Press Release - Annual Town Meeting and Pride of New Romney Awards
Published: 04 May 2022
Press Release 4th May 2022
The Annual Town Meeting for New Romney took place in The Assembly Rooms, New Romney on Wednesday 27th April 2022. It was chaired by The Right Worshipful The Mayor of New Romney, Councillor Paul Thomas, and was well attended by Councillors from the Town, District and County, as well as local residents.
Short presentations were given by representatives from: New Romney Skateboard Group on their proposal for an extension to the skatepark; Folkestone and Hythe District Council, on Community Led Housing; Romney Marsh Morris; 1st New Romney Brownies, appealing for volunteer support and members; and 1st New Romney Scouts.
Reports were then received from New Romney Town Council, the local Kent County Councillor and Folkestone and Hythe District Councillors, and Kent Police local PCSO, and opportunities for the audience to ask questions were given.
The Town Mayor then presented the Pride of New Romney Awards to some surprised and pleased recipients.
The award for Individual Service to the Town went to Mrs Ann Bidwell.
‘Over many years, Ann Bidwell has been and continues to be involved in a wide range of local groups. Few organisations have not benefitted from her help in some way. She is always willing to lend a hand to others and has been responsible for bringing a great deal of joy to many local people in one way or another. Ann’s unlimited energy, patience and kindness has benefitted our community for years.’
The award for Individual Service to the Town by a Young Person went to Miss Mae Bovingdon.
‘Mae is amazing. Not only is she Mayor’s Scout and Explorer with 1st New Romney Scout Group and a great Scouting Ambassador, supporting younger scouts, sharing skills and organising fund-raising initiatives but she has also been a reliable and invaluable helper at 1st New Romney Brownies for many years, supporting the Adult Leadership Team and being a role model for the younger girls and, more recently, assisting with the technicalities of remote Zoom meetings and activities. Mae gives much of herself to our local youth and is cheerful, engaging and mature beyond her years.’
The award for service to the Town by a Community Group or Organisation was presented to Light Up New Romney.
‘Light Up New Romney has provided a positive experience for the residents of the Town and District. It has encouraged community participation and cooperation. At the darkest time of year, this group brings everyone together and after two years of uncertainty, Light Up New Romney once again brought the Town and community a much -needed lift with its amazing lantern parade.’
The Mayoral Star awards, for service to the Town, were presented to Mr Nick Sanderson, whose parents accepted on his behalf, and Miss Charlotte Snooks.
‘Nick has been a keen supporter of Litter Picking Watch Romney Marsh and helps to keep the Littlestone area and beach clean and litter free when he can. He is an inspiration to younger people.’
‘Charlotte has raised money for ‘The Shed Foundation’, developing skills and opportunities for people with learning difficulties / disabilities. She has supported other local community groups and assists at Mayoral functions.’
The Town Mayor also recognised the work of his Mayoral Cadet Callum Beard, and the Mayor’s Scouts, Oakley Davies and Mae Bovingdon.
Cheques were then presented from the Mayor’s Charity collection, to ‘The New Romney Country Fayre’, for £2,000.00, and to ‘Light Up New Romney’, for £750.00.
To request any further details, please contact:
Mrs Catherine Newcombe
Town Clerk and Responsible Financial Officer
New Romney Town Council
Town Hall
High Street
New Romney
Kent
TN28 8BT
Email: town.clerk@newromney-tc.gov.uk
Tel: 01797 362348
Kimba Layton - Folkestone and Hythe District Council Kate Dearlove - 1st New Romney Brownies
Mark Warmsley speaking for New Romney Skateboard Group Janet Thomas - Ist New Romney Scouts
Judith Ruffhead - The Romney Marsh Morris Mrs Ann Bidwell receiving her Pride of New Romney certificate from The Mayor of New Romney
Mae Bovingdon receiving her certificate from The Mayor of New Romney
Light Up New Romney representatives, Caroline Wire and Louise Douglas receiving their certificate from The Mayor of New Romney
Charlotte Snooks receiving her Mayoral Star award
Nick Sanderson receiving his Mayoral Star award
Frances Wire receiving cheque from The Mayor, on behalf of New Romney Country Fayre
Light Up New Romney representatives, Caroline Wire and Louise Douglas receiving cheque from The Mayor