Shenley Brook End & Tattenhoe Parish Council have recognised their first two Community Champions.
In the first of what the parish council plans to make an annual event, Mayor of Milton Keynes James Lancaster, who is also a member of the Parish Council for Emerson Valley, proudly presented the awards to the worthy winners.
Andrew Wayland was nominated for carrying out litter-picks every day in his local estate, going out in all weathers to keep the area clean and safe.
“All of us here know that litter-picking can sometimes be disheartening, when you see how quickly an area can become cluttered again,” said the Mayor. “For Andrew to continue, undaunted, seeking no recognition for himself, I find personally inspirational.”
Andrew’s nominators agree, declaring that it is “about time a spotlight is shone his way, and a big thank-you too.”
The second recipient of the night, Hannah Gladwin, earned praise for the breadth of work she has undertaken for the parish and the wider community, giving up her time to support MK-based charities Willen Hospice, the Henry Allen Trust and the Night Shelter, as well as national charities such as Mencap, Mind and Scope.
Hannah also plays a leading role in running the Bletchley & Fenny Stratford Green Gym, facilitating opportunities for the elderly, people coping with mental illness or who struggle with schooling to come together and learn skills as they grow food for community larders, and drawing strength from her own life experiences to help vulnerable members of society to overcome personal challenges.
“She is intentional about improving our local community, including for the most vulnerable,” say her nominators. “Hannah works tirelessly to make her local community inclusive, clean and safe.”
“Both Andrew and Hannah have given their time and their care with no thought of reward,” the Mayor continued, “and there can be no doubt that our parish, our community and our city are better off thanks to their efforts.”
