A PACKED Riverside Centre in Bovey Tracey saw the efforts of a group of people recognised for their community spirit.

The Bovey Tracey Community Awards have been running for more than 10 years, and at this year’s Annual Town Meeting the latest recipients were presented with their certificates.

Cllr Tony Allen, who oversees the award scheme, said: ‘We’re seeing real Bovey people getting awards for their voluntary positive contributions to life in our town.’

The Young Citizen of the Year award was won by Jaz Saunders, a student at the Greater Horseshoe School in Heathfield.

Jaz Saunders with her award and school staff members Alexandra Jones (left) and Maryanne Wills.
Jaz Saunders with heraward and school staff membersAlexandra Jones (left) and MaryanneWills. (Photo by Greater Horseshoe School)

She has played an active role on the school council, organising celebration events, raising awareness of allergies and dietary needs, and working towards the school achieving Green Flag status by helping formulate its environmental strategy.

In the wider community, Jaz has raised money for local charities Honourable mentions went to Jasmine Wood and Carey French, who help out at the Youth Cafe in Fore Street. The have liaised with the town council and both have now applied to be youth workers.

The Community Champion Award went to Ruth Dixon and Sue Price of the community fridge project.

Cllr Allen said: ‘They have worked tirelessly on a voluntary basis to reduce the waste of good food that may otherwise be thrown away. This joint award recognises the good work they have both put in for the benefit of our community.

Sue Simmons received the Environmental Champion Award. A pivotal member of Climate Emergency, Bovey and Heathfield, Sue has he has been working with Plastic Free Bovey, spring and autumn litter picks, and assisting the community fridge and repair café.

Cllr Sheila Brooke and Cllr Tony Allen with Environmental Champion Sue Simmons.
Cllr Sheila Brooke and Cllr Tony Allen with EnvironmentalChampion Sue Simmons. (Photo by Jon Arnold)

The decision to appoint Mark Bailey as the Honorary Representative of the Lord of the Manor proved a popular one. As well as his passion for promoting green energy projects and raising money for environmental charities, Colonel Bailey plays a key role at the town’s Remembrance Sundays, reading out the names of fallen servicemen.

He has researched the stories of those who fell in battle and published a book ‘Smitten Down Yet Not Destroyed’, and has worked hard to ensure any new roads in the parish bear the name of one of those servicemen who died in the First and Second World Wars.

Recognition for Bovey community champions Mark also speaks at meetings across Teignbridge on behalf of the War Graves Commission.

Cllr Allen said: ‘Mark is a very modest person who would never dream that his voluntary activities over a long period should be recognised in this way, but I’m sure you all agree he’s earned this award and is well worthy of it.’