South West Chilterns Community Board celebrate local community heroes
The South West Chilterns Proud of Bucks event was hosted on a lovely evening in June at Bourne End Library.
Around 60 nominees and their guests attended. The evening proved to be a fitting celebration of all the nominees’ achievements. Light refreshments were provided and Michelle Bewley, one of the nominees, sang beautifully to entertain everyone. Some were even inspired to dance!
The awards were presented by Councillor Dominic Barnes, who chaired the Community Board in 2022 and the current chairman, Councillor Mark Turner. Both were delighted to present the awards and mark the amazing achievements of all the nominees.
Robert Rendel, the Local Community Champion was unable to attend the evening due to other commitments. However, he was delighted to receive his award on a sunny day in June at the Lady Ryder Memorial Gardens where he volunteers. He gave a fascinating talk on the gardens and their interesting history. Robert is pictured receiving his award from Councillor Mark Turner.
Local Community Champion
Winner: Robert Rendel
Robert Rendel is a dedicated volunteer with a heart of gold. He volunteers at the Lady Ryder Memorial Gardens in Parmoor near Frieth. Robert tirelessly coordinates, volunteers, fundraises and champions the ethos behind the gardens.
The walled garden provides a haven of peace, thought and space to reflect on life. Visitors can learn new skills within the garden and above all relax. It attracts the communities of South West Chilterns and others from further afield.
Robert is key in his selfless pursuit of securing this facility for the disadvantaged and people living with mental health and other issues.
Highly Commended: Corinne Hinch
Corinne Hinch has been making poppies for charity for Remembrance. 5,000 poppies were attached to park and church railings in Marlow and Corinne encourages others to join her, putting them up and taking them down.
Money raised was donated to the Royal British Legion. Corinne also brought awareness of animals in war by creating a purple poppy. The joy of seeing the knitted and crocheted creations delighted the community and provided a focal point for remembrance.
Highly Commended: Phil Laybourne
Phil Laybourne has gone out with his camera in all weathers, both during and after covid. He shared his photographs with people living in Bourne End and Wooburn Green who could not get outside.
As well as bringing joy, Phil’s photographs have raised well over £10,000. The money was donated to Thames Hospice in memory of Phil’s late wife who had a short stay at there.
Young Community Champion
Winner: Chloe Curtis
Chloe has supported the Marlow Wombles at many events by litter picking and is so conscientious that she likes to stay until the job is done! She cares about the local environment and really wants to make the area she lives in better for everyone.
Chloe is an inspiration who is keen to get involved. She is often joined by her family who help at local litter picking events. She has also set up a group to tackle litter at her school. Chloe has shown great dedication to the cause of reducing the growing amount of litter.
Highly commended: Ryan Benlembarek
Ryan began volunteering at the Ark Café in Marlow around a year ago. He always has a smile on his face and goes the extra mile to help serve the community by getting to know lots of local residents. His willingness to please has been very refreshing.
Ryan’s confidence has grown during his time volunteering and he provides a great deal of help and support to his colleagues at The Ark Café.
Community Group Contribution
Winner: Marlow Ukraine Collective
There have been great challenges since the war broke out in the Ukraine. Marlow Ukraine Collective has helped some of the many refugees who came to the UK seeking safety and security after leaving the war-torn country they called home.
Marlow Ukraine Collective worked alongside Buckinghamshire Council to link the refugees to the community. They have helped provide food, clothing, homes, transport, jobs, support, friendship and social opportunities. They have also provided links to other helpful organisations. The group has housed 279 Ukrainians so far and supported many residents in the local area who host Ukrainian refugees.
Highly Commended: Wye Valley Volunteers
Wye Valley Volunteers are based in Bourne End and operate out of a portakabin next to the Community Centre every morning. They deal with requests to help with medical appointments and collect people to attend coffee mornings and luncheons. They helped during covid by collecting prescriptions, ensuring help for the elderly and befriending the lonely.
The have been quietly helping where needed for over 40 years. Those who need help are matched with a willing helper. In turn, the volunteers enjoy being able to help many and varied people.
Wye Valley Volunteers have made a huge difference to the community life in Bourne End.
