Jim's huge contribution to village life over 50 years

Jim Hoad, 80, received the Wealden Community Award 2006 for his lifetime of community work. Since moving to the village as a young boy, Jim has served in a staggering variety of voluntary roles.

He has been a Ninfield Memorial Hall committee member for more than 50 years - recently standing down as chairman after 25 years.

Jim has tirelessly raised funds for the building and he also takes care of the hall, both inside and out, and sources grants to pay for improvements and running costs.

He received a special certificate from the parish council to mark his 50-year association with the hall.

A member of St Mary's Church, Jim served on the parochial church council for 30 years, 15 of them as churchwarden. His initials can still be found inscribed on the church weather vane on top of the tower. A platform of his own design for the nesting birds, created to protect the congregation from unfortunate accidents from above, is also still in place. Jim also contributes to the upkeep of the church and its grounds, helps out with fundraising and social gatherings and provides transport to church services and village events. He even finds time to wind the church clock.

A lover of sport he has been involved with the village cricket, football, tennis and bowls clubs and also counts himself an able golfer. He has served as president of Ninfield Cricket Club for over a decade.

Other roles include his work as backstage boy and front-house organiser for Ninfield Amateur Theatrical Society, a task he has undertaken for more than a quarter of a century; a regular performance as Father Christmas for the playgroup; five years service as a driver for the housebound library; and an active membership of the horticultural society - Jim's blooms are considered tamong the best in the area.

He spent 25 years as a school governor and remains a guardian of the village recreation ground, which he is determined should be retained and protected for future generations.

A keen local historian, Jim brought his local knowledge and common sense to good use on the parish council.

In short, as one resident pointed out for his nomination, 'every village should have a Jim'.

Jim treats such comments with typical modesty.

He said: "I just happened to be in the right place at the right time. Or the wrong place at the wrong time depending on how you want to look at it!

"With the parish council for example I was the only person at a meeting and took an interest. The next time I went, I got co-opted in.

"I'm quite amazed about the award and feel honoured and surprised.

"Remember a lot of the things I did was before desk-top publishing. We didn't have all these folders and leaflets printed out - I think I might blame desk-top publishing for putting people off!

"I think it is an honour to serve your community but you couldn't do it without the support of your wife and family."

Jim has recently cut back on some of his duties to care for his wife, Joyce, who is recovering well after a period of illness.

Cllr Pam Doodes, who nominated Jim for the award, said: "It would be easy to overlook Jim and take everything he does for granted.

"He is a modest man who works quietly and tirelessly with good heart for the community as a whole and for individual residents. Nothing is too much trouble. He is respected hugely and loved by everyone.

"Many have a tale to tell of his kindness, hard work and contribution to village life. We all rely on him and try not to take him for granted."