James Duff

James has been, since his earliest years, a remarkable individual. He was born disabled, and his mum was told that he would never walk. James, however, was clearly not listening and, whilst he walks with a limp, he confounded expectations to overcome his condition. This tenacity and sense of purpose is manifest in the wide range of volunteer activities he has undertaken here. He is a long-standing member of the Community Centre Management group, a role which he has, in the past, combined with a position on the Childrens' Gala Day Committee, membership of the Local Nature Reserve management group, and (even after his own kids had grown out of it) he kept the village's playscheme running for years. Even after, and in large part during(!), a serious illness two years ago, James continued to combine these activities with his responsibilities as a husband, father and his full-time job. Recently James was instrumental in re-establishing the Village's Community Council and was, deservedly, elected Chairperson. This role has brought out the best of James who never shirks an issue, has time for everyone, and (in-keeping with his character) is willing to tackle issues head on. But, even this hasn't exhausted his desire to develop the village as he is working on establishing a food co-op this summer, and a bike club next! In all of this it is not just James's ability to relate to everyone, but the deep respect that the village has for him that makes him both successful and inspiring.