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A record number of eight nominations was received for this year’s Tony Jerram Award. At our Committee meeting in January, we decided that this year’s recipient should be Anne McCombie of Aldington.
Anne was instrumental in bringing the Knitted Bible exhibition to Badsey in August 2021. She gathered a large band of enthusiastic helpers, thus enabling the event to be very successful, whilst raising between nearly £3,700, divided between Caring Hands in the Vale and an overseas charity.
Anne, together with her husband, Graham, has been closely involved with the Freedom Club. In particular, they have taken a lead role in welcoming them to Badsey churchyard on most Wednesday mornings, when weather conditions permit. Here, these adults with learning difficulties are able to undertake small jobs, under supervision, thus giving them a sense of purpose in a friendly environment. The sessions conclude with a cup of tea or coffee.
NB – In 2017, Tracey Hemming, founder of the Freedom Club, and her brother, Robert Welch, were joint winners of the Tony Jerram Award.