Published Monday, 3rd October 2016
Fifty seven hard working volunteers from across the borough have been recognised for their dedication to the community by the Mayor of Reigate & Banstead at a special awards ceremony.
Fifty hard working volunteers from across the borough have been recognised for their dedication to the community by the Mayor of Reigate & Banstead at a special awards ceremony.
Thirty volunteers and volunteer teams received Mayor’s Volunteer Awards at the event at the Town Hall on Friday 23 September 2016. These included 17 awards for individual volunteers, three young volunteer awards (aged under 25), four volunteer team awards, four trustee awards, one trustee team award and a business award.
Some of the volunteers receiving awards have given over 70 years’ service to their community and together they have volunteered for over 300 years!
Lifetime of dedication
Three of the award winners also received Outstanding Volunteer awards for a lifetime of dedication to others, with over 160 years’ service between them. Ronald Pearce (aged 98) from Hroely has volunteered for the Royal British Legion since 1949; Barbara Wing of Surrey East Trefoil Guild has volunteered for 63 years with the Guiding movement; and Marianne Hecker was rewarded for her for her inspirational and innovative idea of Us in a Bus for which she has volunteered for 25 years.
The Mayor of Reigate & Banstead, Cllr David Powell, presented the winners with framed certificates, which was followed by a reception to thank them for their valuable commitment and contribution to the borough.
Deserving
The Mayor said: “I want to thank all our volunteers for contributing so greatly to our local area - making the lives of so many other people so much better. Volunteering on a regular basis is not easy. We all have such busy lives and to dedicate time to others is sometimes tricky. However, I know it is also extremely rewarding and appreciated by those that receive their support.
“Our award winners have played an important part in so many peoples’ lives and that’s why they are so deserving of these awards.”
This is the thirteenth annual Mayor’s Volunteer Awards since the scheme was launched in 2004 to recognise the contribution volunteers make and to celebrate the role of the voluntary sector in supporting the borough and its residents.
The annual awards scheme is organised by the Council in partnership with Voluntary Action Reigate & Banstead.
Inspirational
Gill Williamson, Chair of Voluntary Action Reigate & Banstead, said: “We have heard some truly inspirational stories. Congratulations to everyone who received an award and on behalf of the voluntary sector, thank you for your time and commitment.
"The search for volunteers is ongoing. If you have been inspired by the Mayor’s Volunteer Awards and want to find out more about volunteer opportunities then please come along to our Volunteer Fair at Reigate College on 13 October (4.30pm – 7.00pm). Over 30 local organisations will be there, all hoping to meet the next set of Volunteer Award winners.”
Mayor's Volunteer Award winners 2016
Young Volunteer Award
- Gala Evans, age 18, 30th Reigate Scout Group
- Alex Coveney, age 18, 30th Reigate Scout Group
- Stella Gold, age 13, St. Mark’s Community Lunch
Individual Volunteer Awards
- Ronald Pearce for his work with the Royal British Legion
- Marianne Hecker, founder of Us in a Bus
- Cyril Smith, Regent House Community Centre
- Jean Reynolds, Relate, Mid-Surrey
- Dr Paula Richardson, St. John’s Ambulance
- Ron Gorton, Sight for Surrey
- Neil Munday, Susy Radio
- Ron Arnold, New Pond Farm Allotments
- Lynn White, Redhill and Reigate Marlins Swimming Club
- Bob Barnes, Radio Redhill
- Diane Pope, Girl Guiding UK
- Hannah Sears, St. Luke’s Church
- Joan Powell, Reigate Lawn Tennis Club
- Jennifer Robinson, The Workers’ Educational Association
- David Smith, Reigate Rugby Football Club
- Steve Ellis, Shawley Community Primary School
- John and Helen Snowden, The Downlands Partnership
Volunteer Team Awards
- Community Debt Advice team
- Horley West Girl Guiding team
- St. Francis’ Church Mums and Babes organisers
- Reigate and Redhill Live at Home Scheme
Trustee Award
- Barbara Wing, Surrey East Trefoil Guild
- Paul Veness, 9th Horley Scout Group (awarded posthumously)
- Geoff Geach, East Surrey Talking Newspaper Association
- Caroline Vaughan, Family Line
Trustee Team Award
- Woodhatch Community Association Management Team
Business Award
- Winterbotham Darby & Co Ltd for their work with the Redhill and Reigate Live at Home Scheme
For more information about the awards scheme see the Mayor's Volunteer Awards page.