Parish clerk praises Bures community's response to coronavirus pandemic following recognition by Lord Lieutenant of Suffolk
A parish clerk has paid tribute to the Bures community for rallying together in response to the coronavirus crisis, after being recognised with the Lord Lieutenant of Suffolk Award.
Jennifer Wright, clerk to Bures St Mary Parish Council, received a certificate from Clare, Countess of Euston, and Bridget McIntyre, the High Sheriff of Suffolk, in honour of “outstanding service to the community during the Covid-19 pandemic”.
She was credited for her work to set up an action plan for the village and establish a volunteer network in March to tackle the challenges caused by the outbreak.
Along with volunteers, she worked to identify those who in the community who were most vulnerable, including both elderly people and younger families with loneliness or physical and mental health difficulties, and provide support services to them.
“It is a huge, unexpected honour and extremely humbling,” said Mrs Wright after receiving the award.
“2020 has been a life-changing year for us all. The community of Bures rallied to my call to give support in whatever way was needed.
“My daily role in the village changed dramatically overnight, attempting to combat the many problems for us in a rural countrywide lockdown.
“Areas to be made safe for access, signs to be installed, food restrictions, food banks and the loneliness many were feeling, to name just a few.
“May I thank all in the Bures community for the wonderful support they gave me during the year. This lovely award is for them all, as well as me.”
Mrs Wright’s work was also praised by James Finch, Suffolk county councillor for the Stour Valley division, which includes Bures St Mary, who stated her “day in, day out commitment” had made the volunteer network such a success.
“During this pandemic, above all, she has been the go-to person for those who are struggling and for those losing loved ones where the restrictions have had a huge impact on grieving,” he added.
“For them, she has been at the end of the phone and, on some occasions, at the cemetery, offering her loving and very valuable support.
“The level of commitment she provides to the Bures community is exemplary. Jennifer Wright is the classic unsung hero.”
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