Community Service Awards 2016, Hurstpierpoint people awarded
The Chairman of Mid Sussex District Council has marked the exceptional work of community-spirited individuals from throughout the district with a special garden party held in September.
The Council welcomed 54 community champions and their friends and family to The Ravenswood, Sharpthorne to issue them with Community Service Awards.
Presented by Councillor Peter Reed, Chairman of Mid Sussex District Council, and Mark Spofforth OBE, the High Sherriff of West Sussex, the awards acknowledge the dedication to helping their community that has been shown by the winners.
The nominees were selected by Councillors from Mid Sussex District Council and local Town and Parish Councillors. Awards are presented to residents who have selflessly committed their energy, time and skills to improving the quality of community life.
Hurstpierpoint resident Paul Huggett was nominated by Councillor Colin Trumble for creating the charity Cancervive to provide support and help for those closely involved in supporting loved ones who are suffering with cancer. After his life was deeply touched by cancer in his family, Paul set up the charity as he believed that it was often family and friends who are forgotten when their close ones fight cancer.
Other village residents celebrated in the awards were Margaret Gaughan and Judy Leech, both nominated by Hurstpierpoint & Sayers Common Parish Council. Margaret has devoted the last 42 years to St Lawrence School, starting work in the kitchen in 1974, firstly as the kitchen assistant and then as cook for 21 years. For the next 21 years she has worked tirelessly as the cleaning supervisor and has enjoyed watching the school grow over the years.
Judy has been a Leader of 2nd Hurstpierpoint Guides for 29 years. This involves weekly meetings and taking the Guides away on camps. She has held roles as District and Division Commissioner. An active member of the Mothers Union, Judy helps with their Toddler Group and fundraising for various projects.