Clean Sweep at the Awards

Regent Pharmacy in Shanklin has been announced as this year's overall winner in the national Unichem Pharmacy Awards. Gary Warner, the owner, and his wife Liz together with Samantha Butler and her husband Simon attended a Gala Night at the Marriott Hotel, Grosvenor Square in London last weekend where the winners were announced.

There were four categories for community pharmacy: Promoting health care services in the community, Working in partnership as part of a community health care team and Enhancing the experience. Whilst there were other winners of each of the individual categories, Gary and his team were judged to have made significant differences both to their practice and to the health of their community as a whole. Presenting the award to Gary, National Pharmacy Association Chief Executive, John D'Arcy, said that Regent Pharmacy epitomised modern pharmacy practice.

Gary was quoted as saying, "The new pharmacy contract means that many pharmacies are better engaged with local healthcare and their patients. By building upon that and putting patients first, we intend to take this further by providing help and care where it is needed most - at the heart of our community and town. Helen Shields, Director of Commissioning, Isle of Wight NHS Primary Care Trust, said "The PCT is delighted with the recognition that has been shown by this national award for innovation on the Island."

However, the pharmacy went one step further when Samantha was also announced as Most Supportive Technician in community pharmacy. Sam has worked at Regent Pharmacy for over ten years as a pharmacy technician and during that time has attained qualifications and experience that singled her out from the other entrants. She is currently training to be one of the new Health Trainers for the Island.

Both Gary and Sam received a cash prize for their efforts and two invitations to the Unichem Conference in Barbados in 2007.

Shirley Ballard lives in Godshill, but has over the years, had very strong ties with Shanklin. Shirley is the Godshill Town Crier and Isle of Wight Town Crier. She is a member of The Ancient & Honourable Guild of Town Criers. This all came about due to Shirley's connection with the late Peter Simmonds, who was Shanklin and Isle of Wight Town Crier.

Shirley originally came from London where she was bon in the mid thirties within the sound of Bow Bells. Together with her very loving parents Shirley moved to this ‘beautiful Island’ (her words) in 1974 and moved to Godshill in 1979. She has two daughters, Anne and Sandra, six grandchildren and six great grandchildren.

In 1985 Peter Simmonds had a vision. This was to hold the first ever world Town Crier's championships. The event would of course take place mainly in Shanklin, but before he could start work he had to assemble a team to assist in the very detailed programme. Shirley was one of this team together with others in Shanklin. The next hurdle to cross was to obtain permission from the Ancient and Honourable Guild of Town Criers to stage this first ever event. Permission was granted and the date for the event set as 1987. Many people and organisations were approached in order to raise the necessary funding and the event took place in May of that year.

Shanklin hotels hosted the criers and their escorts and the event lasted six days. The criers were provided with free time during their visit and coach trips around the Island were arranged. The Championships were held on Big Mead and the event was a great success. Since then, Shanklin has hosted two European championships and a second world championship, thanks to Peter and his team’s hard work and willingness.

In 1992 the World Championships were held in Canada and Shirley, together with a large party of Criers from U.K. attended. At one of the social evenings, attended by some 300 people, Shirley was given the task of presenting a gift to the Mayor. This was just an excuse to get Shirley on stage. At this point Peter Simmonds announced that he had spoken with the Godshill Parish Council and the A.H.G.T.C. and that Shirley was to become the official Town Crier for Godshill. Since that date Shirley is regularly seen in Godshill, making cries and welcoming the many visitors. Sometimes, when it becomes necessary, she is seen around the village in her mobility scooter. She has been Godshill Town Crier for fourteen years and has also held the office of Isle of Wight Town Crier for nearly six years. She attends many local events including the Garlic Festival, the County Show and many others. Shirley enters Town Crier competitions and on her first ever competition she won Best Dressed Crier. She attained third place in the Hastings competition and is regularly in the top ten.

Shirley is always pleased to offer her services for events on the Island providing she is available and sufficient notice is given. She does not charge for her services but, in most cases, she requests a donation for her favourite charities. The Hospice and the Inshore Rescue. Payment is sent direct to the charity chosen.