Caring councillor commended with club’s community award

Stephen Bunney, a member of both the town council and West Lindsey District Council, is the latest recipient of the Rotary Club Community Service Award.

The annual award, first given in 1995, recognises those who go out of their way to help the local community.

Generally, the recipients are chosen alternately from the Market Rasen and Caistor areas.

In making the award, chairman of the Rotary Club’s Community Committee, Neil Taylor said: “The reasons why members of the committee voted for Coun Bunney to be given this award come from his leadership of the Market Rasen Town Partnership, of which this club is a partner.

“Working with local businesses, churches, charities and associations like ourselves, the Partnership has been responsible for organising the community response to the pandemic - prescription delivery, food parcels, hot meals to the elderly, goody bags for the isolated elderly, shopping for those shielding, Christmas presents for children and the disabled, commitment to supporting the high street businesses.... the list could go on.

“This club has supported the Partnership both financially and physically.

“It has not only been Market Rasen that has been the beneficiary of the community effort, the surrounding villages, Caistor, Middle Rasen and Wragby have been supported and have themselves been supportive.

“Congratulations to Coun Bunney. Keep up the good work!”

Coun Bunney said he was ‘humbled’ to receive the award and was keen to say he was not working alone.

He continued: “I accept the award not just for me but for all the other volunteers who have come together to spread light, warmth, care, support and friendship in the current situation we find ourselves in.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the Market Rasen Rotarians for their continued support of many Market Rasen projects including local food banks, community meals, hanging baskets, De Aston Field Arboretum and hedging projects, not forgetting the support also given to national and international projects.

“By working together we act as many lights in the current darkness bringing a better future for all.”

Help is still at hand for anyone who needs it through food banks at Market Rasen New Life Church and the Salvation Army centre, as well as other support.

Coun Bunney can be contacted on 07506 188570.