Diamond Champion

Bob Gooden with Patricia Routledge

Many residents will know that for about thirty years Bob Gooden has been a dedicated volunteer and supporter of this community. In his earlier days in the village he was a well respected scout leader, a Church Warden and a member of the Parish Council, as well as having oversight of the running of the allotment site.

Notable among his contributions to the village has been his part in establishing the Care Network over 25 years ago. Most significant is the number of jobs Bob has undertaken, often topping the list with up to fifty in a year. In this time he has clocked up 3,634 miles for the community and at the age of 86 is still going strong.

In recognition of his outstanding contribution to this village Bob was nominated, through the Parish Council, for a Diamond Award in the national scheme organized for the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall by the WRVS. This was run on a regional basis and Bob was one of 60 selected from 860 nominations in the Eastern region.

On 19th Oct Bob attended a ceremony in London where he was presented with his award by Patricia Routledge of “Keeping up Appearances” fame. A well deserved and fitting tribute to a stalwart of our village.

Harry Stone