Community hero nominated for a second time (From St Albans & Harpenden Review)

Community hero nominated for a second time

12:44pm Friday 10th July 2009

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A HARPENDEN woman has been nominated for a second time in the Review's search for a local hero.

Glenday Thomas was nominated for a Community Gold Award last month by her friend Catherine Fearnhead, for the dedication she had shown to Scottish Highland dancing over the past 50 years.

Mrs Thomas, 66, of Paddock End, has been teaching Scottish and Highland dance for the local Heil and Toe Club for the last 50 years - a group set up by her father.

Despite losing out on the community hero title in June, Glenday is back in the running after being nominated for a consecutive month, for the commitment she has shown to a local church.

In addition to the dancing lessons, the 66-year-old devoted Christian has been involved in the junior church at the Methodist Church in High Street, Harpenden for a similar time, teaching children and young people more about her faith.

Every Sunday she prepares workshops helping children, aged seven to 11, understand Christianity through fun activities, games, prayer and worship.

John Farrow, editor of the church magazine, who nominated Glenday, said: "She is by far the longest serving leader in the junior church and for all these years she has faithfully prepared her lesson material each week and inspired all the teachers who have worked under her in the junior church.

"It would be difficult to find anyone who can match her when it comes to her service to the community.

"She never seeks the limelight and she treats each child as someone special - she is a real gem. A community hero if ever there was one."

Accepting her second nomination with the greatest of modesty, Glenday said: "Im a bit shocked at being nominated twice. I thought it all came under one umbrella.

"I have seen God working in my life so much, I feel I want ot give something back to help other children to get a faith in God and to experience what I ahve experienced. I feel called to do this. I know God wants me to do it and therefore it's nothing great on my part.

"I do enjoy children and always have done, and I love God - it's combining the two."

The Community Gold Award scheme – which is run in conjunction which solicitors Debenhams Ottaway – recognises individuals in St Albans who have made a massive contribution to the community.

To make a nomination, text the word “hero” to 80360 followed by their name, your name and a brief description of what they have done. You can also nominate by email by sending a message catchlined “hero” to revieweditor@london.newsquest.co.uk.

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