Celebrating Hertford Heroes!

Whilst the pandemic has been aweful for so many, through the doom and gloom rays of community positivity shone ever brigher. At I Love Hertford we celebrate the best of Hertford and through these tough times “the best” of Hertford really delivered.

I wanted a way of recognising those who have made a difference over the past year. The obvious answer made itself known when a member got in touch to tell me about about Klinton, who operates the gate at a local new housing development…

“Have you seen the smiley man?” the message read. “He always smiles and waves to us every day …he deserves a medal!” Of course I knew exacty who the member meant and I absolutley agreed with them, he did deserve a medal. I posted about Klinton and the post gathered over 1000 likes just like that. Klinton has really made a difference to local peoples day with just a simple smile and wave.

Knowing that there must be more awesome local people who have made a difference I asked the I Love Hertford community to nominate. The I Love Hertford Community Awards were born. Not a glitzy, look at me ceremony. More a genuine “thank you” from the community for thier efforts and positivity.

I could have given out many, many more awards but settled on these 9 based on feedback recieved from the local community.

The Brothership & Paul Crowley

The Brothership’s team of resident artists were absolutely awesome during lockdown raising a phenomenal £54,000 for the NHS!
The now iconic Hertford Rainbow print by Paul Crowley ignited a feeling of community togetherness during the early lockdown when things looked extremely bleak.
The Hertford rainbow led to a number of fundraising pieces from local Brothership artists. A truly amazing fundraising effort from the team at Brothership on Bull Plain and St Andrews Street Hertford.

Hertfood

The incredible team at Hertfood have supported many local families in Hertford through the pandemic with food deliveries and collections.
I received lots of messages nominating Hertfood for a community award and had the pleasure of meeting the ladies on a busy Friday. Seeing all they are doing for local families is just amazing.
The biggest possible thank you to everyone involved for all you have done and continue to do to support local families.

Jedidiah

Jedidiah is a wonderful charity based here in Hertford, set up by local resident Cynthia Stroud.
Jedidiah’s mission is simple … no one should go hungry. What started small has grown and grown.
Now from their Hertford HQ they support over 5000 families with weekly food packages both locally and nationwide.
The team recently reached an awesome milestone having delivered 1 million food parcels .. absolutely amazing!
To everyone involved you are doing an incredible job!

The Hertford Playground Alliance

The lovely ladies behind the Hertford Playground Alliance campaigned for a much needed renovation and were the driving force behind the amazing playground now open at Hartham Common!
Working alongside East Herts Council the HPA raised funds to upgrade the planned offering and the end result is really special. This brilliant new playground will bring joy to local children of all ages for years to come. A big thanks to everyone involved in making this happen for Hertford. You are all amazing!

Klinton (Hertfords favourite Smile)

Through rain, shine, wind and snow! Klinton has greeted passers by with a wave and trademark smile. He has taught me that a simple smile can really brighten someone’s day .. and positivity is more infectious than any virus will ever be.
I met Klinton along with representatives from Croudace Homes to present him with an award, a gesture of thanks from the I Love Hertford community. I received so so many nominations for this wonderful guy affectionately know as “The Smiley Man” Thanks Klinton, for lifting our spirits through this tough year.

Mind The Gap

We received lots of nominations from local people telling us how amazing and supportive the team at Mind The Gap have been through the pandemic.
We got a real sense from comments that they have been an essential point of contact for many local people, who more than anything just needed a daily smile and a good morning, how are you doing?
We received messages from residents telling us of deliveries for the vulnerable and generally being everything a local shop should be and so much more 

The White Lion Pub

The next award we gave out was dedicated to the wonderful White Lion Pub in Bengeo.
During the pandemic the team here decided to put on a regular FREE fruit and veg stall for locals who needed a little help. Such a lovely gesture and very much appreciated by the community.
I received lots of nominations for these lovely people. A big thank you to the team at The White Lion in Bengeo for being there with a good deed when the community needed it most.

The Yarn Bombers

I had to search but finally found them! 😃 I met a few of the many lovely ladies from the Secret Society of Hertford Crafters.
It would be understandable, given the circumstances that yarn bombing would pause during the pandemic .. but these ladies had other plans!
I can remember the joy that swept social media when they decorated post boxes this past Christmas. At a time when a smile was needed more than ever, the crafters definitely delivered. From the post boxes to fairy gardens, poppy cascade to yarn Christmas tree! The Yarn Bombers never fail to delight.

Mc Mullens Brewery

On the final day of the awards and we ended on a high thanking Hertford’s McMullen’s Brewery for their fundraising and community efforts through the pandemic.
Over the festive period Mac’s donated 1000 meals for anyone spending Christmas Day alone which was a truly wonderful gesture. I visited Hertford’s famous brewery in town to present an I Love Hertford Award to Furgus McMullen and the team! Fantastic effort! Well deserved! Cheers!