On Thursday, 18th January Wheaton Aston’s Ted Noblett received his British Citizen Award at Westminster Palace.
Thomas Noblett, known as Ted, has volunteered in his parish of Wheaton Aston for 40 years and is the longest serving councillor in its history.
In addition, the 83-year-old coached local children’s cricket for many years, volunteers on the parish sports club committee and helps with the luncheon club, aimed at older residents who are lonely and vulnerable.
Ted helped install play areas in the parish, aided in a Platinum Jubilee allotment project, and supports the churches in the parish and clubs that they run.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, Ted was classed as vulnerable, yet he still organised and delivered hampers to even more vulnerable residents at Christmas with a mantra that ‘their needs were of more concern than his own health’.
Ted is also chair of the village hall committee and always looking at ways to bring the community together for events. He is working closely with the parish to reduce its carbon footprint and promotes a healthy lifestyle by helping to make local outdoor spaces attractive and accessible for all.
He said he was honoured to receive the award, but said he was just the figurehead for the good work in the region and wanted to share it with everyone he had worked with.
He said: “I didn’t expect this award and it was a huge surprise to everyone as I know there are a lot of people out there who have done more charity work that I have and received no recognition for it.
“I feel that I am just the figurehead for this as there were lots of people involved in this, such as the people who got involved in the cricket and the parish council, so I’d like to dedicate this award to all the parish councillors and everyone who has helped me.”
The medal presentation was hosted by TV presenter Matt Allwright, and attended by BCA patrons Dame Mary Perkins, founder of Specsavers; and The Rt Hon Lord Dholakia.
We are incredibly proud of Ted! If you know someone who deserves recognition for the work they do in the community, please consider nominating them for an honour:
The British Citizen Awards | The people’s honours BCA