Dear Sir,

I would like to express my thanks, through Newton News, for the recent award I was given by Rotary Newton Aycliffe. On arriving at my church, St. Clare’s, for what I thought was a meeting, I was surprised to see more folks there than I expected, I really thought that a wedding rehearsal was over running as I walked into church. Then a very charming lady, who I later found out was Trish Pemberton, President of Rotary, apologised for getting me there under false pretences, and told me that I had been nominated for the prestigious Paul Harris Fellowship Award for my services to the community.

I wish to thank the person who nominated me, who I think was Brian Winwood, and all who agreed. To say I was flabbergasted is an understatement. Jeff Anderson, our team vicar, said that he has never seen me lost for words before! Think that was a compliment!

I love working for my church and community, although I must admit that during this pandemic it has been a bit stressful. God has been good, and has given me the strength to keep going. My work as a funeral minister has brought me in contact with some lovely people, who, although it has been such a sad time for them, it has been a pleasure to bring a little comfort to them.

I am sure that there are lots of people out in our community who do exactly the same as myself, the rewards are endless, as you well know. One of the most enjoyable as a Pastoral Assistant is to see smiling faces on those in our Care homes, who we used to do quarterly services for, and this humbles me, and makes me thankful that I can still do this small act of love for those who are lonely and in need of a little TLC. There are so many things we all can do to help those in our town and community, if you need a little encouragement please contact me, I will help you all I can.

Thank you all in Rotary Newton Aycliffe, and God bless you all.

Pam Lovelass xxx