The Mayor of Nantwich, Councillor Pam Kirkham has honoured the outstanding work of Nantwich’s Community during the pandemic, presenting Covid Hero Awards at the Town’s Annual Meeting last week.
The annual Mayor’s Salt of the Earth awards has been put on hold for two years now due to the pandemic. However, as lockdown restrictions ease and the roll-out of vaccinations are now well underway, The Mayor wanted to acknowledge the remarkable work of the Nantwich Community over the past 12 months.
Narrowing down many nominations of those who have gone above and beyond, The Mayor selected just four receipts of Covid Hero Awards, highlighting their outstanding contributions.
Speaking at the virtual meeting on Thursday, Councillor Kirkham commented: “This year has been tough and trying with isolation and sadness. But amid this, we have also seen our community come together….”
“…Whilst we remained safe in our homes, many of our residents, volunteers, organisations and businesses came into their own. Adapting to new ways of living, many quickly saw the need to assist those the more vulnerable in the community. These individuals have shown outstanding kindness, selflessness and support within our town and I am overwhelmed by their achievements.”
First to collect their award was Dr David Holden and the NHS vaccination team in Nantwich. Alongside their day-to-day roles, the team have worked tirelessly to co-ordinate the Covid Immunisation programme at the Civic Hall. The Mayor thanked the team and all members of the NHS who all have been our heroes over the past 12 months.
Our Nantwich Buddies volunteer group formed a year ago to support the most vulnerable in the community, were presented with the Community Group Heroes Award. For our work collecting shopping and prescriptions for vulnerable people and those who were isolating. uring the year we've supported over 160 households. And also for our work assisting with the smooth operation of the vaccination programme at the Civic Hall.
The Community Hero Award was handed to Maureen Coulter. Maureen has been a Food Festival Volunteer for many years, however with no Food Festival to focus on she has gone above and beyond to organise food drop-offs for Nantwich Foodbank. From organising a team of volunteers, liaising with the foodbank, organising logistics and sorting tonnes of donations, her efforts have truly helped our community.
Nic Bunting received the final award, The Mayor’s Extraordinary Act of Kindness Award. The Mayor was taken aback by Nic’s commitment to the town’s youngsters. During the pandemic, Nic like many has been homeschooling whilst continuing to run his own business. But in addition, he worked tirelessly, at all hours, to refurbish old and broken laptops. These were given to help other children and families in the community, offering them the chance which they may not have had to learn.
The Mayor closed the awards section of the meeting by saying:
“It really was very hard for me to select just a few for awards, but these individuals here tonight stood out and have done something really very special for the community.
I have heard so many stories about amazing achievements during lockdown from people helping the elderly and neighbours, those litter picking during their daily exercise to keep our town pristine, to those completing fundraising activities. Not to mention all those key workers who have kept essential businesses and services running. And let us not forget the youngsters, thrown into a world difficult to comprehend even by adults. They have adapted so well and surprised us with amazing stories of charity sales, bike rides and walks, even selling their own party bags to help those most in need.
I want to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you who has brought our community together over this past year."
The Buddies Team celebrating at the Civic Hall with their award.