Community Awards 2021

Jim has played a major role as a volunteer at the Hockley Public Hall, donating his time and energies into undertaking renovation, decorating, arranging entertainment and other fund-raising events which has increased the profile of the hall in the community. The hall is now a successful venue which can be used by many community groups.

Special Commendation: Karen Goodrum.  Nominated by Jan Edwards

Karen is a busy Mum with 3 children who has been nominated for the support she has given to her neighbours. During lockdown she sent flyers out and regularly collected and delivered essential supplies from the bakers and chemist to make sure no-one ran out of medication or were unable to obtain delivery slots at the supermarkets.

Donna formed a team of volunteer litter pickers to help the Parish Council ensure Marylands Nature Reserve and other areas in Hockley were regularly cleared of rubbish during the pandemic lockdown when everyone was using our open spaces.  The Tidy Team do this as part of their regular exercise and have made many new friends.  They continue with their efforts which is making a big difference to the environment of Hockley.

Special Commendation: Hockley Allotment Society. Nominated by Vic Shorney

Hockley Allotment Society led by Carole Shorney have enabled the community to become more aware of how they can improve our environment. They hold group meetings giving an opportunity to chat with organic gardeners. They issue a regular newsletter and, in normal times, arrange visits to a wide variety of organic farms and gardens of local interest and are not afraid to tackle powers that be on wider environmental issues. Their members are always ready to pass on knowledge on many aspects – including organic gardening, bee-keeping and community orchards – to encourage the younger generation to become involved. The Society has been a great source of information for the Parish Council on the proposed new Hockey Allotments and Community Orchard.

Henry is a 16-year-old Greensward Academy Student.  He has been litter picking in the community with a litter picking group organised in the Rochford District, particularly focusing on Hockley and Hawkwell areas on a weekly basis and extra sessions during school breaks/holidays, giving his time to this dedicated cause.   Henry is a good ambassador for young people who shows respect for his environment.  As a community volunteer he has set a precedent locally for ensuring that his time makes a difference by recycling the rubbish, keeping our wildlife safer.

Special Commendation: Andrea Styles.  Nominated by Kelly Morris

Andrea has been Chairwomen of Westerings School PTA for 3 years now and always goes above and beyond her duties in this role. She works tirelessly, often giving up a lot of her free time, for the good of the school raising much needed funds for new school equipment along with arranging and organising many fun activities for all the children and families many of whom are from Hockley.

Colin Maclean of Amos Estates in Spa Road and his staff have given continuous support to the community of Hockley during the past few difficult months.  Alongside being active members of the local business community, they have provided a lockdown library; volunteered to print out school course work for children without access to printers whilst they are receiving home education; collected recycled ink cartridges to support Plumberow Primary Academy pupils with their fundraising; supported the Remembrance Poppy displays in the village and set up a post box for children to send Letters to Santa over the Christmas.  They also regularly run Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes so the community can donate gifts to youngsters in Albania and take part in the Hockley Christmas Lights Event to raise funds for charity. They also keep the community in touch with local matters through their Facebook Page

Special Commendation: Royal Mail Delivery & Sorting Office Hockley.  Nominated by Keith Randall

The Royal Mail Delivery and Sorting Office in Hockley served the whole community throughout the pandemic delivering to the house bound, self-isolated and shielded.  Our post has been regular and on time.  Our post men and women have collected and delivered the post daily with very few delays under extra-ordinary times.  Even over the extremely busy Christmas period during which the office was short staffed due to Covid 19, we got our post daily and on time. All the staff deserve recognition for keeping our post regular and giving us a first-class service under very difficult circumstances.