Duo accept award on behalf of volunteer group
Beer Volunteer Group's leaders Maureen Westlake and Mandy Graham were awarded the Millenium Cup for their services to the village. On accepting the cup they said the award was for the volunteers. - Credit: Archant
A volunteer scheme in Beer has been awarded a prestigious cup recognising helpers’ hard work to improve the village.
The Beer Regatta committee selected councillors Maureen Westlake and Mandy Graham, who set up the Beer Volunteer Group, as the recipients of the Millennium Cup, which was presented on Regatta Day.
The cup is given in recognition of services to the community.
But the organisers had to concoct a plan to make sure the duo were around to collect the award.
Upon recieving the accolade, both councillors said they were accepting it on behalf of the group.
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Councillor Graham said: “It was a very elaborate plan and it worked unfortunately - Maureen got collared by her next door neighbour and I was sent a text that there was a problem with the PA system and could I help.
“We [Mandy and her husband] dropped what we were doing and went running down to fix a PA that wasn’t in need of fixing.
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“I am pleased that it was a parish council project that won. It’s just to say a massive thank-you to the volunteers who continue to support us. Maureen and I started the scheme, but anyone could have - without the volunteers it would never happen.”
Since launching earlier this year, 20 residents have signed up to volunteer their time for various projects.
Helpers have formed working parties to spruce up the Jubilee area and received praise from Beer Parish Council for ‘rejuvenating’ the Self Shelter.
Cllr Westlake added: “Its very nice - we both feel we accepted it as much on behalf of the volunteers.
“We think it wasn’t just us it was all the volunteers that join in and take part.”
