Community as a whole wins 2020 Arundel Community Award

At the end of a challenging year in which good news helped raise the spirits in Arundel, it is fitting that the Duke of Norfolk has presented this year’s Arundel Community Award to the entire Arundel community.
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The nomination was made by ten-year-old Oscar Maitland, a pupil at St Philip’s Catholic Primary School in Arundel, who accepted the cup on behalf of the community.

Oscar developed the Arundel Good News website during lockdown and delivered his own hand-drawn posters and flyers around town to promote good news for all and share his love of the historic town.

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Other nominees included the Arundel Book Exchange, The Kings Arms and Arundel Surgery.

The closed ceremony at Arundel Town Hall, where all were congratulated on their great service to the town. Picture: Nigel CullThe closed ceremony at Arundel Town Hall, where all were congratulated on their great service to the town. Picture: Nigel Cull
The closed ceremony at Arundel Town Hall, where all were congratulated on their great service to the town. Picture: Nigel Cull

To mark all the special achievements during an unprecedented year, a Roll of Honour was commissioned to display all the nominees’ names in the historic Atherley Chamber of Arundel Town Hall.

Sadie Rockliffe, community events co-ordinator, said: “The hanging of the honorary scroll will be a momentous occasion, marking a huge shift in public resolve, as street cleaners, a local fish and chip shop and neighbours of the elderly sit among the many mayors who have served Arundel over hundreds of years dating back to 1380.

“This scroll was handwritten by one of the country’s finest master calligraphist, Ste Duckett, who learned his profession while in solitude of monastic life during his two years as a Cistercian monk in Leicestershire.

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“He also served as an apprentice butler at Buckingham Palace, Blenheim Palace, Hatfield House and at Arundel Castle for the Duke of Norfolk. He sang as a countertenor at Arundel Castle and was second assistant organist at Arundel Cathedral. He is 39 and lives in Fife, Scotland.”

Oscar Maitland, who set up the Arundel Good News website. Picture: Nigel CullOscar Maitland, who set up the Arundel Good News website. Picture: Nigel Cull
Oscar Maitland, who set up the Arundel Good News website. Picture: Nigel Cull

This year’s award nominations were given to those who went above and beyond, giving outstanding support within the community during the Covid-19 pandemic.

A Community Lifetime Achievement Award was also introduced for the first time, designed to recognise those who have given outstanding commitment and service to the residents of Arundel over many decades.

Arundel mayor Tony Hunt announced the winners, former councillor and past mayor Wendy Eve, Norfolk Estate manager Peter Knight and Arundel Museum volunteer Eric Nash, before Arundel town crier Angela Standing read out their citations and achievements.

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Mr Hunt said: “This has been a difficult year for all of us. But it has also been an inspiring year. I had the privilege of reading all the nominations for the 2020 Community Awards and they tell wonderful stories of what people have done for each other.

Former councillor and past mayor Wendy EveFormer councillor and past mayor Wendy Eve
Former councillor and past mayor Wendy Eve

“So many people went above and beyond. That’s why we asked Oscar to accept the Community Award on behalf of the whole community. And the Roll of Honour, that will hang in the Town Hall honours not only those whose names are inscribed on it, but everyone who has supported his neighbour in Arundel in 2020.”

A closed ceremony was held on Wednesday, December 9, at Arundel Town Hall, where all were congratulated on their great service to the town. A message of support from Arundel and South Downs MP Andrew Griffith was also read out by the mayor.

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Norfolk Estate manager Peter Knight. Picture: Nigel CullNorfolk Estate manager Peter Knight. Picture: Nigel Cull
Norfolk Estate manager Peter Knight. Picture: Nigel Cull
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