’S SHINING STARS AWARDS 2019

CLERK OF THE YEAR

Nominees:

Karen Treacher – Long Sutton Parish Council Karen has achieved 25 years’ service as clerk to, which has involved more than one parish. She enjoys sharing her knowledge and experience with our councillors.

Sue Simmons – Wainfleet Councils During the recently declared emergency flooding situation at Wainfleet, Sue put herself forward during the day and night to be a point of contact. Sue opened the rest centre, provided local information and was the face of the emergency response. He actions were selfless with no complaints. She worked tirelessly alongside members of the Town Council, community and members of the Lincolnshire Resilience Forum, Red Cross, Lives, St John’s Ambulance, 4x4 plus statutory services. Her work in this difficult period where people were having to evacuate their homes, was highly commendable.

Christine Newton – Parish Council Christine became clerk for CSL in August 2015, joining a parish council that was in turmoil, after the previous clerk had found it necessary to take legal action after his resignation caused by the vexatious actions of certain councillors. One of the outcomes of this was that the council engaged Audit Lincolnshire who carried out and internal audit, the report recommending changes to CSL policies, procedures and Standing Orders. A total of 30 actions, the time scale given was extremely tight. Christine has achieved all this and guided the Council back into a sound financial footing, restored the moral and good standing of the council within the community. She has worked tirelessly and achieved more than could have been expected of a Parish Clerk.

Yvonne Smith – Town Council Yvonne has served as town clerk for a number of years. She has provided great support to the council members through her knowledge, energy and dedication. She has a lead role in many voluntary organisations in Spilsby and is a strong believer in Spilsby and its residents. She works hard to make Spilsby a better place. Yvonne has a true community spirit and it is this that drives her work with the Town Council.

Julie Murray – Welton-by-Lincoln Parish Council Welton PC considers itself very fortunate in having Julie Murray at its helm. The 15 years she has been working as clerk and RFO has seen a rapid increase in the population of the village and Julie has advised and supported the council to ensure seamless incorporation of new developments and wider community cohesion. Julie has worked proactively with other authorities to take on services such as the village library, which also required relocation and is now being developed into a Community Hub. She is respected by staff, volunteers, councillors and parishioners alike and embraces the challenges to deliver the council’s ethos of a family-friendly environment for the village. She is a principal member of the SLCC, currently Secretary of the Lincolnshire Branch and actively encourages networking and CPD amongst other clerks to the benefit of Welton Parish Council and the wider County.

Elaine Atkin (Clerk) and Lydia Smithson (Deputy Clerk) – PC Elaine Atkin is not only highly professional and efficient, but is also an enabler, whose work contributes hugely to the running of events around the village. In the same light her deputy, Lydia Smithson has done tireless work to preserve the conservation area of the village, engaging extensively with outside bodies and different organisations. She has also recently run a large project to create a wonderful new play area for the children. Elaine and Lydia are an outstanding team, who are also involved in running numerous large-scale events during the year, such as galas, firework displays, 5k runs to name a few. The two clerks are crucial to the success of this.

Amanda Bushell – Parish Council Amanda has served Hemingby Parish Council since 2005 with just a short break during this period as well as being clerk to Parish Council at one stage and is now clerk to Town Council as well. Her commitment to the role is second to none and she always keeps abreast of all regulations by attending training. However, the finest attribute is that she carries out the role in a quiet, friendly and efficient manner and there is never a time when she is too busy for individuals or the council. Although Amanda is the Proper Officer of the council, our members and residents view her as a friend as her commitment to our village is not just as an employee but as a way of life. She is the absolute epitome of what all clerks should aspire to.

Kathy Partridge – Parish Council Kathy Partridge has been the bedrock of Fishtoft PC in the position she has held for over 20 years. Over these years she has maintained a consistently high standard of work performing her role in accordance with all the legal requirements. Kathy is punctual and reliable and is always extremely well presented at meetings recognising the importance of her role. She is always patient and dignified when dealing with members of the public and outside bodies. Her immense knowledge of her job is and her ability to explain things to new Councillors without causing them embarrassment is one of her greatest attributes. She is incredibly supportive to those new to the role of Chairperson, again discreetly guiding to prevent mistakes. Supported by her husband Peter, she has always gone above and beyond her role and remit in helping parishioners and being a valued member of our community. Together they have maintained 4 notice boards and for many, many years weeded and kept the Parish War Site neat and tidy. Kathy is a very gifted and talented lady and has represented the council at our Church Flower Festivals. Her culinary skills are unsurpassed and at our December meeting members are treated to an array of her homemade delights. Kathy is blessed by a pleasant personality and a very caring nature its true to say that all councillor’s past and present respect her and hold her in the highest regard. Nothing has ever been too much trouble for her. With her inimitable thoughtfulness she has given Fishtoft PC long notice of her intended retirement on 31 March 2020. We are all incredibly sad that she will be leaving us, but typical of Kathy’s dedication and loyalty to Fishtoft PC she has agreed to allow any new clerk we appoint to shadow her until she leaves and has said once she moves ‘I will only be a phone call away’. Kathy Partridge has not just been the consummate professional, she has been a friend to everyone, she is a gem and without doubt our ‘Shining Star’.

Christine Myers – Parish Council Christine Myers is an outstanding clerk who has served the parish of Sudbrooke for many years. She is also parish clerk for Greetwell and a past clerk for Parish Council. Her courteous and professional manner when dealing with sometimes contentious issues is much appreciated by those with whom she has dealings. She undertakes many tasks which are far beyond the duties of a parish clerk and she is a loyal and respected individual within the local community. During the past year, Chris has faced a number of significant challenges including ensuring that the council were prepared and have been compliant following the introduction of the General Data Protection Regulations in May 2018. She has assisted the Sudbrooke Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group in getting the Neighbourhood Plan to a point where a referendum will take place on its adoption very soon, and has dealt with a number of issues and concerns associated with the commencement of a large housing development in the village. All this has been on top of the usual heavy workload associated with being a parish clerk. She always has a smile on her face and conducts herself in a highly professional manner whilst always observing the 7 key Nolan Principles. Three new parish councillors have joined the council in the past year and Chris has made them feel extremely welcome, imparted her considerable knowledge and experience during their induction period and has ensured they have received the training required. She has been extremely generous with her time whilst they have been ‘learning the ropes’. In conclusion, Chris is an excellent clerk. Her experience, integrity and work ethic are something that needs and should be recognised.

Runner up:

Steve Larner – Town Council Steve Larner as a CILCA qualified clerk with 41 years’ experience of working within local government. It is the clerk’s strategic thinking, forward planning, expert guidance and advice along with endless amounts of ambition, determination and drive that has enabled Skegness Town Council to undertake a substantial project of asset transfers including a 5.8 acre park, four commercial kiosks, a car park and various other walks and parcels of land throughout the Town. The transfer also includes a site where the clerk has managed the process to get planning permission and funding in place for a £1.5m community building. The actions taken to get the town council in a position where it has been able to successfully deliver the council’s ambitions are endless, but here are some: • Making provision for a new improved website with community engagement and consultation pages as well as making sure the council is communicating through social media channels • Changing the staffing structure to accommodate the new responsibilities including appointing a deputy town clerk and supporting her to gain the CILCA qualification • Managing the process to achieve Quality Gold Award Status • Writing the Business Plan for the community building • Supporting employees to improve their skills and knowledge to provide a better service • Liaising with officers from the district and county councils and pushing for resolutions to problems • Knowing when expert advice is needed but not being afraid to challenge and ask when necessary • Securing a PWL of £1.5m to fund the construction of a community building This project has taken place whilst still managing other council projects and running business as usual for the council including: • Through consultation, getting the Town to stage 3 of a 4-stage process to have a Neighbourhood Development Plan • Managing the cemetery and creation of a memorial garden that has won the Cemetery of the Year 2018 Silver Award • Protecting the Town’s Jolly Fisherman image by getting the image trademarked • Successfully applying for the Fairy Dell to be listed as a community asset • Re-tendering the contract for the Christmas illuminations • Managing the process to take on the cutting of grass verges and bring this inhouse to improve standards • Organising the Remembrance Parade • Managing allotments The Council nominated Steve Larner in recognition of his exemplary work undertaken to deliver devolution for Skegness.

WINNER:

Steve Fletcher – & Sutton Town Council

Steve Fletcher was nominated by councillor’s past and present and also Lincolnshire County Council. Steve undertakes his duties to the highest of standards and since his employment commenced has completely transformed the workings and ethos of the council by exceptional leadership, morals, professionalism and commitment. In 2012, the council was fragmented and unorganised and achieved nothing for its population. Steve quickly realised this and due to strong leadership led by example, he quickly began to instil best practice examples into the elected members and turned around poor behaviour into positive actions in the community. He introduced the councillors and council to the merit of best practice, true leadership as a group and training, quite quickly the mood of the council changed from ‘in fighting’ to cohesive working for residents, businesses and visitors. The proudest moment for the council was to achieve the award for quality in 2015 (as part of the National trial but the first in Lincolnshire) and then the Gold quality award in 2017 (again a first for Lincolnshire) – something that would not have happened without the guidance, support and hard work of the clerk. Further to this, Steve continues to assist clerks and councils in the wider area of Lincolnshire. He undertakes audits for at least 12 councils, in his own time and does not ask for recompense (only claiming mileage – sometimes!) When challenged on this he always says it is to help fellow clerks, to encourage best practice methods. He also readily shares policy and other documents and to give support to clerk who may be in similar difficult positions he found himself in back in the early days at Mablethorpe. This fact, along with his continuing attitude to personal development and improvement by attending training and assisting with training delivery to councillors and clerks as required shows the clear professionalism and commitment to this public sector. Since his employment began, he has worked tirelessly for our community and although not required to, he uses the Nolan points system as the basis for his employment and conduct. He has adapted or written policies for the council to ensure it is compliant with legislation or best practice and is always able to guide and make sure the council does not act in any illegal manner or way.

Steve also assists LALC with training and mentoring clerk in achieving their CILCA award – it is good when we attend training or civic functions and we are approached by other clerks (at one event we were told by another clerk that ‘Steve should be known as King of Clerks’ – he always helps and nothing is too much trouble) and also councillors who speak highly of our clerk. In the parish area, he also does audit work for 14 charity or self-help groups – again in his own time and at no costs, insisting it is his way to give something back to the community (he also buys and provides all refreshments for the Town Council and when challenged he says ‘offer an aggrieved individual or group a drink and a biscuit, they calm down immediately’ be it a councillor or member of the public. He continues to deliver a great service to all, the council, the community and other clerks. He undertakes all tasks to the highest level and is always willing to go the extra mile, he never actively seeks recompense, self-gratification or praise (he would be an ideal councillor!) Where local groups have given Steve small nominal gifts in appreciation for advice or assistance received or for auditing work, he has graciously accepted (so as not to offend) but made donation to the Mayor (or other) charity appeals. There are clear relationships built between elected members and members of staff (and yes Steve has written a guidance policy on this that has been adopted), however we see Steve not only as a friend (to individuals, the council and the parish as a whole) but a good friend to all – who is always there, even when the good times elude us. We can honestly say there is not another clerk with the commitment, compassion, morals or skill set in Lincolnshire! (current and past members of M&STC and community groups of Mablethorpe, and Sutton on Sea)

During the recent flood emergency at Wainfleet, there was a gap in provision of a REST Centre for mass evacuation. A phone call was made to the Town Clerk at Mablethorpe, Mr Steve Fletcher, and he was asked if he was aware of any suitable buildings in his area. Without hesitation, he offered to open and staff two centres, one in Mablethorpe and one in Sutton. He also offered people to staff the centre within 20 minutes and provided refreshments for when people arrived. He not only provided his mobile number, but his private home telephone number. This was an unselfish act of kindness in a time of need. (LCC)

YOUNG COUNCILLOR OF THE YEAR

Nominees:

Cllr Billy Brookes – Skegness Town Council As an 18-year-old, Cllr Brookes has won a seat on the Town Council and also to become a District Councillor on ELDC. He has proved to be a very proactive member of both councils putting forward motions and seconding some on the Town Council and also trying to get to look at several operations needed in Skegness

For a young man, he has proved to be an asset to both the party he is part of and to serve the residents of Skegness. He has grown in stature and maturity far exceeding his age and is very much committed to the good of Skegness and its residents.

Runner up:

Cllr Chloe Keetley – Parish Council Chloe was elected onto Dunholme Parish Council May 2019 and during her short time on the council has already brought so much to the village. She has taken a particular interest in improving the look of the village for the better – assisting in a recent NCS led project in Oak Wood.

Her main triumph has been organising a competition in the local primary school to design a new picture for the planters within the village. These have always had a negative view from villagers and Chloe noticed this but said there must be a way to improve them without buying more at the cost of the resident.

Upon choosing 5 winners, Chloe is now in the process of hand painting the winning designs onto the village planters – these have been shown on Facebook with over 30 residents commenting on how fab they look and what an improvement they are.

The list goes on of what Chloe wants to achieve in her term, and the council and village are very excited to see where they lead.

WINNER:

Cllr Ryan Lovett – Town Council Prior to becoming a councillor with NHTC, Cllr Lovett set up a not-for-profit environmental scheme in North Hykeham loaning out equipment for free, making litter picking accessible to its residents. He’s led litter picks with the local scouts and cubs and gave educational talks to the two groups around the damage that litter can cause. He also visited a school just outside the town (Manor Leas) and delivered a talk to the whole school on the same matters followed with a litter pick with some of the students. The scheme also provides equipment for local businesses in the area, kitting them out for the litter lunch walk.

Cllr Lovett joined NHTC on 22 Nov 2018 via co-option and was then re-elected in May 2019. He currently serves on the Planning Committee, Business Sub Committee and Community Committee. He brings fresh innovative ideas to the meetings and is a very active member. His knowledge and commitment to environmental issues is inspiring.

He also represents the Council on the Memorial Hall & Playing Fields Association Trust and attends their meeting on behalf of the Council. In the near future, Cllr Lovett plans on going into all schools in and around the area of North Hykeham, educating the younger generation on the importance of litter and plastic pollution. He is also launching a project, increasing the physical appearance of the town for all residents and visitors. When he isn’t running the environmental group or being a councillor, he works as an engineer on rail renewal projects up and down the UK.

Ryan says ‘he believes through his openness and being approachable and always willing to help the residents of North Hykeham has already been recognised as a quality, already having residents approach me with their concerns of safety, which I helped to resolve. I am enthusiastic and ambitious to be a good councillor and hopes to inspire and bring a new interest from other younger residents of North Hykeham. If I won this award, I can utilise the accolade as a way to amplify a message to younger individuals (18-30) the possibilities of being able to make a direct difference and have an impact on where they live and work’.

COUNCILLOR OF THE YEAR

Nominees:

Cllr Melvin Leivers – Chapel St Leonards Parish Council Cllr Leivers has been a councillor for 8 years and the Chairman for the past 6 but did not stand again as Chairman this year. In his years of service, he has been trustworthy and reliable and has steered the council through a difficult era of change and disruptions. He is a well-known figure in Chapel St Leonards, always available with a sympathetic ear to members of the community.

Cllr Liz Hillman – Saxilby Parish Council Liz is a councillor who works with the clerk and deputy clerk to achieve the council’s planned activities and projects. She is massively dedicated and was the driving force behind the Saxilby Neighbourhood Plan. She works tirelessly to save the conservation area of Saxilby and was heavily involved in the creation of the new play area.

Runner up:

Cllr David Ringham – Parish Council David is a past chairman of Crowland PC and is currently Chairman of the PC’s Amenities Committee as well as a very active member of the Assets working party that have been very busy creating a new allotment site with hugely enhanced facilities for allotment holders, and also preparing the old allotment site for a development of new homes. They are then going on to create a new Burial Ground that will incorporate a woodland burial area. David is also Chairman of the Crowland Cares in Crowland and has created a new office for the volunteers in the Parish Rooms, Crowland, this is a very successful organisation and does much to help residents of Crowland, both old and young. David is also Crowland’s representative for the Volunteer Car Scheme which helps people without transport, or that are temporarily unable to drive, to get to Drs and Hospital appointments – in conjunction with SHDC. David has organised a skate park for Crowland and has managed to secure funding for this with the help of other members and he has also arranged to have the adventure play area on the Snowden Fields re-vamped and again they have managed to secure funding for this too.

David has also created a Sports Hall Working Party for the local sports hall and gym and is currently working hard to get the gym side of this facility up and running, having already got the hall in use most evenings for football, netball, basketball, badminton, keep fit and much more. David has been a very active member of Crowland Lions for very many years. The members and staff feel David is most worthy to be considered for this award.

WINNER:

Cllr Trisha Newman – PC

Since moving to the parish and joining the council in 2013, Cllr Newman has taken an active interest in many aspects of village life. Until very recently she was the Volunteer Lead Flood Warden for the village providing invaluable assistance and information to the council and public during storm events and liaising with statutory bodies. She provided much needed assistance in setting up, as well as taking part in, the Community Speed watch scheme in the village to respond to concerns about speeding motorists, including personally fixing ‘30mps’ signage to lamp posts in the village and has given many talks and ‘how to’ advice to other interested parish councils – the scheme then provided a role model for the roll-out of Community Speed watch volunteers by the Road Safety Partnership/Police across Lincolnshire. Cllr Newman takes an active interest in all planning matters, checking out the sites and neighbour comments prior to meetings. She is the Council’s representative on the local RAF Wildlife Group and every year volunteers’ numerous hours to assist the Lincs Wildlife Trust with Seal Season visitor management. As well as being an active of the Panel and contributing to various Community Policing initiatives, she is also working with the clerk to develop the Council’s Flood and Emergency Planning Policy. Councillor Newman is an outstanding example of how invaluable an individual’s contribution can be to the life of a community, and it would be very fitting for this to be recognised as a token of appreciation for all that she does.

COUNCIL OF THE YEAR

Nominees:

Welton-by-Lincoln Parish Council – proactive council that goes well beyond its statutory obligations to provide services and facilities to its parishioners. Has a close association with the RAF and nationwide events were recognised by the PC in keeping with its traditions and values; providing social and welfare facilities for service families and has become home to many veterans and retirees. To mark the centenary, the PC installed a commemorative bench and has been successful in its request for a new development in the village to record the streets with the 14 names of the fallen on the village war memorial. At the last Annual Parish Meeting, the Council announced its latest initiative in reaching out to the community; it has produced a booklet for the benefit of those already residing in the village and for new arrivals in a fast growing village which is being delivered to every household, providing information about local services, points of contact and places of interest in and around Welton.

Skegness Town Council – is coastal resort often filled with holiday makers and day trippers, but always focuses on its residents and local community where there are high levels of social and economic deprivation. Principal Authorities have struggled to find the resources to provider services at previous levels, consequently, STC has stepped in to take on the maintenance of some 150,000m2 ornamental grass verges throughout the town and is soon to take full responsibility for a further 130,000m2 of public open spaces. At the heart of the town is the much-loved Tower Gardens, which the local community plan identified as the area most in need of improvement due to it being blighted by a derelict pavilion, declining maintenance and increasing anti-social behaviour. More than a year of dialogue and negotiation followed with ELDC resulting in the freehold of the entire gardens, including kiosks, ponds, toilets, bandstand and play facilities being transferred to STC in April 2019. Plans to improve the gardens were implemented straight away using in-house gardeners and grounds team, swiftly bringing positive feedback about the improved cleanliness and that it is cared for again. The derelict pavilion demolished and STC after 2 years of planning and consultation, started the construction of a new £1.5m community building at the edge of the gardens, comprising a community hall, café, meeting area and offices staff by the Town Council. It will also include a fully fitted changing places disabled toilet facility. The council also run a cemetery which recently won silver in the cemetery of the year awards. The council are holders of the Quality Gold Award scheme.

Runner up:

Saxilby with Ingleby Parish Council – Over the last 4 years the council has gone from strength, developing a clear vision for the council and community. The Parish Clerk and Assistant Clerk have been working towards completion of their CILCA qualification (which they have now both achieved) providing a broad knowledge of all the aspects of a clerk’s work and ensuring best practice. Saxilby with Ingleby is not only a proactive council, but one that is determined to make a difference to their community. The Christmas Light switch on, Gala, Waterfront festival, 5K & 2K run, Saxilby in Bloom competition, poppy displays for the Centenary of WW1 are just a few examples. The Neighbourhood Plan was completed 2 years ago and is a catalyst for a number of identified projects. The council installed a new play area worth £50,000 through fundraising and grants. The present challenge is the regeneration of a Conservation Area which is on Historic ’s at-risk register. This is an immense project, involving extensive consultation and collaboration with the community as well as working in partnership with many agencies. It includes refurbishment of the public toilets and boater facilities and improving the public realm, including the canal area. The council are also national finalists for Canal & River Trusts Flagship living waterways award for their collaborative approach with residents, business and partner organisations.

WINNER:

South Kyme Parish Council

encourages diversity and its above average composition comprises 57% female, 43% male with 14% disabled. The Council constantly encourages and facilitates community involvement such that voluntary activities designed to improve village life have blossomed. For many years a group of volunteers has operated the Village Tidy Group which meets regularly to tidy the village, litter picking and using substantial equipment for grass cutting and strimming provided by the Parish Council. This has become even more important since the watering down of such activities by the County Council. In the spirit of community refreshments for the group, are kindly provided by the village pub ‘The Hume’ on tidy days. This community involvement has now extended to the Council’s establishment, in partnership with Lincolnshire Road Safety Partnership, of a community speed watch group with an encouragingly high number of volunteers to the population of the village, which is achieving very encouraging results. The voluntary festival committee, part funded by the Council arranges an Annual Village Fete, including scarecrow competition, duck race and many attractions designed to engender and maintain the already strong community involvement. The Kyme Eau waterway dissecting the village is an important environmental and recreational asset to the village and the PC is part of a working group with Navigation Trust and the Environment Agency dedicated to the improvement of the condition of the river environment. The Council’s efforts in improving wildlife habitat has borne fruit such that there has been a significant increase in insect and amphibian life and a blossoming of wildflowers. The Council has recently provided substantial funding and support towards a mooring point for narrow boats along with a winding hole encouraging visits by narrow boat users which amongst other things also contributes to the village fete weekend. The council has provided and installed fishing platforms and picnic benches for visiting anglers along with flower tubs and natural oak seating benches at various points around the village enhancing the appearance of the local environment. In addition, the council has provided dog litter bins and employs a dog warden as well as providing funding for a defibrillator. The Council has been active in opposing the proposed wind farm in the locality and has contributed, not only lobbying at Government level but has also provided financial donations to the local pressure group ‘HeckOff’. The Council has encouraged the establishment of a Facebook forum which along with the Council’s website provides information and feedback to villagers and encourages local involvement in the work of the Council. The foregoing indicates the high level of commitment given to encouraging community involvement, care of the environment and inspiring local involvement in the principle of Localism. is a small village with a thriving community life due in no small part to the work of the Parish Council.

LONG SERVICE ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Nominees:

Cllr Patrick Naughton – Chapel St Leonards. Cllr Naughton has served on the council for 15 years, having joined in 2004. On arrival he was nominated as Vice Chairman at his first meeting and several months later took over as Chairman. During his tenure he has been Vice Chairman four times and Chairman on a further four occasions and has served on every village committee.

Cllr Gillian Beale – Doddington & Parish Council Cllr Beale has served Doddington & Whisby parish council for more than 20 years as a parish councillor, and Chair sandwiched between two periods of Vice Chair. Prior to that, she ran Doddington’s Post Office. Cllr Beale was valiant in her work as Chair, particularly through a period when emotions were running high on the Paradise Row Development. She continues to serve as Vice Chair.

Graham Reams – Frampton Parish Council In recognition of 27 years’ service to Frampton with many years as Chairman. Graham did not stand again in the May elections.

Cllr Dorothy Wain – Willingham Parish Council Cllr Dorothy Wain has been a member of Parish Council since 1988, some 31 years. She was Chair from May 2005 – January 2013 and is the longest service councillor for Willingham. Cllr Wain delivers a “Welcome to Willingham” from the parish council to all new residents in the village, welcoming them in person when possible. If anything needs attention in the village, she is the one to report it and is always willing to help new councillors.

Cllr Frank Pickett – Parish Council Frank has been a parish councillor in the village of Old Leake for 32 years, he has been the Chairman for several years, but is currently the Vice Chairman. He has served 2 terms on Boston Borough Council also. He represents the council at the Allison & Erskin local charity and at the LALC AGM and is the council’s road/highways liaison councillor.

Cllr Richard Kidd – The Group Parish Council Richard joined the parish council in 1987 and has been Chairman for more than 10 years, giving a total of 32 years continuous service to the council.

Cllr John Clarey – Long Sutton John has served as a member of the council since 1987, 32 years and is also a member of South Holland District Council. He has served as Chairman at various times and on most of the council committees. He is always helpful, has a great community spirit and loyal.

Cllr D Edginton – Skegness Town Council Cllr Edginton has been a Skegness town councillor since May 1983 and is now in his 37th year representing Woodlands Ward in Skegness. He was elected May in 2016/17 and attended over 100 events representing the town and arising money for his mayoral charities which were the League of Friends of Skegness & District Hospital and the Army Benevolent Fund. He has previously chaired the Direction & Strategy Committee, sat on the Planning and Planning Policy committee and Business Resources Committee. His attendance at meetings has always been excellent and members hold him with high regard. He is currently the Chairman of the Neighbourhood Development Plan working group and sits on the Civic Awards and Honours working group.

Mark Graves – Sleaford Town Council Mark graves joined Sleaford Town Council in 1981 as a 26-year-old councillor who lived and worked in the town – 38 years ago. Mark served a year as Mayor in 1996 and over his time has been Chairman of various committees and panels and been able to use his extensive business knowledge to add value to council dealings both inside and outside the council on such matters as personnel and working with the principal authorities.

Virna Atkinson – Parish Council Vina has given 40 years’ service to the park council and was the Chair twice during that period. Although Virna retired from the council last year, she is still actively involved in the village. She is a member of the Parochial Church Council and honorary member of the village Hall Committee, having acted as secretary for 15 years.

John Hill – Parish Council John Hill recently stepped down as a councillor in May 2019, following 45 years’ service with Nettleham parish council. During his term he served his community in various roles which included: Chair of the Property Committee, Planning Committee and also Chair of the council. During his tenure, John was responsible for enhancing the environment with his enthusiasm and passion for trees, as a result Nettleham now has over 7,500 trees in the village. John was also one of the prime movers to establish the 10-acre sports ground and pavilion – known as Mulsanne Park.

Clive Buttress – Langworth Group Parish Council Clive retired from Langworth Group in April this year, after serving 45 years as a parish councillor, his first meeting being 3rd December 1973. During his service he has strived to achieve something for this community, and he has done so admirably, with integrity and commitment. Clive, alongside his neighbour, were both awarded a certificate for their ‘Outstanding Contribution to the Community’ signed by the then Prime Minister Gordon Brown. This was awarded in recognition of the work and commitment they showed during the 2007 floods that were devastating for our community.

Malcolm Leaning – Nettleham Parish Council Mr Malcolm Leaning joined Nettleham parish council in 1965 and served an unbroken period of 54 years to the parish and residents until May 2019 when he stepped down. During his term with the council he served his community in various roles and was Vice Chairman for a period of 8 years. Malcolm is a keen photographer; he has captured the parish scene through the lens throughout his term of office and his photographic work has been shared for use and safekeeping in the parish council records.

Cllr Julian Fane – Parish Council Cllr Fane has been a parish councillor for 50 years and has looked after the interests of the villagers and parish with diligence and dedication.

Cllr Edmund Done – Parish Council Cllr Edmund Done has served 56 years and counting! He joined the council in 1961 at only 18 years old, most unusual for the time and he had to obtain a special licence of dispensation due to being under the legal minimum age of 21. Edmund was instrumental in many improvements around the village that have been seen over the years, for decades he mowed miles of village verges at no cost to the parish. He is a church warden and proudly looked after Holy Trinity Church for more years than even he remembers and is a main trustee of the Dales Trust Charity, which helps those less fortunate who might need some support in hard times.

Vic Kerr – Westborough and Parish Council Mr Kerr has represented the village as a councillor for 63 years! He started his term of office in 1956 serving on the parish meeting and continued as a member of the newly formed parish council in 1973 until May of this year. During this time, he also took on many public roles including many years as a District Councillor, member of the local Draining Board as well as running farms at Westborough and Dry Doddington. Vic has served the parish for 63 years which must be a record that is unlikely to be rivalled and although he has retired from the council, he continues to play an active part in village life.

Runner up:

Cllr Oswald Snell – Fishtoft Parish Council Oswald Redvers Snell, or as he is affectionately known ‘Ossy’ has served his community for well over 50 years in many capacities, at his heart through is the people of Fishtoft and the parish council where he has been faithful and much valued member. He helped turn what was once a ploughed field into a playing field with a pavilion and he and his late wife ran the bar there voluntarily. For years they fund raised for many charities and have raised thousands of pounds for a variety of organisations. Ossy played and also ran the football team and he and his wife ran regular bingo sessions at The Sycamores Elderly Persons Unit. Ossy has served the wider community as a Boston Borough Councillor representing Fishtoft ward. He also became a Lincolnshire County Councillor again speaking up for and representing Fishtoft to a high level. He is a loyal, genuine persona, a parish councillor with a smile on his face, always on duty come what may, he never gets angry. Yes, he will labour a point but always in the nicest possible way. He has been easy to work with and an example to us all. Such is his popularity he is dubbed ‘Mr Fishtoft’

WINNER:

Cllr Geoff Panton – Parish Council

Geoff has been an integral part of our community for many years. He was born in the parish and lived here all his life. He became a councillor in his mid-20’s and has served as Chairman and Vice Chairman on the council. Geoff remains very active within the community. He is currently the Chairman of the Village Hall Committee and was on the school board of governors for many years. He is always part of any working party from mowing the church graveyard, to organising the BBQ at the village show each year. This year he achieves 50 years without a break on the Parish Council, serving his community and we would like to put him forward for this award as a thank you for his contribution to the community. The village would be much poorer without Geoff’s dedication and hard work.