Thatcham woman made the surprise star of BBC show
Selfless 90-year-old recognised
ONE of Thatcham’s “local celebrities” was recognised for her selflessness as residents became the stars of a new television programme on Saturday.
Ferndale Court became the set for the new BBC programme Street Auction.
In the programme, residents enter unwanted items into a pop-up auction and the money raised goes to a deserving person in the community.
Items under the hammer included a picture of the town’s St Mary’s Church, which sparked a bidding war between mayor of Thatcham Ellen Crumly and former mayor Gary Johnson, a teddybear selling for £17, a baby gorilla doorstop and a £50 Co-op gift voucher, which sold for £52.
Cake sales, bric-a-brac and craft stalls added to the total raised.
The show’s host Paul Martin, who also presents BBC’s Flog It!, said the day had been about people-power and that the cast and crew had a brilliant day in Thatcham.
“Without you, this is not possible,” he said.
The show aimed to raise £1,000 for a very special person in the community, but when all of the events had been tallied the total came to £1,239.
There were tears from resident Joyce Lovelock when Mr Martin revealed that the day had all been for her.
The 90-year-old helps residents in Ferndale Court, collecting shopping and prescriptions, and taking them back if they aren’t correct.
Speaking to the Newbury Weekly News she said: “I feel so shocked. I had no idea. I have got such a wonderful family and good friends.
“I spend my life looking after people. I just enjoy doing it.”
Mrs Lovelock said she had raised more than £60,000 for the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal over the last 56 years, including £1,117 last year.
A founding member of Thatcham Blind Club, Mrs Lovelock is still active within the group and also raises money for the Lifeboats charity.
Her sister Shirley Cox said: “Anyone who wants someone to rattle a tin, she will do it.
“I think if she gave up she would have nothing to live for.
“She’s just a doer.
Mrs Lovelock’s daughters, Susan Popiolek and Elaine Perry, said she was a wonderful mother who put others before herself and that the day had meant everything to the family.
Local resident Maureen Nickless added that Mrs Lovelock would just help with anything.
Mrs Nickless said: “If anyone wants any help she will go and sort it.
“Her nature is so sweet, she’s a lovely lady. If anyone deserves it she does. It couldn’t have gone to a nicer person.”
Mr Martin said: “She works tirelessly and selflessly, day in day out, in all weathers.
“She’s a little bit of a local celebrity, she does a great deal for others and doesn’t ask for any help.”
Street Auction will be aired in September.
