Rutland covid vaccination centre volunteers attend thank you evening
A band of volunteers have been thanked for their continued efforts to support the covid vaccination programme.
Since October The Lions Club of Rutland has been responsible for coordinating the non-medical helpers at the Oakham Enterprise Park vaccine centre.
On Friday evening a small selection of them braved Storm Eunice to attend a thank you evening at The Wisteria Hotel in Oakham.
Lions president Allan Grey said: "Cheese and wine was consumed and certificates of appreciation were presented to all those who attended, with special mention of those that had gone the extra mile come rain or shine.
"No one is quite sure what lies ahead, especially now the decision has been taken to vaccinate five to 12-year-olds and give a fourth vaccination to the over 75s and those with a suppressed immune system, but Rutland Lions and the fantastic volunteers will see the programme through to the end."
Since the Lions took charge of the volunteers, they have manned 60 clinics. The 128 volunteers have covered 1,038 shifts and welcomed people to 22,477 vaccinations.
Volunteers Linda Jordan and Terry Thompson were given a special mention, having also volunteered at the vaccine centre at Catmose in Oakham before it moved to Ashwell.
Allan also paid tribute to Melton Mowbray Lions Club and its president Dave Houghton, who have manned the Melton vaccination centre since January 2021.