A WOMAN is being hailed a hero for leading the battle against lockdown loneliness in a village.

Joyce Boldero, from Steeple, says Kay Davy deserves an award for "outstanding neighbourhood achievements" during the pandemic.

Kay has spearheaded a string of projects in the village to keep residents busy during the crisis.

Joyce said: "Kay works tirelessly. She organised wooden planters throughout the village and villagers were more than willing to plant them up and care for them.

"One of them even has herbs planted for anyone to use in their cooking.

"We have outside book stalls and plant stalls, competitions galore, picture colouring for children and grandchildren of the village and a tallest sunflower competition to name but a few."

The village took part in the weekly 'Clap for Carers' at the start of the lockdown, VE Day celebrations and even staged a scarecrow competition.

Halstead Gazette:

  • SIGN OF THE TIMES: Kay and hubby Richard by the new village sign

Steeple also boasts a new village sign, designed by a resident, and new picnic tables on the village playing fields.

Kay was the driving force behind Steeple's Coffee, Cake and Company Club before the pandemic and is the new parish council chairman.

Joyce said: "Kay has made such a tremendous difference to the moral of villagers.

"She has inspired so many others in the village.

"Nothing is too much trouble. She will visit the people who live on their own or are bereaved or unwell, she will spend time with them.

"We know so much more about each other because of Kay’s ability to bring people together – at a distance of course.

"I can’t speak too highly of her. She always has the village's interest at heart.

"She is a formidable driving force, but so nice about it all – a wonderful, wonderful person."

If you have a lockdown hero, email us at mbsdistrict@newsquest.co.uk.