Frome volunteer Liz Shepherd has been crowned Mendip’s Volunteer of the Year in recognition of her ongoing work with various organisations in the town.
Liz volunteers tirelessly in her role as secretary for Frome Youth Council, and has been very actively involved in the town and Frome College communities.
Her involvement in the campaign for a youth cafe in Frome resulted in an appearance on ITV West news. Liz was also part of the group that organised the recent “Rhythm for Life” event at the Cheese and Grain.
Liz was presented with the prestigious award last month at the Somerset County Cricket Ground, in Taunton, by Glastonbury Festival organiser Michael Eavis.
She has now been invited onto a working group developing the Youth Cafe and is to be part of the committee organising the town’s Christmas Spectacular.
Azeema Caffoor, coordinator of Frome Active said, “Everyone at Frome College sends congratulations and thanks to Liz for her excellent contribution.”
The event marks the culmination of a search, which began with district nominations in May 2009, and celebrates the dedication of volunteers across the county. It is funded through the ‘Capacity Builders, Improving Reach’ programme.
The judges for the event were Mike D’Rozario, co-ordinator for the Volunteers in Policing programme with Avon and Somerset Constabulary; cllr Christine Lawrence, Somerset County Council cabinet member for community and Justin Sargent, director of Somerset Community Foundation.
The winner of the Somerset Volunteer of the Year award was Bob Betts from South Somerset, for his work with the night shelter over the last 11 years, and for being the founder of Trashbash, he was also nominated for his work with the migrant community.
Other district winners included Paul Holtam who volunteers with Sedgmoor District Council and other organisations such as Citizen Advice and Credit Union, Shirley Gibbs, who has volunteered for Taunton Deane Audio news for more than 20 years, and Shirley Dee who volunteers for Age Concern doing Flexcercise classes (Fit as a Fiddle) and has also been the volunteer co-ordinator for Williton Hospital for many years.
Councillor Christine Lawrence said, “The nominations were for people who all give their time to help others. It was extremely difficult to choose an overall winner.”
Michael Eavis presents Liz with her award.
Left to right: Shirley Dee (West Somerset), Liz Shepherd (Mendip), cllr Christine Lawrence (judge), Bob Betts (Somerset Volunteer of the Year), Mike D’Rozario (judge), David Cudlipp (Age Concern Somerset), Shirley Gibbs (Taunton Deane), Justin Sargent (judge).
