Each year, Wokingham Town Council looks for residents who deserve recognition for their outstanding achievements and support of others in Wokingham.
It looks for those who have worked to make Wokingham a truly welcoming and inclusive town, provided 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.
Seven Civic Award winners received their awards last week, presented by the Town Mayor Cllr Sally Gurney.
This year’s worthy recipients:
Alan Jeffries, for his volunteering work at Cockpit Path Community Garden, Wokingham in Bloom (including Link to Nature), Link Visiting Scheme as a driver and with the Community Apple Press.
Andy Goffin, for his volunteering work at the Wokingham Lions Club, Wokingham Festival, Building for the Future, JAC and the Emmbrook Residents Association.
Jane Scholey, for her volunteering work and contribution to Wokingham in Bloom, both through leading the Friends of Howard Palmer Gardens volunteer group and Link to Nature.
Lucy Martin, for her tireless voluntary work with Wokingham Foodbank as an operations manager.
Mary Paul, for her ongoing volunteering work she dedicates to Cockpit Path Community Garden (having established it 10 years ago), the Community Apple Press and to Wokingham in Bloom including Link to Nature.
Pauline MacBrayne, for so many years for the Wokingham Horticultural Association, Wokingham in Bloom, Arborfield Flower Club and the Salvation Army.
Roger Ford, for volunteering as a driver at the Wokingham Volunteer Centre, undertaking repairs and maintenance at Helen Douglas House, volunteering at WADE, visiting care homes with his dogs, Wokingham cycling club and litter picking.
Cllr Adrian Mather, chairman of civic committee, said: “Wokingham Town Council Civic Awards are highly regarded and long-standing, being awarded from 1997 to amazing individuals in our community.
“As chair of the Town Council’s Civic Committee, I am constantly amazed at the voluntary contributions made by so many unsung heroes each year.
“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.
“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 thank 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.”
Town Mayor Cllr Sally Gurney added: “The Civic Awards are our way of saying a warm “Thank you” to Wokingham’s unsung heroes.
“These incredible individuals go the extra mile to make our town a better place through their selfless acts, and our community is enriched by their presence.
“All our winners are truly special people and are part of the heart and soul of our town.”
