IT’S A celebration of some of Wokingham’s best citizens, and a real chance to honour good deeds in the process.
On Friday, Wokingham Town Council held its annual civic awards ceremony, aim to champion exceptional service to their family or community, added to the cultural life of the town, or found ways of making us a more environmentally friendly and sustainable town.
This year, four people received awards from town mayor, Cllr Maria Gee.
She was delighted to be able to present them with their honours.
“Civic awards are one of Wokingham Town Council’s highlights of the year,” she said.
“It is when we recognise residents for doing wonderful things for the greater good of our community. It is our chance to say ‘Thank You’ to those who have been recognised for going above and beyond in their voluntary activities in the community.”
And this was echoed by the chair of the civic committee at the town council, Cllr David Lee, who said he is regularly amazed at the number of people who make voluntary contributions to Wokingham.
“Usually, these people quietly carry on these good works in an unassuming way without seeking recognition or reward and bring untold happiness and relief to many of our residents,” he said. “Whether help is given through creating an environment in which to thrive, bringing families together, putting on events for the community to enjoy or offering a helping hand to those who need it, we salute you.
“We have so many dedicated and selfless people working for the benefit of our community on a day-to-day basis, and it is a great honour to recognise them each year through the Civic Awards ceremony.
“Volunteering is a great thing to do and brings more rewards than money can achieve.”
THIS YEAR’S WINNERS:
Karen Cosh
Nominated by Debra Morrison and Dean Corcoran for her volunteering work at CLASP
Karen is part of the CLASP team, supporting members at the weekly coffee club, monitoring members health and wellbeing, catching up with and supporting them through personal issues or day-to-day activities.
Ms Morrison said: “Karen is kind-hearted, a giver of time and attention, patient, balanced and quick to learn. Nothing is too much trouble.
“She is quick to spot and act on changes with our members.
“Karen allows us to offer a full end-to-end service with our members, especially those who do not have close family or friends around to step into this role. She is without a doubt a ray of sunshine and a true blessing for CLASP and its members.”
And Mr Corcoran added: “Karen has supported me with one-to-one sessions, without this support I would have really been struggling to do day-to-day tasks, and understand how to handle the anxiety and stress.
“She is so kind.”
Karen Smith
Nominated by Debbie Slay and Sally Wilson for being such a community-spirited neighbour.
They said that Ms Smith is a community champion for Woodrow Drive, the driving force behind many street parties including the Royal Wedding in 2011, The Big Lunch and annual street party, Platinum Jubilee party, VE Day celebration and numerous street fundraising efforts.
Judges also picked up on her desire to build and maintain her community, welcome new residents, and help those in need.
Mrs Slay said: “When Covid-19 hit, it did not deter Karen. She very quickly produced a flyer to the whole street inviting people to join a WhatsApp group.
“This proved a vital source of communication for all the street in supporting those who were vulnerable, isolating, new to the street or living on their own.
“I don’t think she realises how important this simple action has proved and the group is still an active form of communication today.”
Ms Wilson said: “Karen is the epitome of ‘Community Spirit’. There are people who talk ideas, and there are others who put it into action. Karen is the latter and for someone so unassuming, her efforts should be rewarded.”
Mrs Slay added: “Every street should have a Karen.”
Keith Warwick
Nominated by Keith Thorne and Jane Scholey, for his tireless work and contribution to Wokingham in Bloom through the creation of Friends of Howard Palmer Gardens working group.
Keith has volunteered with numerous organisations over the last 30 years and is still volunteering today, joining the Wokingham in Bloom team three years ago – when he was 81. He started at Howard Palmer Gardens in the town centre and soon after formed the Friends of Howard Palmer Gardens working group alongside Jane Scholey.
He can be found in the gardens once or twice a week throughout the year, with judges noting that he has a good eye for detail and spotted numerous areas around the park that could be improved.
Mr Thorne said: “Working alongside Keith is a real pleasure. While he is shy at first, you soon discover his great sense of humour and his love of nature and birds.
“He’s not afraid to tackle any project. He is committed and thorough in his approach and together we have all managed turn Howard Palmer Gardens into a real haven for the community.”
Ms Scholey said: “Keith is dedicated and hard-working, and always happy to tackle anything from weeding to litter picking.”
Peter Izod
Nominated by Susan Jackson and Maurice Monk for being an ambassador for Wokingham In Need, and his voluntary work with Easthampstead Rotary Club and the Wokingham Arts Trail.
Peter has been a volunteer for more than 10 years, dedicating more than 80 hours a month to his various roles and projects, including president, ambassador, designer and architect, presenter and fundraiser.
His work has not only helped shape projects but enabled members to raise funds off the back of designs and presentations he has made within the community.
Peter’s work within Wokingham In Need has brought to life projects such as the Sensory Garden within the Acorn Centre in Woosehill and at Wokingham Hospital, and also a new bathroom and kitchen within The Salvation Army in Sturges Road, that helps many in need within the communit.
He is currently working with the team to help design a new dementia care unit at WADE.
Ms Jackson said: “Peter deserves to be recognised – he lives in the heart of Wokingham and is dedicated to the support of others.
“I am proud to know him and work alongside him.”
