THE Lord Lieutenant of Devon, Eric Dancer, was at Halwill on Tuesday, August 8, to recognise the dedication of volunteers at the Winsford Centre. Last year, the Winsford Trust was nominated for the Queen?s Golden Jubilee Award for Volunteering and became one of 103 organisations throughout the UK who received a certificate. As the only organisation in Devon to receive such an award, the Lord Lieutenant visited to make the presentation to the volunteers. A signed certificate from the Queen was received by trust chairman Mrs Jill Thomas, together with a beautiful crystal engraved with the ?Unsung Heroes? logo and the year of presentation. These will be displayed in pride of place within the Winsford Centre. Many friends and volunteers came to help the centre celebrate the award, including Devon county councillor Des Shadrick, chairman of Torridge Council Trevor Sillifant, deputy lieutenant Mark Parkhouse, deputy lieutenant, Jay Talbot from the Community Council of Devon, and Trish Faulkner representing the governors of Halwill Primary School, plus representatives from supportive local parish councils. Following the presentation, guests were invited to a light buffet and the Lord Lieutenant was given a guided tour of the building. Sandra Willetts, centre manager, said: ?This is a wonderful and well-deserved accolade for all the Winsford volunteers who give their valuable time to keep the centre operational. ?Without the dedication and willingness of the volunteer team, the Winsford Trust would not be able to carry out the work we do and it is due to their efforts that this award has been granted; they are truly ?unsung heroes?.?
