Probably the best village in the world
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‘The Ian Campbell MBE Award for Outstanding Individual Contribution to their Community’ was awarded to Evelyn Bloomfield, and ‘Councillor of the Year’ was awarded to Cllr Clive Lenton.
We have double cause for celebration in Bucklesham as two much-loved members of the community, Evelyn Bloomfield and Clive Lenton, have been recognised for their exceptional service to village life.
While their stories span different generations, they share the same determination to protect the village’s valued facilities, strengthen community life, and ensure that Bucklesham continues to thrive.
At 96 years old, Evelyn Bloomfield has spent almost six decades at the heart of community life in Bucklesham.
Her remarkable record of service began in 1967, when she became a founder of Bucklesham Community Council. She subsequently served as a Parish Councillor for 30 years and has been involved with the Village Hall Committee since the Hall was built in 1976. Over the years, she has taken on numerous responsibilities, including Chair, Treasurer, Bookings Clerk, and Caretaker, always stepping forward and rolling up her sleeves when something needed to be done.
Evelyn also helped raise the funds needed to purchase the Playing Field, creating a recreational facility that has since benefited generations of residents. Her commitment has extended to supporting St Mary’s Church through the Parochial Church Council, organising village events and celebrations, and continuing to offer her knowledge and support to Parish Council activities following her retirement.
When the Community Council faced the possibility of folding in 2019, Evelyn once again stepped in. She helped stabilise the Community Council and encouraged the Parish Council to temporarily take over, safeguarding its future and preserving the foundations upon which further community projects could be built.
Those foundations have continued to support new achievements, including the work that secured £103,000 for the new play area. Even now, Evelyn remains involved in village life and is helping to plan celebrations for next year’s 60th anniversary of the Community Council she founded.
Clive Lenton was named Councillor of the Year in recognition of his exceptional commitment to Bucklesham and the practical, energetic leadership he provides through Bucklesham Parish Council.
Under Clive’s leadership, the Parish Council successfully became Sole Trustee of the Village Hall, helping to secure the future of this important community asset. He also played a leading role in the New Play Equipment Project, which secured an impressive £103,000 through fundraising and grants. However, Clive’s contribution is not confined to Council meetings or major projects. He organised the Community Self Help Scheme to undertake highways tasks around the village and works alongside volunteers to clear the path to school, clean road signs, and clear gullies and ditches. He also leads on Community Speed Watch, helping to improve safety on local roads and lanes.
It is this combination of forward-thinking leadership and a willingness to get personally involved that makes Clive’s contribution so special. Whatever he does, Clive leads by example. The judges praised his practical leadership, tireless energy and unwavering commitment to the community, recognising the important part he has played in helping Bucklesham remain a thriving village.
Celebrating the past and shaping the future
It feels especially fitting that Evelyn and Clive should be celebrated together. Evelyn helped establish and preserve many of the organisations and facilities at the heart of Bucklesham. Clive is helping to protect those assets, strengthen them and develop new opportunities for the generations that follow. Both have understood that thriving communities do not happen by accident. They are built through determination, practical action, and people who are prepared to give their time without seeking recognition.
Their awards are richly deserved, but they also represent something larger: a celebration of Bucklesham itself and the extraordinary community spirit that both Evelyn and Clive embody. We are a tiny village, yet Evelyn and Clive have really put Bucklesham on the map!
