Dereham community heroes praised with Breckland awards

Peter Wilkinson, chairman of Breckland Council, joined councillors in praising people and groups in Dereham for their outstanding work in the community at two ceremonies.

Dereham Meeting Point - (L-R) Cllr Peter Wilkinson, Dereham Meeting Point manager, Shonette Mooney, and Cllr Harry Clarke (presenting bouquet) (Image: Breckland Council)

The first took place at Dereham Meeting Point, where the chairman and fellow councillor Harry Clarke praised manager, Shonette Mooney, for her valuable contribution to the community.

Mr Wilkinson said: “It is incredibly important for me to use my position to shine a light on those in our community that selflessly go above and beyond in helping those around them.

L – R: Athena Poole; Laura Steward, Ann Odgers & Keith Odgers, Alison Webb, Mike O'Neill, Margaret Barrett, Tim Cara, Peter Wilkinson; Carolyn Coleman, Justin Dack, Paul Sandford, Donna Palmer, and Judy Rodgers (Image: Breckland Council)

“Breckland is such a special place because we have such a strong sense of community. We have those who are willing to give their time to improve the lives of those around them."

Mr Clarke echoed the comments, adding: “I want to thank the chairman for taking the time to visit Dereham Meeting Point to recognise the outstanding work they do and the vital role Shonette Mooney plays in managing the organisation.”

(From LtR) Alison Webb, Athena Poole, and Peter Wilkinson (Image: Breckland Council)

The second ceremony was held at Breckland Council headquarters, Elizabeth House, in Dereham.

It saw the chairman joined by councillor Alison Webb in awarding several groups and individuals for their exemplary dedication to their town and community.

Among them recognised were: Laura Steward and Mike O'Neill from Dereham Litter Pickers, Ian Odgers and Leanne Jarman from Dereham Ukraine Centre, Margaret Barrett from Caring Friends for Cancer, Tim Cara from Friends of Dereham Memorial Hall, Carolyn Coleman from aboutDereham, Justin Dack from the Dereham Community Noticeboard, Paul Sandford the landlord of the Railway Tavern pub, Donna Palmer from Dereham Lions, Judy Rodgers from Dereham Community Crafters, and Athena Poole from Love Dereham and Dereham food bank. 

(From LtR) Alison Webb, Carolyn Coleman, Peter Wilkinson (Image: Breckland Council)

Mrs Webb, said: “I want to thank the chairman for recognising these outstanding Dereham heroes.

"I have been working with Councillor Wilkinson for some time to bring Dereham’s finest together, to recognise the often unseen, dedicated, selfless work that goes on in the background that helps to make both Dereham and Breckland such a wonderful place to live.”

(From LtR) Alison Webb, Donna Palmer, Peter Wilkinson (Image: Breckland Council)

(From LtR) Alison Webb, Judy Rodgers, Peter Wilkinson (Image: Breckland Council)

(From LtR) Alison Webb, Margaret Barrett, Peter Wilkinson (Image: Breckland Council)

(From LtR) Alison Webb, Paul Sandford, Peter Wilkinson (Image: Breckland Council)

(From LtR) Alison Webb, Tim Cara, Peter Wilkinson (Image: Breckland Council)

(From LtR) Alison Webb, Justin Dack, Peter Wilkinson (Image: Breckland Council)