THE Badgerswood and Forest surgeries held a hog roast at Headley Village Hall on Sunday to thank volunteers who helped with Covid vaccinations.
Speaking about Covid, Dr Anthony Leung said: “No-one can deny the sheer number of deaths and ongoing disability this has had on the world.
“Our area in Whitehill & Bordon, Lindford and Headley has one of the highest vaccination rates in the country and we are fortunate in having a low infection rate.
“We have given over 30,000 jabs, including many to people out of our area, because we had the set-up to do so. This set-up would not have been possible without the tireless effort of our staff, patients and volunteers.
“They have helped spread the message throughout the community, directed traffic on vaccination days, and hand held patients through the process.
“Retired doctors and nurses have returned to give the jabs. They have done all this to ‘do their part’ without pay, without grumble.
“They have even courageously stood up to anti-vaxxers who try to bully other patients or staff. Our area is a place where patients and surgeries work together for the wider benefit of the community.”
Cllr Kennard said: “The community of Badgerswood and Forest surgeries are an admirable example of what hard work and generosity of spirit can achieve in a time of crisis and it was great on Sunday afternoon to show our appreciation and have a laugh with them. It was wonderful to see volunteers praised for their achievements, when they have worked tirelessly and selflessly and not sought any recognition.”