Ref. 29557-19COMMUNITY stalwarts Mary Harrison and Eileen Lambourne have been praised for their exceptional contribution to life in Wootton Bassett.

The Rotary Club of Wootton Bassett has given them a Service Recognition Award to honour their dedication.

Mary, 69, of Station Road, is involved in host of community activities. She is:

lChairwoman of the carnival committee and has helped organise the carnival for 26 years

lA founder member of the Wootton Bassett and District Arts Society and treasurer for the last 17 years

l Caretaker of the town hall since the 1970s

lMembership secretary of the Wootton Bassett Sports Association

lPresident of Wootton Bassett Ladies Hockey Team, which she still plays for.

Mary, who has two grown-up daughters, said: "It is a lot easier finding time now the children have grown up.

"I didn't do it to get any praise, I just enjoy being with other people."

Rotary member Chris Wannell nominated her.

"Mary carries on quietly helping the town and she is always embarrassed when she gets praise," he said.

"She used to help her father clean the town hall and she still does it today.

"It's thanks to her that the carnival is still running today."

Eileen Lambourne, 60, of Parson's Way, has been similarly active, having been involved with the 1st Wootton Bassett Scout Group for 32 years, first as a cub leader and then as the group scout leader. The group has 130 boys aged from six to 14.

She said: "I feel very proud that the Rotary has recognised what I have done for the past 32 years, but I didn't do it for an award.

"I enjoy being with the boys, the camaraderie between the leaders and the activities we do, such as camping."

Eileen spends at least three evenings a week involved with scout activities and is also a member of the carnival committee.

Rotary member Marie Bernhardt, 62, nominated her.

She said: "Her dedication is a remarkable achievement.

"In this day and age, when children can so easily sit behind a computer screen, it is important that the scout and cub movement keeps going, and it is only thanks to people like her and their enthusiasm that it does so."

Club president Neil Ryder said: "The Rotary motto is 'service above self' and these two individuals have exemplified this motto with their work in the community."

Bhavani Vadde