ILMINSTER NEWS: Community champion Helena is town’s Citizen of the Year 2016

TESCO community champion Helena Jones is not normally known for being lost for words – but she was when it was announced that she had won Ilminster Town Council’s Honoured Citizen of Ilminster award for 2016.

Helena was presented with her award by the Ilminster Mayor, Cllr Rose Neave, during tonight’s (Tuesday, April 19, 2016) annual community assembly held at Greenfylde First School.

The award is presented annually to someone in recognition of their services to the town and townspeople.

Helena has worked relentlessly for the community and for the benefit of others in her own time and in her role as “community champion” at the Tesco store in Ilminster.

She has been involved with numerous groups and events including the Ilminster Fireworks, the Archie Gooch Pavilion, Greenfylde First School’s Swimming Pool Appeal, the Ilminster Forum Committee, the annual Senior Citizens’ lunch and the newly-launched Defibrillator Appeal.

Her achievements have included raising more than £21,000 for charities over the past year including Diabetes UK, British Heart Foundation and the Dementia Action Alliance.

The Mayor, Cllr Neave, said: “Helena’s drive and passion is unique and her commitment to our town is unrivalled.”

Almost speechless Helena said: “I wasn’t expecting this. What I do is really my job – but I do really enjoy it.”

PHOTO – TOP: Honoured Citizen of Ilminster award recipient for 2016, Helena Jones (right), with the Mayor of Ilminster, Cllr Rose Neave.

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