A Neighbourhood Watch Coordinator is passing on the baton after 30 years of serving South Richmond.
At 70 years old, Bunny Farnell-Watson is stepping down from her important role in reducing crime rates in the community and handing the reigns to Beverley Picton.
When Mrs Farnell-Watson moved to Richmond from California, USA, in 1992 she said she “couldn’t bear the thought” of her neighbours not knowing each other.
The mother-two approached Richmond Police and through a letter drop, got 200 people to attend a police meeting at St Matthias Church.
There, the South Richmond Neighbourhood Watch scheme was born.
In the early days, there were four volunteer coordinators on four streets. Now, there are 55 coordinators on 53 streets and 1,941 members.
Neighbourhood Watch Coordinators meet once a year and work with police and the public to keep local streets safer.
Representatives have played a pivotal role over the years alerting the public to crimes.
Most recently when a scam hit Church Road of a criminal targeting residents at parking meters, the Neighbourhood Watch were quick to report it.
SEE MORE: Parking meter scams – what they are and how to avoid them
Over the pandemic, several roads formed Whatsapp groups, helping each other out with buying groceries and medicines.
The 70-year-old said her neighbours “saved her life” as she and her husband were struck with covid for three weeks.
Well-wishers dropped paracetamol and dishes of lasagne on her doorstep until the couple had recovered.
Mrs Farnell-Watson said: “Put very simply, Neighbourhood Watch brings people together, not just in terms of crime and safety, but in the wider sense of being there for one another, come what may.”
She has hosted annual street parties and Christmas events, which will continue into her retirement.
“My adventure 30 years ago has made me thousands of friends, and, I hope, the streets of Richmond safer and friendlier,” she said.”
If you would like to know more about Neighbourhood Watch please email me at Farnell-watson@blueyonder.co.uk
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