Huge congratulations to Mr and Mrs Flexman who are an inspiration to us all after receiving their long service award for an incredible 30 years of volunteering service to Cotswold Friends. Mr and Mrs Flexman were presented with a beautiful picture of Upper Slaughter, painted by local artist Tom Asbridge.

Following the presentation, Mr Flexman said a few words: “…. Over my thirty years service, journeys have been undertaken as far as Banbury, Oxford, Cirencester, Bristol, Stratford, Tewkesbury, Cheltenham, Gloucester and Coventry… .I have done two journeys to Derby and two to Bournemouth. …we also collected and donated furniture…and then distributed it to needy families… In addition, I have been able to help on occasions with gardening and minor household repairs for people in need. It is pleasing to have been able to serve the community in these ways and I am cheered to know that other volunteers are helping to keep this essential service alive. I offer my thanks to my wife and all those who have encouraged me in my period of service which I hope to continue while my health permits. We find this is not only a wonderful way of making friends but also, hopefully, encourages others in this service to the community.”

Congratulations also to Alan Cooke who received his 20 year award and was presented with a signed copy of a Henry Blowfeld cricket book. Well done and thankyou to 12 more volunteers who reached their 5 year milestone and will receive the legendary Cotswold Friends mug!