Community Service Awards
PHOTOGRAPH Jenny Beecher of the Pugneys Swan and Wildlife Sanctuary receives her award from the Mayor of Wakefield Metropolitan District, Councillor Jacqui Williams
The Community Service Award given by the Rotary Club of Wakefield annually has been in existence for many years, and this year we decided to return to the original concept of only giving the one award to an individual or group whom the club felt were deserving of recognition. The award serves to honour those individuals who have either performed a meritorious act of community service or have given service over a period of time in a voluntary capacity.
This year (2009), instead of advertising for nominations, we circulated voluntary groups, local hospitals and other organisations seeking to identify a worthy recipient. We also scoured items in the Wakefield Express news and society pages over the past year. Several suggestions were considered.
It has not been easy to make a decision but this year the club felt that Jenny Beecher and Pugneys Swan and Wildlife Sanctuary should be honoured for all the work they have done, not only by responding to calls for help from all sections of the public (including local vets and other organisations) but also for dedicating 365 days a year to looking after countless animals and birds and rehabilitating them for return to the wild wherever possible.
They have helped relieve the worries of many people over the years.
Jenny first started to look after sick and injured animals some 20 years ago and in 2001 Pugneys Swan and Wildlife Sanctuary gained charitable status.
So impressed were members of the Community Service Committee of the work undertaken by Jenny and her friends that we decided this year to double the usual £100 donation .
A cheque and framed certificate was presented to Jenny and members of her group at a ceremony at the Rotary Club meeting on 26 March 2009 in the presence of the Right Worshipful Mayor of the City of Wakefield Metropolitan District and Consort, Councillor Jacqui Williams and Mr. Darren Byford