Awards and Commendations for Outstanding Voluntary Contribution were presented to local people in May 2017 by The Mayor of Chelmsford at a celebration afternoon tea held in the Mayor’s Parlour.
Winner of the Mayor’s Award for Outstanding Voluntary Service was Janette Tadman (pictured above) for volunteering with local homeless charity CHESS. For many years, Janette has volunteered for 12 hours overnight every week to support the night staff at CHESS homeless shelter. She also supports CHESS with fundraising events whether collecting money in the city centre, selling raffle tickets at a concert or helping at the AGM and volunteer Forums.
Rob Saggs, CHESS CEO said: “We are delighted that Janette’s dedication as a volunteer for CHESS has been recognised. Last year CHESS was supported magnificently by 84 volunteers who each gave an average of 75 hours of their time to provide vital support to our efforts; that’s 6300 hours! Volunteer support is a fundamental ingredient of the charities collective success.”
Chelmsford Awards for Voluntary Service were formed three years ago by Chelmsford Centre Supporting Voluntary Action to recognise outstanding contribution in volunteering by local people. Lorraine Jarvis from the Centre said: “Chelmsford is a place where people give and give and just keep on giving! These Awards shine the spotlight on the fantastic contribution volunteers make in this community.”
Highly Commended certificates were presented this year to: Joy Halsted in appreciation and recognition of the exceptional contribution she has made as a volunteer and trustee of John Henry Keene Memorial Homes over 33 years, and to Beryl Russell in appreciation and recognition of the exceptional contribution she has made to volunteering at Hellen Rollason Cancer Support Centre.