The Heswall Society has honoured two stalwart members of the Heswall community.

Denis Clegg and Caroline Cartwright were presented with Honorary Life Memberships of the Society.

The High Sheriff of Merseyside, Nigel Lanceley DL, made the awards.

Dennis Clegg is the Heswall Society's recently retired Planning Officer and former chair. He dealt with planning matters over many years, and his knowledge and expertise proved invaluable to the Society, individual members and local councillors.

At the time of his retirement the Society said: "Planning matters have involved Dennis in a great deal of detailed work and analysis - and a huge amount of time - and he has more than earned the opportunity to reduce his involvement with this aspect of the Society's work."

Current Chair, Steve Anderson, described how Dennis's work with the Society has helped Heswall to retain its unique character and, in particular, how he designed a model for Friends groups which is now in use throughout the borough.

Caroline Cartwright is the co-proprietor of The Village Shop in Lower Heswall, where she and husband Gerry have run a small business that is the heartbeat of village life and a beacon of old fashioned values of customer service and welcome.

Many were disappointed when the Cartwrights announced recently that the time had come for them to hand over the Shop to new owners. The business is currently for sale.

Steve Anderson praised Caroline as a constant major supporter of the community, and in particular during the pandemic.

Nigel Lanceley referred to her efforts as "the epitome of humanity".

Caroline has said that when the Cartwrights' business is sold she hopes to stay involved with the community:

"At the moment I'm not sure how, but even though we're ready to give up the shop, I'm not ready to say goodbye. I will make sure I find some ways of making myself useful and keeping in touch with everyone and everything."

Both Caroline and Dennis have previously been recognised for their hard and considerate work - by Wirral Council as recipients of Wirral Awards.

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