A JOINT initiative launched across Cambridgeshire by all seven MPs saw three winners from North West Cambridgeshire welcomed to a special awards ceremony in Parliament, in recognition of their 'selfless community support' during the pandemic. They were Southfields Primary School, Elton Village Stores and the Post Office Stores in Abbots Ripton. The winners were presented with a certificate by our local MP Shailesh Vara, signed by all seven constituency MPs, with a video message from the Prime Minister adding his congratulations.
The Covid awards scheme was designed to recognise the efforts of local individuals and organisations who provided exceptional support to their neighbours and wider community at a time when many people were feeling frightened and isolated.
Children and staff at Southfields organised delivery of food parcels to self-isolating families while maintaining virtual lessons to ensure as little disruption as possible to pupils' learning. Their certificate was accepted by head teacher Laura Martin and senior assistant head teacher, Yolanda Steward. Afterwards Mrs Martin said: "This award ceremony recognises the efforts of the whole school at what was a difficult time. Staff and pupils worked exceptionally hard throughout the pandemic and it was an honour for us to represent them at this awards ceremony."
The school was nominated for the award by local Conservative councillor and school governor Brian Rush. He said: "The whole school 'family' reached out to others during the pandemic while also dealing with their own challenges. This offered a valuable lesson to the children about caring for those in more difficult circumstances and I am so glad their efforts have been recognised. Mrs Martin and the whole school community truly deserve this recognition," he added.
Representing Elton Village Stores were Stephen Higgins and Ravi Mathu, nominated for delivering essentials to vulnerable residents at no extra charge while keeping an eye on elderly residents who might need extra support.
In addition to making home deliveries, Adrian and Samantha Wardman from Abbots Ripton Post Office Stores, provided key updates to the parish council on vulnerable local residents so no-one was left without necessary support.
Announcing the winners, Shailesh told us: "Throughout the pandemic we all saw countless acts of kindness and generosity with many people going over and above to support their community in many different ways. While it was difficult to choose just three winners (each constituency did the same) this ceremony was a way of acknowledging just a few of those thoughtful and selfless organisations who made a real difference."
