10 Nov 2005 - Evergreen Eileen Hall is recognised for her dedication
Eileen Hall, of Abbots Langley, thought she was attending a regular club meeting where she would enjoy a chat, a cup of tea and a game of bowls with her friends on Thursday.But instead she was surprised with a visit from Chairman of Three Rivers District Council, Councillor Harry Davies and Volunteer Centre manager Lynn Green.
Lynn said: "We were approached by the other Evergreen committee members who asked if we could do something to help them show their appreciation and affection for all that Eileen has done for the community of Abbots Langley.
"We were more than happy to help and to recognise the kind of selfless volunteering that makes any community a better place to live."
Eileen Hall has transformed life in the village for the over-50s since she founded the Evergreens 18 years ago.
Fellow committee member Wendy Whelan said: "She started the club as there was no similar organisation in the village for the older person. The club started with a few people and has now expanded to a membership of over 45.
"In the early days members played carpet bowls, table tennis, darts and card games but the main activity now is carpet bowls."
The club, which meets every term-time Thursday afternoon at the Abbots Langley Community Centre, boasts two carpet bowls mats.
But Eileen, 86, did not rest on her laurels. She has gone on to arrange theatre outings, coach trips and holidays for the members of the club, formed a Keep Fit Class which meets on Friday mornings and has been active in ANALCCA, which has been fundraising for a new much-needed community centre. She can also list being the organiser of a local residents association among her achievements.
Councillor Harry Davies presenting the certificate to Eileen said: "People like Eileen are the unsung heroes - people who do not ask for recognition.
"I had a good awareness of the voluntary sector as a councillor but I had not appreciated the extent of it before I became Chairman.
"There are 300 voluntary organisations in the district which represents a lot of effort by a lot of people.
"There would be a void without these people, they are the backbone of our community.
"We usually only get to hear about the bad things in society and not about the good things - and this is one of the good things.
"Its important to recognise the contribution the voluntary sector is making - without it there would be a chasm that could not be filled."
Evergreen club member Mrs Brenda Nutt said: "We need people like this in the community. When my husband was very ill, I walked in one afternoon and Eileen gave me such a wonderful welcome and the rest of the ladies and it really helped me.
"She is such a lovely lady that she deserves all the recognition she can get."
Once she caught her breath back from the presentation and the tributes Eileen modestly said: "The work couldn't be done without the help of the committee and many others."
Lynn Green added: "This is just one of the ways the Volunteer Centre has marked 2005 - the Year of the Volunteer. We are more than happy to show our appreciation for and recognise Eileen's achievements."
Eileen Hall has transformed life in the village for the over-50s since she founded the Evergreens 18 years ago.
Fellow committee member Wendy Whelan said: "She started the club as there was no similar organisation in the village for the older person. The club started with a few people and has now expanded to a membership of over 45.
"In the early days members played carpet bowls, table tennis, darts and card games but the main activity now is carpet bowls."
The club, which meets every term-time Thursday afternoon at the Abbots Langley Community Centre, boasts two carpet bowls mats.
But Eileen, 86, did not rest on her laurels. She has gone on to arrange theatre outings, coach trips and holidays for the members of the club, formed a Keep Fit Class which meets on Friday mornings and has been active in ANALCCA, which has been fundraising for a new much-needed community centre. She can also list being the organiser of a local residents association among her achievements.
Councillor Harry Davies presenting the certificate to Eileen said: "People like Eileen are the unsung heroes - people who do not ask for recognition.
"I had a good awareness of the voluntary sector as a councillor but I had not appreciated the extent of it before I became Chairman.
"There are 300 voluntary organisations in the district which represents a lot of effort by a lot of people.
"There would be a void without these people, they are the backbone of our community.
"We usually only get to hear about the bad things in society and not about the good things - and this is one of the good things.
"Its important to recognise the contribution the voluntary sector is making - without it there would be a chasm that could not be filled."
Evergreen club member Mrs Brenda Nutt said: "We need people like this in the community. When my husband was very ill, I walked in one afternoon and Eileen gave me such a wonderful welcome and the rest of the ladies and it really helped me.
"She is such a lovely lady that she deserves all the recognition she can get."
Once she caught her breath back from the presentation and the tributes Eileen modestly said: "The work couldn't be done without the help of the committee and many others."
Lynn Green added: "This is just one of the ways the Volunteer Centre has marked 2005 - the Year of the Volunteer. We are more than happy to show our appreciation for and recognise Eileen's achievements."