Three residents of the Alston area have been honoured for their contribution to life in their local communities under a new scheme masterminded by parish council member Maxine Denoual, from Nenthead.
Tania Rymer, manager of the Alston Medical Practice; Christine Brown, who runs the shop and post office in Garrigill; and Tony Pennell, the driving force behind the effort to keep Nenthead’s community snowplough in operation, have been honoured.
At separate ceremonies, they each received a vase commissioned by the parish council from artist Michelle MacDonald, of Hazy Days Designs, Coanwood, certificates and bouquets.
Tania received her award because during the COVID pandemic she took on many non-nursing or medical jobs in the practice.
Without her efforts, the practice could easily have shut down altogether at times but it did not close for a single working weekday during the worst days of the pandemic.
Tania also helped ensure most of the practice’s older patients received their jabs in Alston.
A spokesman for the council added: “I know that all of what Tania has done over the last year is part of her job, but I think it has been a vital part of an essential service during the pandemic. Tania has worked extremely hard over the last year to maintain the service.”
Christine received her award from Elaine Grew, who said: “Christine has won the award for her outstanding support and care for the residents of the village of Garrigill in running the local shop and post office six days a week for the last 13 months.
“She has not only supported her own family, including parents that have been shielding since March last year, but has ordered, collected and delivered produce to other people shielding while working in the shop, serving other residents always with a smile and comforting chat. Nothing has seemed too much trouble.”
Tony was nominated for his community award in appreciation of his impressive work and determination in ensuring the Nentead snowplough has continued to operate.
Maxine said: “It’s fitting that this award in 2021 marks a decade since Nenthead Community Works CIC was founded. Tony will no doubt downplay his role, but without him the community wouldn’t have this vital service.
“Over the years he has driven, maintained and repaired both ploughs. Although now no longer driving, he does continue to support the CIC as founder director and remains a hands-on advisor on all things mechanical. The snowplough team keeps our roads around the village accessible.
“It’s heart-warming to recognise true community spirit.”
