Janet Dowswell Merit Award Winner 2026

Arrived in Staplehurst in 1964, beginning more than half a century of continuous service to village life.

Early Community Involvement

• Joined the Women’s Institute, remaining an active member for around twenty years and serving on the committee.
• Founded the Chapel Lane Playgroup in September 1971, serving as Supervisor until May 1975.
• In August 1974, ran a three‑week Play Leadership Scheme at Surrenden Road Playing Field.

Parish Council & Civic Service

• Parish Clerk (Dec 1974 – Dec 1990), succeeding James, who had served since 1968.
• Parish affairs were conducted from your home, Mill House, which also used what is now the Parish Council telephone number (891761).
• Played a key role in the purchase of Staplehurst Village Centre from KCC in 1988, serving on the committee and helping with refurbishment — including supervising day‑release prisoners from Blantyre House Prison.
• Involved until 1991.During this period I was fortunate to be supported by John Cramp, Richard Skinner, Bert Seth, Peter Day and many more village stalwarts.

Guiding & Youth Support

• Supported Guiding units throughout the 1970s and 80s, including serving as Assistant District Commissioner (1983–85) with Chris Ralph during Kathy Lamb’s time as District Commissioner.
• Helped with primary school and youth activities from the 1970s through the 1990s.

Community Safety & Village Initiatives

• Early contributor to Neighbourhood Watch, helping map out areas and establish the scheme.
• Took part in village clean‑ups and devised an innovative scheme encouraging teenagers to maintain dedicated areas weekly, with the Parish Council paying them £4 per month.
• Involved in Carnival & Fete, Flower Festivals at All Saints Church, and numerous other community events.

Time Away & Continued Commitment

• Spent ten years living in Shetland but returned to continue supporting village life.
• Joined the Staplehurst Trefoil Guild in 2003, remaining an active member ever since.

Volunteering at Sobell Lodge (2004–2020)

• From April 2004 until the 2020 lockdown, volunteered at Sobell Lodge (Leonard Cheshire).
• Contributed to fundraising, coffee mornings, escort duties, and served as Chairman of the Residents’ Forum and committee member.

Creative Community Projects

• In June 2014, proposed the “Alternative Flower Festival” at All Saints Church — a project that brought together all sections of the community.

We are all very appreciative of over 50 years of continuous, hands‑on service across youth work, parish governance, community safety, volunteering, church life, and village events. It’s a rare combination of leadership, creativity, and practical support — the kind of contribution that shapes a community’s identity across generations.

Staplehurst is so lucky to have you.