Wealden MP Nus Ghani, has presented more hero awards to individuals and community leaders working within her constituency and supporting others in East Sussex during the pandemic.
Waldron Retail Support was set up by Sean Dexter and his family at the beginning of the pandemic.
They identified those at risk and mobilised a group of volunteers who were available to help by picking up prescriptions, doing the shopping and running small errands.
The support group, started together with Charlotte Waggott, liaised with retailers in neighbouring Heathfield to ensure that a delivery system was put in place.
The team of volunteers collated, collected and delivered orders, distributed from the village hall to those confined at home during lockdown.
Special thanks go to the whole volunteer group, Mobbs Pitcher, Charlotte Waggott, Sally Wellings, Ian Dixon, Ella and Sue Hinton, Karin and Imogen Taylor, Catherine Long, Emilia Dexter and Min Peterken.
Morag Hockin runs a garden nursery and had a lot of stock ready for the season when the pandemic struck.
She set up a pop-up shop outside her house in Crowborough, and for every plant sold she made a donation which helped raise over £1,000 for Rotherfield St Martin, a community-led charity, which helps to combat isolation and loneliness.
Morag’s own father had been a member of the charity and enjoyed a great range of social activities. Throughout lockdown, Morag also delivered plants to people’s doors and held a fundraising event called ‘Not quite the Chelsea Flower Show’, where locals could drop off their entries, which she then judged.
Jacqui Kerwin manages the Laurel Tree Farm Shop in Boarshead near Crowborough. Her colleague was obliged to self-isolate at the beginning of the pandemic, and Jacqui kept the farm shop open throughout the lockdown period all by herself, six days a week.
Her dedication to keep the shop open whilst keeping the customers safe and implementing social distancing was greatly appreciated by the customers, who have not only sent their thanks to Jacqui and the farm owner, but also sent many nominations for Jacqui to receive her award.
Nus Ghani said: “Volunteers are at the heart of our community-led support. We are so lucky to have so many extraordinary individuals in Wealden, who have selflessly dedicated their time to supporting the community by organising a network to help our elderly and vulnerable, by keeping our vital shops open throughout the pandemic, and by managing to fundraise for our charities along the way.
"Sean and his team, Morag and Jacqui are great assets to the communities in Waldron, Crowborough and Boarshead, and I cannot thank them enough for their hard work throughout the pandemic and beyond.”
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