Awards presented for work in homeopathy
The achievements of Society members and staff have been recognised with awards, with an honorary fellowship going to Ian Townsend, an outstanding achievement award to Linda Shannon and honorary membership being presented to senior manager Maria Apps.
Ian, a lecturer at the University of Central Lancashire, was presented with the fellowship for his ‘enormous contribution’ to the homeopathic community, having played a major part in the Society’s code of ethics, professional conduct, education and practice development.
He said: “Now I know how people feel when they get a call from the palace! I’d like to thank those who nominated me – right at the start of the fellowship scheme I thought it would be rather nice to get one, but I never thought it would be a reality, I had a silly grin on my face for weeks!”
The awards were presented at the Annual General Meeting in April, and Ian sent a video message to thank colleagues, teachers and students, as he couldn’t be there in person.
Former Society general secretary Mary Clarke did attend, to present senior manager Maria Apps with her honorary membership, for loyal and long service. Mary said: “20 years ago Maria walked into the office to become the second full time staff member. The register of that year had 79 members on it. I knew immediately that Maria was the right person and she brought with her an amazing range of skills, she was fast, accurate and organised, she kept hold of everything. She was steadfast, and would always go that extra mile.”
Linda Shannon was recognised with an outstanding achievement award for her work on the Ghana Homeopathy Project, whose main objective is “the relief and prevention of disease”, working in conjunction with the local community. The charity also supports homeopathic education and training, and has received recognition from the government in Ghana.
“It’s wonderful to be acknowledged in this way, and I’d like to thank everyone in the homeopathic community who has helped with this project,” Linda said. “It’s very much a team project and many people give time, energy and skill in Ghana, in India and here in the UK.”
She gave special thanks to her family and to colleague Anjie Metzger. “It’s been a journey of ups and downs,” she explained. “And there’s a lot more to achieve. You really see the power of homeopathy when people come to the clinic in pain and wake up the next morning better.”