From Left to Right – Mandy Holmes, Beccles Lions Welfare Officer Dermot Wesley-Smith, Joyce Wilson 2019 Ivan Holmes Community Award recipient, Club President Lion Chris Lambert.
Ivan Holmes Community Award Presentation - 2019
The fourth annual Ivan Holmes Community Award was presented to Joyce Wilson by Mandy Holmes at the May Centre Anniversary Lunch in Beccles.
Joyce, who was unable to attend our 50th Charter Night when the award was announced, has worked tirelessly for the May Centre in Beccles and has been the Manager for the past 7 years. Joyce has expanded her volunteer role to much more than just managing the day to day running of the Centre, she has become a valued member of the team.
In recognition of this sterling work undertaken over these many years, she received the 2019 Ivan Holmes Community Award and Certificate. In addition to this Beccles & District Lions also presented her with a cheque for £250 to be donated to her nominated charity – which of course was the May Centre!
Lion President Chris Lambert said “This annual award is in memory of our late colleague Lion Ivan Holmes MJF, who was a member of the Beccles and District Lions Club for over 35 years. Throughout that time Ivan was an ever present figure within the Beccles Community, and, through this award Beccles Lions wanted to recognise those people who, like Joyce tirelessly serve their community by helping to improve the lives of others.
Before presenting the award to Joyce, Mandy said “The intention of this award is to act as an inspirational and motivational legacy, to continue Ivan’s good work and Joyce has clearly demonstrated this with all the caring and kindness she shows to others within our community. I know the club receives lots of nominations each year, and I would therefore like to acknowledge this by thanking every other nominee for the work they do within the local area, which of course is all voluntary. So to all the volunteers, whether clubs, societies or individuals that help to improve our community - thank you.”
In response Joyce said “I would like to thank Mandy and Beccles and District Lions Club for this lovely award. It is completely unexpected and I feel very honoured and moved to be receiving it. To even be considered for the award was a surprise, and in addition to be recognised by others for doing things that one enjoys is a great privilege and honour, which I really do appreciate it. There are so many dedicated volunteers in the community and without those who are committed to the May Centre I would not be able to manage the centre and provide our members with such a valuable resource. I will always treasure this award. Thank you.
The Ivan Holmes Community Award is an annual award presented by the Lions Club of Beccles & District and we are always pleased to receive nominations. If you know of any individual, club, society, or group of people who you believe deserves recognition of this kind please don’t hesitate to let us know.