Two men have been recognised for their contributions to community life in Ledbury.
Mike Evans and Tim Keyes were presented with Citizen of the Year awards by town mayor Phillip Howells in separate ceremonies.
Nominations for the awards, which are run by Ledbury Town Council, are invited early in the year and voted on by councillors to decide the winners.
Mr Evans moved to Ledbury with his wife in 1970 and was an active community stalwart for many years until recent health problems.
Among his achievements was a period of 15 years running Leadon Bank until his retirement.
A flair for entertaining and his skills as an accomplished musician and folk singer saw Mr Evans become an active member of Ledbury Amateur Dramatic Society, where he was famed for his role as the dame in pantomimes.
He also performed the role of Ledbury Town Crier for many years until the early 2000s.
Renovating and restoring church bells
After reading out the nomination citation, Cllr Howells presented Mr Evans with his trophy in front of a gathering of family and friends in the café area of Ledbury Nursing Home, after which a celebratory party with cakes and tea was held.
Mr Keyes was nominated for his work in leading the Bells Project to the achievement of renovating and restoring the church bells and for the fundraising of nearly £300,000 for the project over a period of three years.
This was a mammoth task which will ensure the church bells in Ledbury ring out in celebration and remembrance for at least the next 100 years.
READ MORE: Newent in Bloom 2022 winners announced
The bells also provide a poignant way to recognise and repeatedly celebrate the many people across the community who came together to help one another throughout the pandemic.
Mr Keyes, the tower captain, says many people have contributed to this achievement but, said Cllr Howells: “Every project of this nature needs an energetic, inspiring and persistent leader who has the vision in focus and helps the team-work towards its fulfilment. All will agree that it was Tim who provided that essential leadership.”
Mr Keyes’ award was given to him in the company of church members, family and fellow bell ringers in front of the bell tower.
Nominations for the 2022/23 awards will be advertised early in 2023.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here