Shotley Village Community Awards
Five deserving members have been presented with Shotley Village Community Awards for their outstanding contributions to the parish.
Mike Ayden, a retired minister and respected historical Researcher, who has recently joined HMS Ganges’ Museum band of volunteers as an archivist, was the first to receive an award on the night.
Mike started the Shotley Peninsula History Group a year ago and has attracted 36 members so far, who regularly attend meetings at the Shipwreck.
The group has enjoyed visits to places including Suffolk Record Office, Kew Records and have been enchanted by talks, including one from William Wrinch. More talks and visits are scheduled and Mike can be contacted on ????
Next up was Peta Hillier who instigated a wonderful art project utilising the Heritage Woods and included pupils from Shotley Primary School who created their own works.
Councillor Gary Richens said: “Peta is nominated for a community award because she immersed herself into a project that brought great rewards for many local children, including some of their Parents who helped with the Friday open air sessions.”
Councillor Bernard Nichols was delighted to give the citation for winner Mel Matthews whose service to the community includes ‘a sterling job with Noticeboard.
Mel is also a stalwart on the Village Hall committee, an active member of Shotley Drama Group and the Viking Forest project.
Dawn Lambert was recognised for her diligence to community work.
Dawn also works hard on Noticeboard and is actively involved in the Shotley and Erwarton Good neighbours Scheme and the Viking Forest project.
Last, but by no means least was Shotley's very own thaetrical dame Carol Blumfield, who also received a similar award 10 years ago.
Mel Matthews described the amazing work Carol has done with Shotley Drama Group, which she founded, over the past 30-odd years. Carol has done every role possible with the drama group, which continuously puts on amazing productions.
All the awards were presented by outgoing Shotley Parish Council chairman Richard Wrinch.
Richard’s outstanding contribution to Shotley over many years was praised by clerk Dina Bidwell and Suffolk County Councillor David Woods, and endorsed by all in the hall.