Walthamstow resident praised for community spirit during the pandemic A Walthamstow resident was named ‘London Neighbour of the Year 2020’ for […]By Waltham Forest Echo
Alice Taylor-Rugman received a door knocker trophy after being named ‘London Neighbour of the Year’ (credit Joel Chant)
Walthamstow resident praised for community spirit during the pandemic
A Walthamstow resident was named ‘London Neighbour of the Year 2020’ for the effort she went to in helping her local area respond to the pandemic.
Alice Taylor-Rugman, from Cassiobury Road, was nominated for the award after creating a WhatsApp group so that shielding neighbours could be supported, organising meetings to discuss urgent issues in her street, and co-ordinating local clean-ups with help from Waltham Forest Council.
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Alice was picked as the London winner by Co-op Insurance and Neighbourhood Watch, which had been searching for “the UK’s best neighbours”. Rachel Craven, who nominated her, said: “Alice has been the main driver of generating community spirit in our street. She looks out for older neighbours, picks litter, and raised funds for a beautiful mural.
“I’ve lived in London for 15 years now and, thanks to Alice, I know my neighbours for the first time. During lockdown, Alice organised groceries for people and supported neighbours who were shielding.
“Alice is awesome but very unassuming. She never does anything for recognition – that’s why she’s truly deserves this award.”
On receiving her award Alice said: “I have moved around quite a lot and made friends everywhere we have lived, but it’s special here and I’m proud be a part of this community. If you want to see something happen in your local area, you’ve got to go out and create it. The rewards far outweigh the investment.”
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