The Rotary in Ramsey has honoured the memory of one of its founding members by creating the 'Hadge Yeandle Community Volunteer Award'.

Henry Squire Yeandle, known as 'Hadge' by his friends, passed away last year, and the Rotary Club in Ramsey have set up an award to honour his work.

A spokesperson for Rotary in Ramsey said: "Hadge epitomised one of the key objects of Rotary – service – and he worked tirelessly for many community groups.

The Hunts Post: The nominees from 16 non-profit organisations for the Hadge Yeandle Community Volunteer Award.The nominees from 16 non-profit organisations for the Hadge Yeandle Community Volunteer Award. (Image: Richard Hyde)

"With a gift from his family, the idea of an award recognising exceptional volunteers in Ramsey parish was conceived."

On Friday, October 13, more than 70 guests gathered in Ramsey Library to recognise nominations from 16 non-profit organisations whose diverse missions and services all contribute to improving the lives of Ramsey residents.

Three independent judges, Debbie Davies (The Hunts Post), Darren Williams (Ramsey & Warboys Informer) and Natasha Shiels (The Fen magazine), were given the task of selecting the 2023 winner.

The judges awarded the inaugural 2023 Hadge Yeandle Community Volunteer Award to Annette and Andrew Stewart, who have volunteered with Ramsey in Bloom for more than 20 years.

The Hunts Post: Winners Annette and Andrew Stewart with Rotarty in Ramsey president Will Cowell.Winners Annette and Andrew Stewart with Rotarty in Ramsey president Will Cowell. (Image: Richard Hyde)

Jenny McInnes and Kate Kelly, Hadge's daughters, said: "Celebrating service and volunteering is just what dad would have approved of.

"There were so many humble volunteers who are truly the backbone of the community. Everyone deserved an award."

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Will Cowell, president of Rotary in Ramsey, said: "I am so pleased to see Hadge's commitment to voluntary service celebrated in this way.

The Hunts Post: Mayor of Ramsy Roger Brereton, Jenny McInnes, Andrew and Annette Stewart, Kate Kelly, Will Cowell, Darren Williams at the awards event.Mayor of Ramsy Roger Brereton, Jenny McInnes, Andrew and Annette Stewart, Kate Kelly, Will Cowell, Darren Williams at the awards event. (Image: Richard Hyde)

"Everyone attending had a chance to meet others who share their commitment to serve Ramsey and the wider parish. Thanks go to all who helped to organise the event and make it the success that it was.

"We are encouraged – this will definitely be an annual event – and it was exactly what Rotary is there to do.

"If you're curious about Rotary's work, please contact us and come to one of our meetings. Contact details are on our website."