Since the onset of the pandemic, the word "isolation" has become part of our daily lives.

It's been blamed for many of the issues that had to be dealt with due to an unexpected event for which none of us had prepared. It's crucial to remember that social interaction is not just a casual aspect of our lives but a significant factor for our health and longevity, especially in times of crisis like the pandemic. Hence, the importance given to the role of volunteers, traders and those involved in keeping that strong community spirit that has made our town known and that in 2012 moved the Ottery St Mary Town Council to establish the Citizen of the Year Award to recognize individuals who had contributed significantly to our community.

Every year, Ottery St Mary Town Council held, complying with the Local Government Act 1972, an Annual Parish Meeting – not a Parish Council Meeting- between March 1 and June 1, and an award ceremony at The Institute that included residents and representatives from different organizations to honour those residents who the Ottery Community had nominated for their valuable contribution to the town.

Since the Award was established, nine residents have been nominated by the Ottery Community and honoured with the prize, including Barry Fern, Anne Knight, Hazel Abley, Keith Richardson, June Woodward, Peter Harris, Phyllis Baxter, Richard Coley, and Ron Berry. Even though some have passed away, their legacies continue to benefit our town. As far as I know, Stuart Phillips remains the only winner of the Business of the Year Award, introduced in 2019, to acknowledge the efforts of businesses serving our community.

Due to the unprecedented challenges posed by COVID-19, the Parish Meeting scheduled for April 2020 did not occur. The Council also faced the same situation in 2021, marking a significant disruption in our community's annual events. At the Council Meeting on August 2021, it was resolved to give a one-off Community Unity Award at the 2022 annual Parish meeting after a request made by the OSM Friends of Phyllis Baxter's group.

On May 28, 2023, it was agreed to set a date for the Annual Parish Meeting once the two Tipton St John ward vacancies had been filled. Unfortunately, this did not happen.

I understand that an Annual Council Meeting – not an Annual Parish meeting - took place recently. I thought it was time I paid tribute to these individuals in my column.

I firmly believe our volunteers and traders have bravely been weathering the storm of the devastating financial crisis that has affected the country in the last few years and significantly contributing to our town's growth.

We, the residents, are deeply grateful to them, and we must acknowledge their resilience and determination. Volunteers are integral in Ottery and traditional events such as Pixie Day, Tar Barrels, and Carnival.

Organizations such as the Help Scheme, RIO, Feofee, Hospiscare, among others, would only be possible and able to function with their tireless efforts.

Regardless of age, these award-winning individuals prioritized the town's needs. Their determined commitment is genuinely inspiring and serves as a motivation for the entire community. Undoubtedly, the community would appreciate bringing back the Citizen and Business of the Year awards, which are long overdue.

As I said at the beginning, it's crucial to remember that social interaction is not just a casual aspect of our lives but a significant factor in our health and longevity.

As an advocate of remaining physically and mentally active and a great believer that a town's community spirit significantly contributes to its residents' longevity, I trust those many volunteers and hardworking traders will be acknowledged. It's high time our community recognizes them for their dedication, loyalty and perseverance. Their contributions are invaluable, and they deserve our utmost appreciation.