13 October 2014

Please note: this news article is in our archive. Articles were correct at time of publication, but should not be relied on for accuracy after the passage of time.

EAST Grinstead’s community volunteers had their considerable contribution to town life honoured with the award of certificates at a celebration tea at Ravenswood organised by Mid Sussex District Council on Sunday.

Those honoured, with their citations, included:

Jenny Watson   

“Jenny has been employed by the Town Council since 2011 as a part time Gardener and works tirelessly well beyond her contracted hours every week. She is a whirlwind of winning ideas, practical from the top of her head to the tip of her green fingers. She is full of inspirational ideas and ways to get local people involved. Jenny designed the East Grinstead war memorial flower beds which won Best War Memorial planting in the South and South East in Bloom completion recently.”

Julie Mockford

“Julie is hard-working, dedicated, conscientious and caring. Longstanding volunteer on the East Grinstead Music and Arts Festival. Voluntarily ran after-school dance club for 13 years in desire to promote self confidence in young children. Julie is also a Staff Governor at Queen Victoria hospital and a Judge for South East in Bloom.”

Danny Favor

“Danny Favor has lived in East Grinstead for 14 years and is an Ophthalmic Nurse Practitioner at Queen Victoria Hospital. He is involved with many charities like the Filipino British Nurses team, who carry out community health checks and raising money for Our Lady & St. Peter church. He also raised money for the restoration of a typhoon damaged school in the Philippines, now named the East Grinstead Building.”

Chris Nunn

“Chris Nunn is the secretary of the Ashplats Conservation Group, a volunteer team, and has done much valuable work in and around Ashplats Wood. Whether it is litter picks, repairing paths and steps, or looking after the trees, Chris is looking after this valuable ancient woodland for all residents to enjoy.”

Stuart Scholes

“Appointed CEO of an investor friendly and reinvigorated East Grinstead Business Association, Stuart has improved member benefits and networking events. As Chairman of the McIndoe Statue Committee he steered the project to a successful conclusion. He established a Station Meet and Greet Visitor Service and produced an East Grinstead promotional song and video.”Christine Hardisty:

“Christine has worked tirelessly as Manager of the CVS for a number of years at a time of budget cuts and uncertainty. She has helped to reorganise the Organisation. Her band of helpers is ubiquitous. Wherever there is a meeting requiring public support Christine is always on hand.”

Derek Field

“Derek has been on the Christmas Lights Committee from day one and this year represents his 33rd year. He has worked tirelessly along with the Chairman to ensure that this event takes place every year and he takes pride and pleasure in ensuring that the town is lit up to celebrate Christmas.”

Stuart Hellier

“As one of the Contractors who has served with the Christmas Lights Committee, for over thirty years, Stuart has been the leading man and organises the troops and personally does far more than what is expected of him. Although not an East Grinstead resident, his role in contributing to the town’s celebrations will be acknowledged by this award.”

Ian Staines:

“Christmas Lights, which have brightened the town over the past three decades have been organised and maintained by a dedicated band of volunteers and Ian has been a great asset. The Chairman and Committee have been supported in running the bar at Meridian Hall which is run by the volunteers to fund the lights.”

Melvin Philips

“Melvin is the Chairman of the annual Christmas Lights Committee and has been on this committee for over 33 years. He has worked tirelessly to ensure that this event takes place every year and he takes pride in ensuring that the town is lit up to celebrate the Christmas Season. As well as the physical caring for and putting up the lights, Melvin runs the bar at Meridian Hall to pay for them. He has been the lynchpin in this truly remarkable volunteering group.”

John and Hiliary Taylor

“John and Hilary have been voluntary fundraisers for the Blond McIndoe Research Centre and other charities since 1984. For local residents their second hand book stall has been a popular place to visit every Friday in Queen’s Walk, East Grinstead. John and Hilary estimate over the years they have raised more than £100,000.”

Alice Tyrrel

“A retired school teacher, Alice volunteers her time to the Ashurst Wood Youth Club and is the community Shopping Bus driver. Every Wednesday evening she takes her wood turning equipment to the Club to encourage local youngsters  to learn new skills. She also teaches cooking.”

Dick Tyrrel

“Dick Tyrrel was Ashurst Wood’s Parish Council’s handyman for six years. He was instrumental in the Winter Management Programme and in the years of heavy snow worked endlessly clearing pavements. He carried out numerous repairs to the bus shelters and other street furniture, and was always on hand to help at village event

David Phillips 

“David (from Ashurst Wood) organises musical events in the area giving a platform for local talent. He has always supported charity events, even making his own 60th birthday celebrations into a charity fundraiser. Over the years he has involved local café and pub businesses as venues so helping local business in the process.”