The Welney Website

Presentations to Wendy and Peter Redman, and also to Carole Connor, from the residents of Welney, on 16th June 2007

page created 17th June 2007; last amended/updated Friday, 18 July 2008

As reported elsewhere, Wendy and Peter Redman recently announced their retirement, and the closure of their shop after 31 years. A few weeks earlier the residents of Tipps End showed their thanks to Wendy and Pete by making a presentation from Tipps Enders outside the shop. Carole Connor also received some gifts and a card from Tipps End a few days later.

Now it was the turn of Welney village residents to show their thanks.

Report and photos copyright 2007 © the Welney Webmaster.

A  large crowd of more than fifty villagers assembled along New Road and outside the shop on the afternoon of Saturday 16th June,  shortly before Wendy closed the shop for the last time.

Ominously, a large storm cloud also gathered overhead.

Steve Kerr lead the presentation, using his PA system to thank Wendy and Peter on behalf of the village for their dedication over more than 30 years. A collection in the village had enabled a large number of gifts to be bought, so many that Steve had to bring them in his van.

Meanwhile, the storm cloud intensified. The sky darkened.

One by one the gifts were laid out in front of the shop.

First was this splendid Italian style garden table with mosaic pattern ceramic top, and four matching cushioned chairs (two out of photo).

Then came more garden furniture - two sun loungers and a parasol.

In the far distance there was a muffled rumble of thunder.

Baskets of flowers and bags of smaller presents quickly filled the table top.

A number of personal gifts were also presented.

Our cameraman had quite a problem getting Wendy into the photo!

Carole Connor was also rewarded for her long service and help and assistance over more than 20 years.

She joined Wendy at the table and she too was obviously delighted with her presents.

As the proceedings drew to a close, the cloud darkened again and lightning was seen in the distance. Many hands came forward to move the presents swiftly into the safety of the garage, and the crowd quickly began to disperse. Most reached shelter in their cars or homes before the deluge that came moments later, but I believe a few spectators may have got a bit wet on their way home.