FIVE residents have been honoured for their outstanding work in Welwyn Hatfield at this year’s Civic Awards.

Their prizes were awarded by outgoing mayor Howard Morgan at the council’s AGM, where newly elected councillors are welcomed for the first time.

This is the fifth year the awards have been presented.

The winners were:

* Sue Glynn, nominated by Sheila Morgan and Gillian Bottoms, has voluntarily run the Body and Soul cafe at Christchurch Baptist Church for 20 years.

“Sue has run the kitchen and manages to be the boss without being bossy.

“She has helped build a sense of community and well being shared by the regulars.

“The team of volunteers working with Sue appreciate the opportunity to play a part in proving low cost meals to locals residents.”

* Rosemary Craig, nominated by Robert Harvey and Christine O’Regan, has volunteered with the Citizens Advice Bureau and after retiring ran an afternoon club for the elderly.

“She played a full part in the life of the bureau and was always willing to assist others by using her great experience.

“She also wrote a weekly column for the Welwyn Hatfield Times, highlighting problems faced by people in the community at that time.

“Rosemary makes her members of the afternoon club feel happy and wanted and enhances their lives by what she arranges for them.”

* Husband and wife Dennis and Eleanor Draper, nominated by Suzy Fitt and Cllr Fiona Thomson, for their fundraising.

“Dennis and Eleanor are a truly inspirational couple, devoted to their six children and 18 grandchildren, yet they still find time and energy to combine running marathons with fundraising.

“Now both in their 70s, they have run over 170 marathons across the UK, Europe and the USA.

“Regardless of the difficulties life has presented them over the years they are always there for other people.”

* Peter Oakenfull, nominated by Ann MacDonald and Chris James, for his work with The Commons Nature Reserve.

This award was presented by Serco, who sponsor this commendation.

“Peter is a superb advocate for the nature reserve.

“There is no doubt the success and pleasure locals gain from this marvellous nature reserve on their doorstep is achieved in large part by Peter himself and his involvement with Commonswood Nature Watch.”