St Albans volunteer nominated for Community Gold Award

8:20am Tuesday 24th November 2009

By Alexandra Barham

A volunteer from St Albans who has dedicated more than 40 years of her life to helping adults with special needs has been nominated in the Review's search for an unsung hero by her best friend.

The aim of the Community Gold Award scheme is to give recognition to individuals in the St Albans district who make a positive contribution to society and make a real difference to community life.

Iris Lynch, of Canberra Close, St Albans, has been nominated by best friend Val, who insisted it was about time the 59-year-old's contributions to the community were recognised.

Iris, a mother of four, was among the founding members of the Magpie club in St Albans, which supports adults with learning difficulties.

The club was formed in 1967 when Iris, then a teenager with ambitious ideas, and fellow members of the Alma Road Youth Club in St Albans hosted a Christmas party for the charity Mencap which also works with disabled adults.

Iris struck instant rapport with members of the group and decided that she wanted to continue working with people with special needs.

And so the Magpie club was born and it continues to thrive, meeting every fortnight at the London Road social club in Cell Barnes Lane.

Chaired by Iris, the club offers a social haven for disabled adults where they can mingle and enjoy a range of fun activities, including arts and crafts, games, barbecues and on the odd occasion a trip to the seaside.

"We have such great fun and pleasure. I just love it, I love being with them and helping them.

"Although I have done lots, it's not just me, there are other people who deserve credit too."

Iris also manages to juggle her part-time job as a school cook at Sandringham School with caring for 20-year-old Robbie Williams, who has learning difficulties. Iris spares a few hours a week to look after the young man and she insists she could not be without her voluntary role.

She said: "He's just such fun, especially when I take him up to London on the train. He's a pleasure to take out and be with. I enjoy the satisfaction you get out of helping people like that."

Nominating her best friend of 40 years for the award, Val Satchwell said: "After all these years it's about time she had some recognition. She's a lovely person, she just gives, gives, and gives."

Accepting her nomination with the greatest modesty, Iris said: "I'm elated, I don't like saying 'I have done this and I have done that', but maybe I have. Anybody that needs help, I'm there for them."