Southmead’s beloved community couple Mr and Mrs Thornley weren invited to the Lord Mayor’s house so that Ian could be presented with a medal for his long-standing service to the Southmead Community.
Ian was one of the ‘Unsung Heroes’ across Bristol celebrated for their efforts to support those in need at the ceremony in the Mansion House on Thursday 22nd March.
Medals were awarded to 21 people who have dedicated their time to charity fundraising, supporting the elderly and young people, promoting the city, supporting their community,
and tackling issues such as the housing crisis, unemployment and inequality. Lord Mayor Cllr Lesley Alexander presented the awards and said: “It is inspiring to hear about the good work that these selfless individuals have done to support people in need across the city. They are truly dedicated to helping others and their work provides an absolute lifeline to so many people. This event is a way of celebrating that and saying thank you for everything they have done.”
The Master of Ceremonies, Civic Affairs Officer Peter Watts, read: “With the support of his wife Irene, Ian dedicated many years of his life to serving the community of Southmead. For 30 years he was the Baptist Church pastor, regularly taking isolated residents to services, lunches and friendship clubs. Ian has held the posts of Chair of Southmead Neighbourhood Trust, Treasurer for the Southmead Festival, Trustee for the Southmead Neighbourhood Trust, and Chair for the Southmead Community Association. He was actively involved with the community newspaper, The Mead, and supported the development of the Southmead Community Plan, and Long Live Southmead – a public health strategy.”
After driving down from Worcestershire, where Ian and Irene have retired to be closer to their family, and before going to Mansion House, they lunched at their favourite Café at the Greenway Centre. They were accompanied for the ceremony by Judith Taylor, who lead the Long Live Southmead project for Public Health, and Heidi Attwell, Manager of the Greenway Café. Ian said, “It would not have been possible except for the help and support of all our friends and colleagues, thank you to you all.”
We know that you’ll all join us in our heart-felt thanks and congratulations to Ian and Irene for their unwavering support of our Community.