A VOLUNTEER at the Winsford Centre, Halwill Junction has received recognition for his commitment to the community charity. John Hawkins received a ?Year of the Volunteer Award? for commitment, one of 2,005 made nationwide, at a recent ceremony held at County Hall, in Exeter. John was one of the founding trustees at Winsford, the community-led charity set up to transform a redundant cottage hospital into a community facility. John drives the minibus to bring more elderly centre users to Winsford for day care. In addition, he maintains the garden and helps with the maintenance at the centre as well as making sure the organisation complies with Health and Safety regulations. The citation given at the ceremony said John?s ?help and support was invaluable and all consider him an excellent friend and colleague.? As well as volunteering at the Winsford Centre, John is also involved with the local Baptist Church and as a local preacher going out to other churches. During the summer, he helps at the Stowford Christian Youth Camp as part of the site crew. John has also been awarded the National Blood Service?s Emerald award for more than 75 donations.
