Pride of Guernsey: Sam Reoch

AN ‘INSPIRATIONAL’ WOMAN who spends hours of her spare time clearing beaches and lanes of rubbish, while encouraging others to do so through her two Facebook groups, has been nominated for the A7 Design-sponsored Parish Champion of the Year award.

Sam Reoch set up and runs the almost 3,000-strong Facebook groups Found On The Beach In Guernsey, Beachcombers, dedicated to the joys our bailiwick beaches can bring, as well as the Helping To Keep Guernsey Beautiful group, where she encourages residents to help her dispose of waste found in lanes and on beaches.
Her followers are known as the Womblers because they believe in picking up litter and agree with the motto of the Wombles TV show – ‘Making good use of the things that we find, things that the everyday folk leave behind’.
Miss Reoch was nominated by two people, Anita Maber and Jon Archer, who both said they found her dedication to the cause inspirational.
‘Sam and her dog Millie keep the beach users safe from sharp glass or needles, and if there is anything larger that needs moving, the group pulls together and gets it removed,’ said Mrs Maber.
‘Sam and her group do a fantastic job and I think she needs to be recognised and thanked for the wonderful job she does – she’s a real inspiration.’
Mr Jon Archer said: ‘The difference in the beaches around Guernsey is clearly noticeable and has been recognised by local experts on marine life.
‘She is an inspiration and has encouraged so many people to start helping to keep our beautiful island the way it should be.’