Civic Awards 2008 - Housing Awards

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In addition to the ‘Good Neighbour’ and ‘Services to Housing’ awards, a third category ‘Gardener of the Year’ has been added for 2008. This award is for the tenant or leaseholder who looks after a special garden or communal area.

The ‘Good Neighbour’ award went to Ruth Savill who has spent 14 years as a physiotherapy aid before becoming a volunteer driver for Waltham Abbey Voluntary Care (WAVC) and twenty one years later she is still a driver and vice-chairperson of WAVC. Ruth was given the freedom of Waltham Abbey in 1998 in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the town, as well as tireless support for the Breast Cancer Unit at St Margaret’s Hospital in Epping.

The ‘Services to Housing’ award went to another resident who was awarded the Freedom of Waltham Abbey. Eileen Willson was an Epping Forest District Council Sheltered Housing Manager for 14 years and showed care and dedication to her elderly and vulnerable tenants. Eileen left the Council 12 years ago but continues to support the older people of Waltham Abbey. Her weekly routine includes visiting, assisting with shopping and organising and supporting social events. Eileen was unable to attend the awards.

The 'Gardener of the Year' award went to eighty-three year old Leslie Pool. Mr Pool has been gardening for fifty years and in the past has offered his skills to his neighbours, creating a row of four of the most beautifully-kept gardens in the District. He still keeps a careful eye on his gardens, tidying them every morning, deadheading the flowers and sweeping up. These days he sometimes tends the gardens by sitting in a low chair and receives help from other members of his family.

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