After two decades running Shepherd Neame pub the Walnut Tree in Aldington, licensee Karen Barrett was presented with a Certificate of Achievement from the Mayor of Ashford Cllr Callum Knowles this month.
The award states ‘In recognition of 20 years of exceptional community service through the creation of a hub for local groups and activities, tireless charitable fundraising and as a selfless volunteer caring for others through cooking and provision of supplies during the Covid lockdowns of 2020’.
It isn’t Karen’s first honour in recognition of her community work, as she was also presented with a Heart of the Community Award at Shepherd Neame’s annual Pub Awards in 2019. The Walnut Tree is a meeting place for a host of local organisations including the Aldington Women’s Institute, men’s church group, Microlight Society, Knit and Natterers, and the local bridge club, along with supporting Aldington’s football and cricket clubs. Karen’s charity work includes volunteering as a trustee at Kaleidoscope Childcare, hosting a quiz for the charity on the last Sunday of each month, and she is also currently running a raffle to raise £5,000 for the Fire Fighters Charity.
To find out more about other roles with Shepherd Neame, visit https://www.shepherdneame.co.uk/careers