TWO dedicated volunteers have retired after years of devotion to their community.

Joan Joseph and Lyndsey Evans retired from Belmont Community Centre, (South Wye Community Association) on Wednesday (May 31).

Joan Joseph has been volunteering at the community centre for over 20 years and was a dedicated member of the “office” team, said a spokesperson for the centre.

"She was always willing to help with queries, answering phone calls, deal with bookings and raising invoices, and has helped on many community endeavours including coffee mornings and fundraising events."

Former parish councillor Lyndsey Evans held various positions within the association, including chairperson, events co-ordinator, trustee and volunteer. In 2016 she won Herefordshire Woman of the Year and her desire to help her community was endless.

She was always willing to offer help and advice or just a friendly ear, a centre spokesperson said.

"Lyndsey is all about community and giving to people.

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"Her cooking and event planning skills were legendary and included the Christmas grottos, Christmas concerts, quiz nights, afternoon tea and many themed suppers for local residents of all ages."

A highlight for Lyndsey and Joan came in 2016 when South Wye Community Association won a Herefordshire Community Award, (The Liz Connors award) which was presented to them by Lady Darnley. Lyndsey accepted the award as chairperson of the association together with Joan and other long-standing volunteers.

Tracy Bowes, a former trustee of the association and former Belmont Rural County Councillor, said: “ Joan and Lyndsey represent everything that is good in a community. They are both hardworking, dedicated and willing. Their devotion to the association and our community has been endless and I am sure everyone will join me in thanking them for their service and wishing them a happy retirement.

"A huge loss, but I am sure everyone would agree they have been community champions for our area and deserve a well-earned rest. Thank you”