UNSUNG heroes were recognised in a recent award handed out by the Rotary Club of Okehampton. On Friday January 25 the Rotary Club held a Victorian Magic Lantern Show at Belstone Village Hall. The event, held in partnership with Devon Aid Korogwe, helped raise funds to provide villages in Tanzania with clean water. During the evening, the Rotary Club handed out their Community Award 2007 to Chris and Marion Walpole of Belstone. The Community Award is presented each year by the Rotary Club to people in the Okehampton district who have been unsung heroes in the community. Club president Kay Bickley praised the Walpoles' boundless energy in becoming 'stalwarts' of the village since retiring to Belstone. She said: 'This couple's dedication and help have greatly enhanced the lives of many people in the village.' The couple have been involved in a range of activities and projects, including ensuring the Post Office in Belstone was retained, organ duties at st Mary's Church, working with the Belstone Players, setting up the art group, dawn chorus walks and acting as caretakers and treasurers for the village hall. Mrs Bickley presented the Walpoles with a commemorative plate, designed and made by Belstone potter Dr David Gundry and inscribed with 'Community Award 2007'. A neighbouring Rotary Club has also rewarded a community group for its work. A total of £300 was presented to a children's project in Shebbear last week by Hatherleigh Rotary Club. 'The Three Little Bears' received the cheque from the Rotary Club to enable the pre-school group to continue providing a service to the community.
