Two stalwarts of village life have been nominated for a Comet Community Award after running activities, clubs and much more for close to half a century.
Marjorie McCarley, from Little Wymondley, has been jointly nominated in the Lifetime Achievement category along with her late husband Alan – who died in October. Together, they devoted their lives to Wymondley parish for almost five decades.
“They are greatly respected and regarded with great affection by those within it,” nominator Robert Howard told the Comet.
“Since joining the Baptist church in their youth, where Alan later became a lay preacher and deacon, Marjorie and Alan have been heavily involved in organising activities for all ages within the community. These ranged from youth clubs, fondly-remembered camping holidays, day trips, and sports activities.
“In their later years, they have continued to care for the community, actively trying to integrate people who might otherwise feel lonely or isolated, and providing a wide range of social events for anyone to attend.
“They have also been regular helpers at the annual Wymondley Day, with Alan organising the tug of war. Sadly, Alan passed away in October, but Marjorie will undoubtedly continue their good work.
“Although they are much appreciated within the community, I feel that a formal award in recognition of their major contribution to the community over so many years is richly deserved.”
Alan was also a Wymondley parish councillor, while Marjorie is the long-serving contributor of the Comet’s weekly Wymondley community column.
When told of her nomination by the Comet, Marjorie said: “You don’t expect these things. I’m sitting here in shock. All of this has taken me totally by surprise – I don’t think about that. We just did things that we loved doing.
“This village is very special to us and we were just a team – we loved Little Wymondley and its people. We worked together, and now we miss him.”
If you know someone who deserves to be recognised, tell us at cometcommunityawards.co.uk, where you will be able to see all of the available categories and make your nominations. All finalists will be invited to a special awards ceremony at the Icknield Centre in Letchworth on May 18.
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