Local Samaritan Crowned ‘Westbury’s Best Neighbour’

Local Samaritan, Chris Saunders has been crowned winner of ‘Westbury’s Best Neighbour’ run by The Southern Co-operative Funeralcare for the kindness and support freely given to his neighbours and time devoted to the wider Westbury community.

To commemorate their two year anniversary, The Southern Co-operative Funeralcare on Warminster Road, Westbury launched the competition to celebrate those who help make a difference within their local community. The presentation took place at the funeral home with snacks, a celebration cake and plenty of celebration.

Mr Saunders, the ‘Best Neighbour’ in Westbury said: “In a word, I was flabbergasted to receive the title! My wife, Esme and I have always tried to help Mrs Clegg and her husband whenever they have needed it, by driving them to appointments, helping with shopping or little things like bringing in their bins. It is extremely humbling to know Mrs Clegg nominated me as Westbury’s Best Neighbour, particularly as it is for tasks that one would hope others would facilitate in the same position as us.”

The Mayor of Westbury, Councillor David Bradshaw, who presented Mr Saunders with the title said: “I have personally known Chris Saunders for two or three years due to our joint involvement in the Westbury’s Probus Association. During this time, Chris has always shown himself to be a caring individual and I am please that Chris has received the ‘Best Neighbour Award’. In my opinion, he is a very worthy recipient! Well done Chris!”

Supporting and engaging with local communities is an integral part of The Southern Co-operative Funeralcare’s working ethos. Throughout 2015, The Southern Co-operative’s food stores and funeral homes contributed over £955,000 to local communities and good causes through fundraising events, campaigns and donations.

Karen Coleman, Funeral Co-ordinator for The Southern Co-operative Funeralcare in Westbury who created the Award, said:

“At The Southern Co-operative Funeralcare, we are true champions of supporting and getting involved with our local community and the ‘Westbury’s Best Neighbour’ competition was a fantastic way to showcase the amazing people who live here. Over the years, Mr Saunders has selflessly aided his neighbour through a variety of tasks and we felt that he was an extremely deserving winner!”

Chris Saunders, won both the title of being ‘Westbury’s Best Neighbour’ and also received a bumper hamper of goodies from The Southern Co-operative with vouchers that can be spent in any of The Southern Co-operative’s food stores.

L-R: Michelle Meadows, The Southern Co-operative Funeral Co-ordinator; The Mayor of Westbury, Councillor David Bradshaw; Jayne Keitch, The Southern Co-operative Funeral Co-ordinator; Chris Saunders, Westbury’s Best Neighbour; Mayoress, Myra Bradshaw and Karen Coleman, The Southern Co-operative Funeral Co-ordinator.