On 25th April, the annual ‘Reydon Star Awards’ were presented at Reydon Parish Council’s Annual Parish Meeting, for those individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to the community of Reydon.

Chair of the Parish Council, Pam Cyprien said: “It’s a fact that the work of many volunteers does not get recognised, or the individuals do not get thanked for their often tireless work for the benefit of us all. So we hope these awards will not only recognise those, where recognition is due, but also encourage others to help when and where they can.”

Joining Pam to present the awards was local historian, author, and jewellery specialist on The Antiques Roadshow, Geoffrey Munn OBE.

The 2024 ‘Stars’ were awarded to:

FIONA TAYLOR: For her essential, tireless work for Reydon Parish Council, and as Deputy Chair.

PHILIP O’HEAR: For his assiduous work on the Reydon Neighbourhood Plan, LionLink and the Quiet Lanes.

BETTY HARMER: For many years work at St Margaret’s Church, Reydon, in particular managing all the burial and interment records.

NEIL HOLLOWAY: For his long service at St Margaret’s Church, Reydon and maintaining and expanding the graveyard.

BLYTH VALLEY ROTARY: For all their valuable work in Reydon, staging important local events, and enhancing the community.

STEVE WESTLAKE: For all his many years of help in the village, with wildlife and the coastal environment, particularly at Potters Bridge.

GEOFF COOPER: For years of generous help around the village, in particular with the WW1 Pillbox on Mights Bridge, Reydon.

KALVYN FRIEND: For over 20 years of fundraising for numerous local charities . . . researching and hosting quizzes.

THE VOLUNTARY HELP CENTRE: For their invaluable and continuing assistance to the community. 

To conclude the awards presentation, Pam Cyprien said: “If you would like to nominate a member of our community for a ‘Reydon Star’ next year, please contact the Parish Clerk at reydon.pc@gmail.com. And it doesn’t have to stop there. If you think that any local group or individual is worthy of greater recognition and thanks, then there’s  ‘The King’s Award for Volunteering’ for a group or team. It costs nothing.”

Before listening to the many accounts of the Parish Council’s year, the meeting also heard fascinating reports from Jamie Smith from Suffolk Wildlife Trust and Adam Burrows from Natural England.

Laurence Vulliamy