A mother of six is voted as West Lindsey District Council Citizen of the Year 2013. Ms Samantha Coulam was presented with her awards at a packed ceremony, hosted by Chairman of the Council Cllr. Mrs. Irmgard Parrott, in the council chamber at the Guildhall in Gainsborough.

Samantha who was also named Caistor Area Champion said:

“I’m shocked, I was not expecting to pick up one award, let alone two.”

Having lived in Brookenby for nearly 15 years, Samantha said she begun her community work when the village had a problem with getting the grass verges cut. She then got involved in turning around the failing community centre and said her voluntary work spiralled. She added:

“Brookenby has changed so much, for the better. None of it would have been possible without a huge amount of support from West Lindsey District Council and Community Development Worker Anne Cater.”

And it’s not as if Samantha has plenty of time on her hand when she is not volunteering with having six children to look after too. Asked how she manages to fit everything in, she said: “When the youngest two go off to playschool my time is filled with community work.

“We’ve just started Brookenby Young Persons Project so the village’s youth have something to do. There’s never a quiet moment.”

Recently co-opted on to the parish council, she is now acting clerk.  Her ward councillor, Cllr. Tom Regis said:

“Sam has made a selfless and charitable contribution to Brookenby, sometimes in difficult circumstances and she is most worthy of acknowledgement for her achievements.”

Chairman of the Council, Cllr Parrott, thinks it is very important to recognise the numerous people who give up much of their free time to help others. She said:

“Every member of the public who has been nominated, has given back so much to their communities, and they should all be hugely congratulated.”

Market Rasen Mail Volunteer of the Year 2013 winner was Mrs. Sylivia Skayman from Ingham. Mrs Skayman, now in her 70s, was presented with the award by Mmarket Rasen Mail editor, Mr. Paul Fisher.

Mrs. Skayman has served as a governor at Ingham Primary School for 33 years and a parish councillor for 20 years continuing as a council volunteer for a further 17 years!  And she is still actively engaged in many volunteer positions in her local community. Mr. Fisher, Editor of the Market Rasen Mail, said:

“It was a privilege to meet so many hard working people who selflessly give their time for the benefit of the wider community.

“These people are an inspiration to us all and I was delighted to be able to attend the ceremony and present the Market Rasen Mail Volunteer of the Year Award.

“It was a wonderful evening and I look forward to next year’s awards, I think the event can only grow in size and stature.”

The Lincolnshire Echo Special Recognition Award 2013 is a new award added to cover people or a group who do not fit in the other categories, but still deserve recognition.

Mrs. Christine Bowler, winner of this category, moved to Sturton by Stow almost half a century ago and has embroiled herself in village life.  Among her many outstanding achievements in serving her community are; organising fundraising, volunteering at the pensioners society for 20 years, church organist, parish clerk for over ten years and a correspondent for the Gainsborough Standard. She said:

“I’ve enjoyed everything I’ve done in the 46 years I’ve lived in Sturton by Stow. And I still enjoy doing what I can. I was delighted to win the Echo award.”

Mr. Chris Hall from the Lincolnshire Echo was delighted to be involved with the West Lindsey Community Awards because the local paper is still very much a part of the community. He said:

“It is very important that people who give their time so freely and without any expectation of reward are recognised for their dedication and selfless contributions to community life, often over a significant period of time.

“Both ladies who received special recognition awards are true volunteers who have set outstanding examples to those who will have to take on their roles to even maintain their levels of service to their villages.”

Fillingham Parish Meeting were voted as Parish Council of the Year 2013 for having galvanized their community and in a short space of time have changed the perception of their parish meeting in to one that the whole district can be proud of.  Previously considered to be less effective, a new committee took over Fillingham and have set about writing the wrongs of the past. 

The reputation of the village has been transformed and the new committee have stepped up to the plate to dedicate themselves selflessly to their local community. Their ward councillor, Cllr. Roger Patterson has dubbed them inspiring and making a huge difference over the last six months.

The winners in the other area categories were:

Market Rasen Area Champion 2013 was Dorothy Ream from Welton, a tireless worker in the village, helping members of the community who are housebound or not very mobile by doing their shopping and running errands.  She is also part of a small band of helpers supporting the local parish church.  Cllr Malcolm Parish, said that she is regarded as an angel, and puts aside her own health issues to help others.

Fossdyke Area Champion 2013 was Mrs. Sylvia Skayman from Ingham.

Caistor Area Champion 2013 was Ms Samantha Coulam from Brookenby.

Trent Area Champion 2013 was Mrs. Marion Garner, from Corringham, has provided outstanding service and care to everyone.  Marion dedicated 19 years to the parish council and is now actively involved with the parochial church council, donating all her verger payments back to the church.

Witham Area Champion 2013 was Mr. Alan Andrews from Cherry Willingham, has served nearly 50 years on the parish council and played a significant role in shaping the village during it’s early period of growth from the 1960s onwards. He was instrumental in starting several village organisations including the twinning association and the playing field committee – and he continues to be involved in its upkeep today. Cllr Anne Welburn was delighted and said:

“Alan was part of a group that drove a red phone box across the channel to their twin town, where it remains today.”

Gainsborough Area Champion 2013 was Mr. John Butler, a Gainsborough Town Councillor who has led a team of volunteers at Lea Road Station on its improvements and arranging funding bids.  He is a big driver of change for the South West Ward, supporting the local police and inviting the Police Commissioner to take a tour of the area.  Cllrs Judy Rainsforth and Trevor Young wished to support John’s nomination, stating that his individual effort has inspired many others.