High Sheriff Awards given to Atherstone community heroes

Awards have been presented to Atherstone community heroes by the High Sheriff of Warwickshire at this month's Atherstone Town Council meeting.

Cllr Denise Clews, the previous Mayor of Atherstone, was instrumental in arranging the awards, having relayed nominations for worthy individuals, groups and organisations to the High Sheriff's office for consideration.

Having sent a number of letters of thanks to various members of the community in recognition for their work, the High Sheriff of Warwickshire Joe Greenwell attended the meeting last night (March 18) to thank three individuals in particular.

On presenting the awards, Mr Greenwell asked for the individuals to share more on the work that they had undertaken.

Local chemist Shawn Brotherhood was a recipient of one award in recognition for the work he has done 'going above and beyond' delivering prescriptions on his bicycle to vulnerable members of the community over the last twelve months.

His award was given: "in recognition of great and valuable services to the community. The award also recognises the appreciation of the residents and people of the said High Sheriff's county for activity and contribution in enhancing the life of the community."

Mr Brotherhood said in receiving his award: "during lockdown the first time, nothing was moving and it was very difficult for people to get out. But I had a free pass if I was giving out prescriptions, so that was my release to get out and deliver them."

He also thanked the six volunteers who supported him saying "these are local people, all wanting to do their bit for the community. So I would just like to mention Hugh, Malcolm, Mark, Lisa, Marie, and Adrian for all they did for me in the last year."

Awards were also presented to Cllr Angie Spencer and Stephen Reay for their work in delivering regular hot meals to the vulnerable people of Atherstone during the first national lockdown.

Awards were presented to the two separately in recognition of their efforts. Mr Greenwell said: "I had not fully appreciated the scope of your work, but you have obviously given a fantastic relief to so many people, it is extraordinary.

"Denise [Cllr Clews] was very clear when we met, she told us about what you had done on the day when we met her, she didn't even need to think about it."