An unprecedented number of winners of the Shotley Community Awards were presented at a special ceremony last night.

The amount of winners reflected the awful times we have faced over the past 15 months with chairman Richard Wrinch praising the spirit the village has shown to help one and other throughout the pandemic and the three lockdowns.

Mr Wrinch presented the winners with their framed certificates at the presentation at a socially distanced ceremony during the annual parish meeting at Shotley Village Hall, with nearly 50 residents cheering the winners.

The first award was presented to Shotley primary school administrator and family liaison officer Louise Southgate, who had been nominated by Gemma Dennis for her skill, professionalism and dedication in dealing with a wide range of issues and problems for children and families. The parish chairman stood aside as young Emilee handed over the award to a special lady.

Peninsula milkman Gavin Hyde has not missed a beat throughout the difficult year as he saw an increase in business during lockdown and often gave extra help and service to the more isolated parts of the parish.

Rob Billing is another unsung Shotley volunteer who helps distribute food for Fare Share to food banks in East Anglia, often driving Cambridgeshire, Norfolk and all parts f Suffolk, including Kidzone in Shotley.

Maureen and Andrew Coulson have been involved in helping distribute food parcels and offering support to residents and are active members of St Mary's Church, helping to make and conduct services to parishioners on YouTube.

Coastguard volunteer and Bristol Arms landlord Shane Rolin picked up two awards. Mr Rolin, and fellow Coastguard volunteer Giles White, were honoured for their part in the search and recovery work 24/7 around the rivers and estuaries. The Bristol Arms offered takeaways during lockdown, fitted a defibrillator on the wall of the pub and Mr Rolin is a supporter of a variety of clubs and organisations.

Restrictions meant Parker's Garage and the Corner Garage had to be flexible as rules around MOTs and servicing moved and they went out of their way to help customers, including offering a delivery and collection service. Sean Parker picked up their award. Meanwhile, in addition to all the usual garage services, Nick and Trish Butler who also kept the fuel sales operating at the Corner Garage and also collected their award from Mr Wrinch last night.

Sarah Pallant, Jamie Barwick and Mark Thurlow at the Shotley Rose have been cooking and delivering hot meals to the elderly throughout the pandemic, and have stayed open for their popular takeaway service. The Rose has also opened for wakes when restrictions allowed. Jamie accepted the award on the pub's behalf from Mr Wrinch while Sarah was slaving away in the kitchen.

One of the biggest cheers of the evening went to Manish Patel and Vicky Sadler and the staff at Shotley's Post Office and Premier Stores, who have stayed open, made home deliveries and last summer presented every home in the village a special sweet treat as a thank you for supporting them.

The Lasan fish and chips and Indian takeaway has also stayed open and gave away free fish and chips to children during the school holidays. Owner Mohammed Ali, who opened the Lasan nine years ago, and his son Ahmed were delighted to collect their award.

Mr Wrinch made special mention of Shotley Surgery that has continued to juggle caring for patients and dispensing medicine in the most trying of circumstances. The team of pharmacy and reception staff were especially praised for their fortitude.

Another huge cheer went up when Therasa Butcher and her Kidzone team went up for their award. Not only has Kidzone been caring for children with their wraparound facility, they have been ensuring families have been able to access a wide range of food at affordable prices and supplying food parcels when needed. (full story here)

Shotley parish warden Andy Keeble has been active throughout the pandemic and has also gone above and beyond his normal duties by helping residents in his own time. Clerk Dina Bedwell was given an award for her work and a bunch of flowers from the council.

Work commitments meant the Shipwreck's Alex and Janey Patterson were unable to collect their award in person but accepted it down at the marina. Meanwhile, Jeannette Briscoe collected Iceni Auto Services on their behalf.

Allana Baxter, a member of the Shotley & Erwarton Good neighbours Scheme and who has helped co-ordinate the free Little Pantries initiative with the Reverand Canon Liesbeth Oosterhof, was unable to attend and given her award separately.

Mr Wrinch spoke of his regret that due to circumstances he was unable to say more about each winner but thanked them all for their service to the Shotley community. He explained that given the unusual times the usual rules of not presenting awards to previous winners were scrapped.

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• Editor's note: Our system only allows a maximum of 10 picture per article, so please go to our gallery special here for more winners.