt had gone the extra mile to support our community throughout the Covid pandemic.
“We weren’t disappointed – we know how amazing our residents are and, judging by the numbers of nominations we received, so does the wider community.”
She told the nominees: “Your selfless acts of kindness and support to those in need throughout the pandemic were, quite simply, outstanding.
“I get quite emotional when I read and witness the efforts made by individuals who genuinely care so much about the welfare of others – often complete strangers – whilst putting aside their own anxieties, health, work and family commitments.
“I know, there’s no other place I’d rather be living than in our beautiful town.”
She added: “Nearly 34 years ago, Hungerford was united by a tragic event.
“I was 16 at the time, but I remember vividly the feeling of a community’s arm wrapped around the shoulders of an entire town.
“The community support over
the last 18 plus months has made me feel that very same feeling of community togetherness.
“That’s the reason we’re all here today, to say thank you and to celebrate your selfless acts of kindness and community support.
“I hope you are as proud of yourselves as the community is of your efforts.
“Huge congratulations to all of today’s awardees.”
They are:
Geordie and Kala Taylor – Hungerford’s Self-isolation Group.
Self-Isolation co-ordinators Chris Hook, Hilary Stockwell, Andy Bell, Ian Sweeney, Dee Anderson, Nicola Wood, Megan Heath, Angus Fleming, Martyn
Bright, Alison Martin, Ed Pellow and Dennis Benneyworth
James Johnson, who raised funds for the self-isolation team.
CHAIN volunteer and town councillor John Downe.
Handybus stalwarts Ted Angel and George Ham.
Marion Stroud, who co-ordinated the creation of scrubs and face masks for local hospitals.
Shaun Wood and Lucy Crame, volunteer community first responders.
Nour Fayad, who enabled St Lawrence Church services to go online.
Nicholas Lumley for helping to ensure Hungerford’s weekly market thrived throughout the pandemic.
Chrissy and Stuart Marsh and Stuart March for their volunteer efforts on Hungerford’s weekly market.
Helen and Colin Daunton, Hungerford Tesco, for their personal contributions to the community.
Boots Chemist store and staff for changes implemented to assist volunteers making collections for shielding and vulnerable residents.
Lizzie Mulholland for helping an elderly neighbour with shopping and taking the time to check on him and chat with him on the doorstep each week.
Derek and Di Loft for organising Remembrance Sunday and the Poppy Appeal despite restrictions.
Penny Post for being instrumental in getting communications out into the public domain.
Hungerford and Marlborough Adviser for communicating volunteer self-isolation information.
‘Disco’ Dan Hunter for raising spirits and community fundraising.
Team HTC (Hungerford Town Council) – the mayor’s own nomination for colleagues who “worked tirelessly” to keep the public informed.
Town clerk and deputy Claire Barnes and Sarah Hennessy.