The third annual Ivan Holmes Community Award was presented to Sarah Jane Lavington by Mandy Holmes at the Beccles and District Lions Club Charter Dinner.
Sarah Jane Lavington has worked tirelessly within Beccles and the surrounding community, over many years raising funds for Barsham Church, for improvements such as a new heating system, a new kitchen, better toilets and ongoing window repairs. Sarah Jane has been there at the heart of it all with her caring nature, from having a friendly chat over a cuppa with her neighbours, to ensuring they have all the help they need when its required, you’ll find Sarah Jane there, always considering others first.
Regardless of the weather she would still have tasks to do - errands to run for people and spent many years manning her stall every Friday at Beccles market, plus each year helping raise funds for the Marie Curie Cancer Appeal. Over the years Sarah Jane has spent much of her working life caring for others especially dealing with children suffering from Autism, Learning Difficulties and other Physical Disabilities.
In recognition of this sterling work undertaken over many years, and for her fantastic achievements within the community, she received the 2018 Ivan Holmes Community Award and Certificate. In addition to this Beccles Lions also presented her with a cheque for £250 to be donated to her nominated charity – which was Mercy Ships.
Lion President Chris Ramsden said “This annual award is in memory of the late Lion Ivan Holmes MJF, who was a member of the Beccles and District Lions Club for over 35 years. Throughout that time Ivan was an ever present figure within the Beccles Community, and, through this award Beccles Lions wanted to recognise those people who, like Sarah Jane tirelessly serve their community by helping to improve the lives of others.
Before presenting the award to Sarah Jane, Mandy said “The intention of this award is to act as an inspirational and motivational legacy, to continue Ivan’s good work and Sarah Jane has clearly demonstrated this with all the caring and kindness she shows to others within our community.Equally I know the club receives lots of nominations each year, and I would therefore like to acknowledge this by thanking every other nominee for the work they do within the local area, which of course is all voluntary. So to all the volunteers, whether clubs, societies or individuals that help to improve our community - thank you.”
In response Sarah Jane said “I would like to thank Mandy and Beccles Lions Club for this lovely award. It is completely unexpected and I feel very honoured and moved to be receiving it. To even be considered for the award was a surprise, and in addition to be recognised by others for doing things that one enjoys is a great privilege and honour, which I really do appreciate. Equally it’s very encouraging to see so many people doing so much for the community too, long may it continue. I will treasure this award, thank you.”
The Ivan Holmes Community Award is an annual award presented by the Lions Club of Beccles and we are always pleased to receive nominations. If you know of any individual, club, society, or group of people who you believe deserves recognition of this kind please don’t hesitate to let us know.
From Left to Right – Waveney MP Lion Peter Aldous, Sarah Jane Lavington 2018 Ivan Holmes Community Award recipient, Club President Lion Chris Ramsden and Mandy Holmes.
If you wish to know more about the Beccles Lions and the work they do please contact the club secretary Janet Ramsden on 01502 514284. Equally if you are interested in becoming a member of Beccles Lions then please telephone our Membership Chairman Keith Moore on 07717 488719.