Local hero wins community award (From Echo)

Local hero wins community award

12:00pm Thursday 18th October 2012 in News By Luke Lambert

John McKay has scooped the prestigious Alf Dove award for his work in Contributions to Community Services.

Mr Mckay is widely recognised for his work in Lee Chapel North, particularly in setting up the Lee Chapel North Holiday Club for children and more recently the Diamond Club for over 50s. He says his wife Pamela and daughter Gemma, who runs the holiday club, have also played a big role in making the community projects a success.

Mr Mckay, 64, said: “I was so busy running the club I didn’t really have time to comprehend that I had won so it’s out of the blue. It is great to be recognised for your work in the community but I absolutely love doing it, whether I am noticed for it or not.”

The Lee Chapel North Holiday Club was set up in Easter 2011 for young people offering afternoon activities twice a week and organising trips and events including a Halloween disco on Wednesday October, 31. The Diamond Club offers excursions to Essex destinations as well as meetings every week.

Mr Mckay was presented with the award at the Lee Chapel North Community Centre on Ballards Walk in Basildon. The award ceremony was attended by the mayor of Basildon Mo Larkin, Leader of the Council Tony Ball and ward councillor for Lee Chapel North Nigel Smith.