Double delight as twins from Higham Ferrers win community award

The mayor of Higham Ferrers, Cllr Richard Gell, presented the first ever Mayor of Higham Ferrers Award at the civic reception following his civic service at St Mary’s Church on April 10.

Six nominations were received, and they were for Cllr Bert Jackson, Tony Trotter, Jennifer Tuffnail and Carol Allen, Richard Oberman, Julia Combe and Celia Ingram.

But after much deliberation by the mayor and mayoress, the overall winners were revealed as twin sisters Jennifer Tuffnail and Carol Allen.

They were nominated together because it was deemed that their community work and commitment are identical.

Their nomination stated: “The twins are identical and so entwined it would be difficult to select one of them.

“Their service to Girl Guiding UK over the years has been second to none.

“They were both Brownies, Guides and Rangers and gained warrants as leaders.

“They have served the young people of Higham Ferrers for over 30 years teaching skills that are different from the school curriculum, all done in faith, fun and friendship.

“They attend regular training at their own expense.

“They both gained the Queens Guide Award when they were 16-years-old.”

Speaking after the presentation at the Carriage House in Higham Ferrers, Cllr Gell said: “I was delighted to present them both with their own engraved silver salver to mark their achievement.

“It has been a successful project and I was pleased with the response.”

This was the inaugural mayor’s award for services to the Higham Ferrers community.

Cllr Gell had seen similar schemes in other areas, such as Rushden and Raunds, and wanted to do the same by recognising those who go the extra mile to help others and make a difference in the community.