Hordle residents receive Parish Hero Awards for helping others during pandemic

A CEREMONY presented 16 Hordle residents with Parish Hero Awards for going the extra mile for their community.

The villagers were hailed for good deeds ranging from shopping for neighbours to raising hundreds of pounds for charity.

Cllr Maggie Hill, chair of the parish council which organised the awards, said: “They have risen to the challenges of the past two years and have made a real difference to many people’s lives.

“We are very lucky to live in a community where there are people who truly care and look out for each other.”

Among those receiving recognition was Becky Bishop for her work with elderly and vulnerable people. She organised volunteers to shop and collect prescriptions for them.

Becky also distributed goodie bags at Christmas, Valentine’s Day and Easter to around 35 people who live alone.

Also given an award were Barrie and Carole Morgan from Everton post office. Together with staff and volunteers they delivered groceries around 200 times a week to people who were unable to leave their homes.

Jane Marriner was recognised for her “outstanding” efforts in setting up a group to help Ukraine.

She and her team collected large amounts of clothing, toiletries, bedding and pet supplies for those fleeing the war-torn country.

Another award recipient was Carol Johnson who neighbours described as a “godsend” during the pandemic doing their shopping and checking on them daily.

Staff of Hordle Co-op were thanked for being “absolutely amazing” during lockdown for their “positive and helpful” attitudes.

Andy Boettger, chair of Hordle Community Association, was praised for having “stepped up to the plate” by bringing people together to help the village.

Caroline Gill, a local community district nurse, ran a vulnerable support group during the pandemic while also visiting 450 housebound residents to give them Covid vaccinations.

Another person helping vulnerable people was Nadina Robinson who contacted daily those struggling with the pandemic, giving them someone to talk to.

Jane Rose made hundreds of face masks which she sold outside her house on a “mask tree” – collecting over £500 for local charities.

Netty Shea took charge of volunteers from Hordle All Saints Church who helped vulnerable people during the Covid outbreak.

A daily litter pick was carried out around Tiptoe by Rick and Sally Coombe who were also recognised for their efforts.

Brenda Cramp organised a weekly morning café at the Pavilion where volunteers could get together.

Toby Sears, chair of Everton Pavilion management committee, was rewarded for improving the facilities for the benefit of the community.