Robert Pepper
Robert has been an invaluable member of the Meltham Carlile Institute Support Group since 2014. He is / was the Chair, the Treasurer and responsible for room rentals and bookings of all the various activities and events in the carlile, including, theatre, film concerts, classes and community groups. He is / was also a trustee of the Carlile Institute. Robert established a music and theatre programme and the Carlile successfully bid for Arts council funding which provides subsidised tickets for children and provides free school workshops. Robert is also involved in charitable work with the Communities United project which has benefited many hundreds of young people including those living in Meltham.
All the volunteers at the Carlile wanted to acknowledge his immense contribution to a project which is such a valuable community asset.
The Town Council felt that Roberts huge contribution and dedication to the Carlile institute was more than worthy of recognition. So on behalf of all those who have benefited from the Carlile Institute and the activities it provides a big thank you and congratulations on your award.
Patricia Redfearn
Patricia was awarded the Pride of Meltham award for her voluntary work running the luncheon club for older people in Meltham for many years. The luncheon club started up again when Alan, Patricia’s late husband was elected to the Town Council back in 2003. He wanted somewhere where older people could come once a week, have a hot meal and a chat.
Alan and Pat Radford (who was the Clerk to the Council at that time) approached Kirklees Council to see if they would provide the ovens and a freezer which they said they would. And so it was that the luncheon club started up in the Carlile in 2004 with Patricia, her daughter Sally and the late Shirley Watson covering one Wednesday and Pat Radford and her team covering the alternate Wednesday. When Pat and her team stopped, Vanda, Margaret and Gillian took over.
The children from Meltham C of E school also come and help by laying the tables and serving the food.
The luncheon club provides an excellent meal once a week and you can hear the laughter from those having their lunch throughout the Carlile and beyond. The residents who attend the luncheon club are very grateful for the efforts of all of those who volunteer to provide this valuable service, non-less so than Patricia. When Patricia’s husband Alan was very poorly he said to Patricia ‘you will carry on with the luncheon club’ and three years on she is still carrying on.
Patricia was reluctant to accept this award claiming that others were equally deserving but the Town Council feels its right and proper to celebrate the outstanding contribution Patricia has made to the lives of so many residents of Meltham with 16 years of providing delicious hot food and a cheery place for people to come and meet. On behalf of all those who have benefited from the luncheon club over that time a big thank you and congratulations on your award.
