Meals on Wheels volunteers receive long-service awards

At a special ceremony at Durban House during Meals on Wheels Week, awards were presented by Jeanette Warr the deputy mayor of Bognor Regis, Ian Taylor from Meals on Wheels and Sue Apps representing both the WRVS and Meals on Wheels.

Receiving awards were: Nancy Bodigen Sharpe, long service medal and clasp for more than 40 years'service; Vivien Gratwick, long service medal for more than 28 years and Jane Greenfield '“ long service medal for more than 15 years.

Also receiving long service certificates for more than 15 years were volunteers Brian Oakley, Janet Birket and Joyce Fulbrooke.

'Each of them, like all our volunteers, have given their time freely and worked tirelessly on a regular basis for many years with no other agenda other than to help their own communities,' said Hazel Latus, volunteer co-Ordinator for West Sussex WRVS and Meals on Wheels Service.

And in an appeal for more volunteers and clients for the Meals on Wheels service Mrs Latus said:

'We are constantly looking for more special people to join our happy band all over West Sussex and can guarantee a worthwhile and rewarding experience along with training and a generous mileage allowance,' continued Mrs Latus.

Volunteers she said can devote as little or as much time as they want to the task, some volunteers work every day, others just a couple of hours a month.

'It's a great community service and would not survive without these wonderful people who continue on a daily basis to help older and vulnerable people within their own communities come rain or shine.'

The service is also looking for more clients. Anybody who is housebound or feeling unwell for whatever reason is eligible for meals on wheels and no longer need to be referred by social services or their GP.

For volunteering opportunities with Meals on Wheels phone 01903 232041, or to order a meal, giving 24 hours notice, phone 01243 642230.