Frinton vicar got honour from the Queen for Covid-19 helpline

In Frinton, one of those acting as the glue to keep the community together is the Rev Donald Smith.

And never more so was this demonstrated than during the pandemic.

Mr Smith,65, was one of the heroes who was recognised in the New Year’s Honours list.

The good deeds he has done over the years earned him a British Empire Medal, but one particular projects stands out - the Covid-19 helpline.

The campaign was launched in March 2020 when the Covid pandemic first swept across the country and the globe.

Its aim was to provide food and medical supplies to elderly and disabled residents who might be isolated without any help.

Wanting to ensure help was at hand, Mr Smith started raising funds from several businesses, covering the areas of Walton, Frinton, Kirby-le-Soken, and Great Holland.

An emergency phone helpline was also set up with 30 volunteer phone operators and 40 deliverers, including Mr Smith himself.

As a result, there were 338 food and medical prescriptions distributed to 129 people in just four months.

Good deed - Don Smith, 65, of Frinton, launched a book box project providing free books for residents to enjoy

Mr Smith, who lives in Frinton, said: “Many people in this area rely on family who may live away and were also in lockdown and couldn’t travel.

“The hardest part was convincing people that this was a free helpline and it wouldn’t cost them anything and it wasn’t a scam or a business.

“It is still in place if needed in case of another lockdown.”

The helpline project inspired the whole community to help, with Tendring |Council, the Rotary Club, as well as churches, businesses and members of the public all joining forces together.

But this is not the only good deed on Mr Smith’s list.

He has been making a difference in his community for the past 30 years and his most recent project are two book boxes which could be found at his home in Queens Road.

Mr Smith added: “Inside there are about 100 hardback books which people can take and read and enjoy or pass on to someone else free of charge.

“That came into operation when the lockdown was on and libraries and book shops were all closed.

“It has become a meeting point for people in the community and it would stay indefinitely if the books keep on appearing on my doorstep.”

Mr Smith was also recognised for his work as a chaplain to the Walton Sea Cadet Corps between 2010 and 2015.

And with every project he initiates, the community spirit is always ignited.

In 2020, Mr Smith also organised a scheme to provide primary school children in the area with free lunches over the Christmas school holidays.

He said: “We contacted all the schools and to find out how many children were on their books and arranged for different food outlets to provide food if children presented a voucher.

“Just before it came into operation the Government changed their policy and provided for school children.

“But again this showed the willingness and cooperation of people in the community to put those together.”

Mr Smith is a familiar face to residents not only from the numerous projects, but also from the local church.

Passionate about building a church for the 21st century, he took up the reins as rector at St Mary’s in June 2008 following 20 years of ministry in various areas of London.

He added:”I have been there for 13 years and that is my main occupation and reason for being here in Frinton.

“St Mary’s Church is a place of meetings and friendships and warmth in a troubled world.”