Western Southland's Beverley Evans was bestowed a Community Service Award from the Southland District Council and the Wallace Takitimu Community Board on Friday (19 Jan).

The honour recognised a lifetime of dedicated involvement in the Nightcaps area.

Presented by Mayor Rob Scott, the accompanying citation included a lengthy list of organisations which have benefited from Mrs Evans’ caring nature.

“It would probably be quicker if I listed off the things she hasn’t done for the community,” Scott quipped.

“People like Bev are often described as the glue which holds a community together, but she really is the superglue.”

A Nightcaps resident for 80 years with her husband Brian, the couple raised three daughters in the rural Southland town.

Renowned for her baking skills, Mrs Evans was always one of the first with trays of food for local people and businesses when needed.

She has held numerous positions throughout the district, including as a member of the Nightcaps Golf Club for 40 years where she served as president, secretary, caterer and bar manager.

She coached netball, volunteered on the ambulance for five years, was the local Victim Support person and served on the Nightcaps Medical Trust and Lotto boards. Her tenure on the Nightcaps Community Development Area subcommittee (CDA) and Wallace Takitimu Community Board spans over 15 years.

Mrs Evans organises the hugely successful Nightcaps fireworks display at McGregor Park and assists local schools with Christmas gifts each year.

“Bev is a highly respected and valued member of the Nightcaps community and so deserving of this accolade,” Scott said.