Barnstondale Centre has many volunteers with a long service record and we were delighted to see some of those volunteers being honoured only last week at the “Volunteering Wirral Volunteer Awards” Presentation.

The event, held at the Life Centre, Bebington, saw 3 Barnstondale Centre volunteers receive gold award medallions for volunteering long service from Wirral Mayor Andrew Hodson. Stephen Hyde (pictured left with Julia from the Autistic Society), Clayton Thorpe and Paul Earl (pictured receiving his award from the mayor) have been at Barnstondale Centre for 12 years.

Hail, rain, sleet or snow, these 3 guys have been at the centre week in, week out throughout that time, giving a vital contribution to the centre with their efforts. Stephen, Clayton, Paul - you have our congratulations and our thanks for your work. Your awards are richly deserved.

On a much sadder note, however, we have to announce the death of another long service volunteer at Barnstondale Centre. John Osborne, who had also been at the centre for 12 years, died suddenly this week from a heart attack.

All at the centre were shocked and saddened by this news and we are sure that all who knew John through the centre - many of you will have spoken to him on the phone if not met him in person -  will feel the same. John Osborne was a familiar statuesque figure at Barnstondale almost every week for those 12 years, striding onto site twice a week to provide essential volunteering support. Not only will his practical contribution to the centre be missed, but also his personality and willingness to muck in.

John is survived by a brother and I am sure you will all join us in sending him our heartfelt condolences at this time.  He will be very sadly missed indeed.

For your many years of sterling service, John, we thank you.