Stars of Wilmslow during the Covid lockdowns recognised

Wilmslow Town Council recognises 'Stars of Wilmslow during the Covid Lockdowns' and has paid tribute to members of the community who assisted those who needed to shield or self-isolate during 2020 due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

Whilst the pandemic continues, the Town Council recognises that without the support of neighbours, friends, local community organisations and local businesses, many people would have found it difficult to manage. As a means whereby our community can show its gratitude, at the end of 2020 the Town Council asked for nominations for the 'Stars of Wilmslow'.

36 residents and 3 businesses were nominated for the awards, with some being put forward several times due to their dedication to helping the wider community.

Among those recognised were: Rachel Howes, Nik Rose, Wilmslow Self-isolation Support Group, Fleur Jordan, Rob Topping, Martin Duguid, Monique Qureshi, Maria Jagger, Julie Dawn Potts, Steve Kennedy, LNJ Recruitment, Andrew Greenslade, Kerrie Hewitt, Louise Wood, Barry Wood, Karen Hutchinson, Michelle Anderson, Maritza Uzelac-Cloves, Katrina Gatto-Allman, Mark Lynch and Ethan Mason.

Many of those nominated helped residents for prolonged periods, from the start of the first lockdown, into the second lockdown and beyond.

Reasons for nomination included:

· Collecting and delivering groceries and prescriptions.

· Delivering treats and flowers to neighbours.

· Preparing and delivering free meals.

· Running community WhatsApp groups that became "catalysts for friendship, kindness, creativity".

· Shops increasing product lines to keep the community fed, and delivering food to the vulnerable.

· A 6-year old walking 100 laps of a park to raise money for a Covid relief charity.

· Collecting and delivering over 60,000 drinks for the staff working on Covid wards at our local hospitals, and hundreds of blankets for covid patients.

· Raising over £17.000 for Mind mental health charity by organising a community virtual climb (on home staircases) of The 3 Peaks.

· A 16-year old "lifting the mood of lockdown with incredible community spirit and kindness" by playing a weekly DJ set for his neighbours.

Martin Watkins, Chairman of Wilmslow Town Council said "It was heart-warming how members of the community have gone above and beyond to support neighbours, friends and strangers during a time of great worry and uncertainty. While the Covid-19 pandemic is still very much ongoing, the Town Council wished to demonstrate our collective thanks for these selfless acts carried out during these lockdowns."

Over the past weeks, local Councillors have delivered certificates and floral planters containing 'Star of Wilmslow' inscribed plaques to those nominated.

LNJ Recruitment, who created their business at the beginning of the first lockdown to help those made redundant due to Covid-19 find employment said, "It's great to be recognised for our achievements and we hope to continue helping the public and businesses through this difficult time in our lives."

Resident Steve Kennedy was nominated for his dedication as a volunteer for the Wilmslow Self-isolation Support Group, who offered grocery and prescription collection and delivery services to the whole of Wilmslow. Steve commented "It's lovely to be in a town where the Council get it. It's just so nice when someone says, 'Well done – here's a token'."

Julie Dawn Potts, who herself received an award after nominations for co-ordinating 'Love the Lane Aid' for residents in the Chapel Lane area said, "I'm thrilled that so many Love the Lane area residents and businesses have worked so hard to help so many local residents in a multitude of ways, and that their work has been gratefully acknowledged by Wilmslow Town Council."

Cllr Lata Anderson, who spearheaded the awards said, "It has been wonderful meeting some of the people who have been nominated and hearing their stories. There were people from every area of Wilmslow nominated. It showed how Wilmslow, when needed, pulled together to help each other out. Handing out the baskets and certificates made me extremely proud in my role as a Councillor for Wilmslow."