Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has recognised the Shotley and Erwarton Good Neighbours for its outstanding contribution to our community during the pandemic.

The group, which offers huge range of support to residents including shopping deliveries, prescription collection and lifts to GP and hospital appointments, was nominated through Community Action Suffolk.

Despite a drop in numbers due to many of its volunteers needing to shield, and Covid restrictions, individual members of the Good Neighbours, continued to offer its services in testing times.

"We were of course delighted to receive this," said Debbie Anne Dodd, secretary of the Shotley and Erwarton Good Neighbours, "Our volunteers continued to support the local community with shopping, prescription collection and other tasks throughout both lockdowns and many local people came forward as volunteers to boost our numbers.

"We would not have kept going without them due to some of our long term volunteers having to shield."

The Shotley and Erwarton Good Neighbours group continue to help in any way it can, and many have shown their appreciation.

One lady, Juliette Dunn, recent sent this message : "I just wanted to say thank you to the Shotley Neighbours Scheme this week and all the very kind people involved in it, ferrying me to two doctors' appointments in two days and refusing to take any form of payment for their time and petrol.

"It was greatly appreciated in difficult circumstances and for the continual work they offer me with collecting prescriptions on a regular basis too. Bless you and thank you."

Meanwhile, Allana Baxter, a long serving member of the Shotley and Erwarton Good Neighbours, was given a Community Service award by Shotley parish Council for her part in helping to set up the Free Little Pantry scheme, with the Reverend Canon Liesbeth Oosterhof.

Allana was unable to collect her award on the night, but thanked the parish council for the recognition and said she was delighted to see so many other worthy winners honoured.

[L]https://shotleypeninsula.nub.news/admin/admin_enter_item_details.php?m=n&a=ed&i=1506[.L+]To see full story of parish awards go here.[.L]