Wistonian of the year (From Warrington Guardian)

Wistonian of the year

PROUD Wistonian Herbert Locke is celebrating after receiving a top accolade from the village community.

Mr Locke, of Church Lane, was last week named by the village's Community Council as Wistonian of the Year 2004.

The 69-year-old was honoured by the community group for the years of sterling work he has dedicated to serving the community at the village's memorial hall and as a parish councillor.

Mr Locke said that it was a great surprise when he was told.

He said: "I was very pleased and extremely grateful when I found out that I'd won.

"I haven't been doing work at the hall for any awards.

"I do it for my own pleasure really, and meeting people is probably the most satisfying aspect of it.

"It's a very big honour to receive this sort of award from the community."

Mr Locke has lived in Wistaston for 30 years.

The 69-year-old is a member of Wistaston Parish Council, but is best known in the village for his work at Wistaston Memorial Hall.

He has worked for six years as the hall's booking officer on a voluntary basis, and is responsible for its day-to-day running.

As well as showing people around the hall, he is charged with carrying out minor repairs, painting and alterations, as well as other jobs.

The 69-year-old said that he spends most days of the week at the hall, which is used regularly by about 30 organisations.

Mr Locke said: "The hall is a really popular place in the village.

"It is full every night, and there are also events held at the weekend.

"It has got to the stage where I'm having to turn people away, but I enjoy the responsibility and the opportunity to meet all sorts of different people from the community."

Geoff Armitage, president of Wistaston Community Council, said: "Herbert puts in hours and hours and everyone respects him for the work he does.

"He works far beyond what he is expected to do, and everyone thinks the world of him."