Bovey Tracey honours young hero and local volunteers at annual town meeting

Residents gathered last night for the annual town meeting in Bovey Tracey to celebrate local volunteers and community achievements, with this year’s civic awards recognising contributions from both young people and adults.

A ten-year-old pupil from St Catherine’s C of E Primary School was named Young Citizen of the Year for Bovey Tracey and Heathfield. 

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Willow received the award after judges heard she consistently puts her community first.

As well as serving as a mental health ambassador at school, she has completed two four-mile charity walks for the Miscarriage Association, bakes for school fundraisers, supports Allergy UK and is active in The Boys’ Brigade. 

She also laid the wreath at last year’s Remembrance Day ceremony.

Her nomination came from Brigade leader Dani Monahan, who told the meeting: “She was specially nominated for the wreath-laying and she did it with real respect, she was amazing.”

Speaking about Willow’s character, Dani added: “She perseveres, even when things go wrong, and sometimes they go seriously wrong, but she keeps going. I just really appreciate her for the incredible young person she is.”

Willow said she had not known she had even been nominated until the evening. “I’m very proud,” she said. 

Her mother Kelsey added: “I’m very proud, very proud. It’s only when Dani mentioned it that we realised just how much Willow and her friends do for the community.”

The adult Community Award went to Linda Pewsey, recognised for her work supporting a range of local initiatives including the Community Fridge and Social Supermarket. 

ABOVE: (L-R) Lynne Pewsey and Cllr Sheila Brooke (Image: BTTC)

Presenters said she was “making a real practical difference to the people of Bovey Tracey and Heathfield”.

Her wider involvement includes volunteering with the Dartmoor Hub Community Kitchen, helping at carnival events, marshalling at the Food Festival, teaching swimming, holding an allotment and contributing to the town’s Gold award in last year’s South West in Bloom competition.

Mayor Sheila Brooke told her: “You do so much for others, you must take time to look after yourself.”

A further presentation recognised Marion Edwards, who was reappointed Honorary Representative of the Lord of the Manor of Bovey Tracey for a second consecutive year. 

ABOVE: (L-R) Cllr Sheila Brooke and Marion Edwards (Image: BTTC)

“You have served our community so well that we’d like you to stay in office for another year,” the Mayor said.

The meeting, held at the Riverside Community Centre on Monday night (23 March), also included a presentation from Susie Honnor of Climate Action Bovey and Heathfield outlining environmental challenges facing the area.

ABOVE: The meeting heard a presentation from Susie Honnor of Climate Action Bovey and Heathfield (Image: BTTC)

In her annual report, Cllr Brooke highlighted council work over the past year, including improvements to security in public open spaces and plans to improve services for residents in Heathfield.

The evening concluded with questions from the public followed by refreshments.