Church leaders receive award for pandemic work

Salvation Army leaders in Stowmarket have been honoured for their work during the pandemic with a special award.

Majors James and Beverley Lloyd were determined to help after a lot of organisations in the town were overwhelmed when the first lockdown began.

Although the couple were involved in different community functions, James said he believes the award stems from his wife’s tireless efforts.

He said: “Beverley partnered with the Mid Suffolk Council and Age UK in order to support at risk individuals who fell through the cracks. She spent hours every day shopping for those who could not get out and shop on their own.

“Beverley also started cooking meals for over 50 seniors every other Sunday so they could have a roast. She also got members of the corps to deliver the food as well as making health and welfare calls to those struggling and remains very busy meeting needs in the community.”

The couple also helped to turn The Café on the Rec into a safe place for people at risk and a venue for serving school lunches.

James and Beverley were presented with their award by Stowmarket mayor Keith Scarff and Mid Suffolk District Council chair councillor Paul Ekpenyong, Mayor of Stowmarket for 2019/20 recently. They also received an award at the end of the first lockdown.

James said he and Beverley were delighted with the award.

He said: “The award was fantastic but we have continued what we were doing. Responding to need is in the DNA of The Salvation Army.”