Meet Dawn, one of our Community Heros!

Lockdown has brought out the best in many people over the last few months, but there are some whose selfless dedication to others deserves special recognition. NHS staff, carers, teachers, cashiers, delivery drivers, refuse collectors and many, many more have all played their part in keeping the region going over the last 12 weeks. It’s thanks to their bravery, kindness, consideration, and self-sacrifice that we’ve all been able to carry on as safely and securely as possible. Community has always been at the heart of everything we do here at Adnams, which is why we asked you to nominate your true Community Heroes - those whose actions have helped make a difference to others in their hour of need. We had hundreds of entries, but our three worthy winners - each of whom is now looking forward to a night’s stay at one of our fantastic venues across Norfolk and Suffolk – really stood out for their unshakeable community spirit. Thanks to everyone who took the time to nominate someone – it’s been truly heart-warming to read so many inspirational tales and remind ourselves why we’re so proud to call this part of the world our home.

Keep calm, carry on and celebrate VE Day!

Dawn Floodgate has certainly gone the extra mile when it comes to serving her community over the last few months.

Not only has the Ipswich Hospital eye clinic administrator been busy trying to reassure patients whose treatment has been cancelled, she also found time to organise a morale-boosting, socially-distanced front garden street party to celebrate VE Day with her neighbours.

Speaking about last month’s event she said: “I really was quite touched to see so many of the road come out and say ‘hi’ to each other. I knew my immediate neighbours were up for it, but it was hard to gauge how popular it would be without being able to speak to people face to face. In the end we printed up some leaflets and were overwhelmed by the response. We’ve had some great feedback and I think it really lifted everyone’s spirits.”

Dawn was nominated for a Community Hero award by her sons Tom, 21, and James, 24. Tom said: “Even some of the more vulnerable older people who live by themselves came out to have a very distanced chat with neighbours across the road and it was nice to see them smiling in spite of the situation. It was just a lovely day and I am so proud of my mum for helping to organise something that brought the community together during these tough times.”

Dawn’s key worker husband Ian has also been doing his bit for the community since the pandemic hit.

The long-time manager of the oncology department pharmacy at Ipswich Hospital gave up a week’s holiday at the end of March to help transfer the ward to Nuffield Health Ipswich Hospital, and ensure cancer patients continued to receive the best possible care through lockdown.

Tom added: “I am very proud of both of my parents for carrying on and going above and beyond for the community they serve. Never have they complained about the situation, they have simply sought to ‘keep calm and carry on’.

Dawn and Ian, who have two other grown up children (Christine and Robert) and four grandchildren, are now looking forward to a well-deserved night’s stay at The Swan Hotel, in Southwold following their win.