Thanks to villager who’s always first to volunteer
A woman’s years of dedicated service to her community have been recognised.
Harrietsham resident Audrey Joy, 80, has been presented with the Kent Association of Local Council’s Community Award at a meeting of Harrietsham Parish Council. Parish chairman Eddie Powell said: “For many years there has always been one resident in particular who has always been the first to volunteer in the village and is the parish council’s greatest supporter. “Audrey is involved in numerous groups in Harrietsham working together to support residents and improve the quality of life in our rural community. As chairperson of the Friends of St John, she is actively involved in fundraising to support our local church.
“She is also a long-standing member of the Harrietsham Fish Scheme, taking elderly residents to hospital and doctors’ appointments when they are without transport, and also to the weekly coffee mornings
where they can have a chat and a catch-up in the vlllage hall. “She is a current member and past leader of the Harrietsham Ladies Group (formerly the Wives Group) and also has a team of litter-pickers who work to keep our village litter-free throughout the year.
“As a member of Harrietsham
in Bloom, she helps to care for the flower displays in the village and is also a keen allotment holder and was very happy to win the Best Kept Allotment Award last year. “This has only been surpassed by her delight at wining the award for the heaviest potato from the Gardening
Society at the annual village flower show.”
Cllr Powell told her: “Audrey we have great pleasure in giving you this award to thank you for your unwavering dedication to our community.”
Mrs Joy, who has lived in the village for more than 20 years, is already an MBE.