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2 sheltered housing tenants have been shortlisted for a top award in recognition of their efforts during the coronavirus pandemic.
Ronnie Challis and Charles Rycroft live at Pelly Court, Epping. Since the start of the pandemic they have been helping neighbours with essential provisions by setting up shop in the communal hall.
Housing staff at Epping Forest District Council nominated them in the Housing Quality Network’s Frontline Stars Award. The awards shine a spotlight on frontline workers, volunteers, residents and other members of the housing community who have gone the extra mile to make a difference to people’s lives during the COVID-19 crisis.
The nomination
Since the start of the pandemic, 2 tenants at Pelly Court, Ronnie Challis and Charles Rycroft have been helping other tenants with their shopping requirements and essential provisions by setting up their own shop in the communal hall at the scheme.
Purchasing goods from a local cash and carry as well as near-by shops, Ronnie and Charles have opened their shop for an hour every day and if a tenant needs a particular item that is not in stock they put it on a list and make it available the following day.
They adhere to social distancing rules and they are not doing this for profit or gain but out of kindness and care for their neighbours. This is a wonderful demonstration of the community spirit that we have seen across our sheltered schemes during the pandemic.
Shop opens for an hour every day
Ronnie and Charles have been buying goods from a local cash and carry as well as near-by shops and setting up their own shop for an hour every day. In addition if a neighbour needs a particular item that is not in stock they put it on a list and make it available the following day.
The pair said they keep to social distancing rules and are not doing it for profit or gain but to help their neighbours.
Help Ronnie and Charles win this well-deserved award
Councillor Holly Whitbread, Cabinet Member for Housing and Community said:
This is a wonderful demonstration of the community spirit that we have seen across our sheltered schemes during the pandemic.
We can all help Ronnie and Charles to win this well-deserved award by voting for them in the poll by 5pm on Friday 10 July.
HQN Frontline Stars Award: Residents shortlist
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