Local Hero receives award
Pease Place resident, Mr John Wilcox, was recently awarded Didcot Town Council’s John Eldridge Award for Voluntary Service at its annual awards evening on the 19th December.
Described as a “Local Hero” John has been volunteering at Didcot’s Gateway Club boor the past 27 years. John helped establish the club in 1983 and he has been central to its success ever since. The club is a social hub for many of the young disabled people in Didcot and the surrounding areas. John plays a vital role in organising their social meetings as well as trips to London and Blackpool.
In receiving the award, John said “I just feel that I am doing something to help other people, it does not seem like 27 years”. John received the award from Didcot’s Mayor Councillor Margaret Turner who stated “John and the other nominees are an inspiration to all of us. Volunteering for 27 years like John has is something that is to be admired. It is people like John and the other nominees who make Didcot such a great place to live”.
Over 90 people saw Mr Wilcox receive his award at the annual ceremony which takes place at the Civic hall and is hosted by the Mayor of Didcot. They were treated to a piano accompaniment and complimentary food and drink from Didcot Town Council.
John Wilcox was chosen from a shortlist of people compiled from nominations received from the general public. The other nominees were Vic Clinch for his work on the Street Fair, Community Lunches and many other projects. Flt Lt Cavon Chaney for his work with the 2410 (Didcot) ATC. Anna Gatrell for her free Christmas Lunch project held for the past three years at the Day Centre. And David Witts the driving force behind the reestablishment of Didcot RUFC.
All the nominees do a fantastic job and are a credit to the town. Didcot Town Council would like to thank them for their efforts as well as all those who volunteer in the town often without the recognition they deserve.
To see details of past John Eldridge Awards please click here.
About the John Eldridge Award
The John Eldridge Award is awarded annually and gives us the opportunity to thank those who have given their time and effort for the benefit of others in Didcot. Whether it is charity work or volunteering for a local club or society.
The award was donated by Mrs Jean Eldridge, following her husband’s death whilst serving as Deputy Mayor of Didcot in 1992. It was felt appropriate that an award be founded in his name to recognise the voluntary work done in Didcot.
The award evening usually takes place in December. If you would like to nominate an individual or group then please email council@didcot.gov.uk or phone Didcot Town Council on 01235 812637 for further details.
