SOME of Woodley’s greatest citizens were given their just rewards last month, thanks to the town council’s annual awards night.
The Community Heroes – the new name fror its citizens awards – were presented by journalist and broadcaster Matt Allwright, and were awards to people nominated by fellow reisdents.
Mr Allwright grew up in the town and shared some of his childhood ancedotes before introducing the winners.
Environmentalist of the Year was David Provins, who founded Friends of Woodford Park and was given the award for his work in tending to the gardens of the popular recreational park.
He was nominated by Morag Frost, who said he set “a wonderful example of leadership” and praised him for being enthusiastic, reliable and hard-working.
“A man of many parts, one in a million, David deserves a big pat on the back in terms of recognition as a community hero,” she said.
David thanked the volunteers who help him and also made a plea for more volunteers to join the team.
Voluntary Group of the Year went to Woodley Volunteers, and the award was accepted by its chairman, Alistair Todd, and coordinator, Karen Todd.
Founded more than 40 years ago, the volunteers help to get Woodley residents to medical appointments, staying with them and taking them home.
Nominated by Pamela Webber for giving up their free time and using their own vehicles and providing such an essential service, she said: “They are always prompt, helpful and friendly. It has helped me attend my medical appointments as I don’t drive and do not have anyone else to ask.
“The service is priceless and they all deserve a medal.”
Alistair said: “It’s an honour to be recognised and awarded.”
There were two winners the Volunteer of the Year award.
Carolyn Wildman won for her work with Share Woodley, a free food-sharing project which began at the start of the Covid pandemic at Emmanuel Church, sharing surplus food from catering companies and supermarkets. It is valued by users including those affected by the cost of living crisis, Ukrainian refugees and asylum seekers accommodated in nearby hotels.
Juliet Sheratt nominated them, saying: “Carolyn has worked tirelessly to build links with local food outlets who can donate food and to build a strong team of volunteers who help to collect food and host the Share session on a Monday afternoon.
“She is always professional but friendly and will go the extra mile for people. She truly deserves recognition for her hard work, as with or without an award, she is a community hero.”
Carolyn said: “I’d like to say a big thanks to my husband Pete – I couldn’t do it without him.”
She also thanked all of the volunteers and suppliers.
The second winner was Lynne Shipton from Chemogiftbags, a charity that supports those newly diagnosed with breast cancer, following her own diagnosis. They provide a bag filled with thoughtful and helpful items to help someone undergoing chemotherapy following a breast cancer diagnosis.
Tracy Linden, who nominated Lynne, said: “She has worked tirelessly since the charity Chemogiftbags was born in 2015.
“The many reviews she has received from recipients of the Chemogiftbags is testament to the light she brings to others at what can be a daunting time.”
Lynne said: “It’s a team award. Not just about me. We wouldn’t be here without the generous help from the team, volunteers, ambassadors. It’s about giving love for the people going through the treatment so they know we’re there to support them.”
Young fundraiser Dexter Rosier scooped the first Young Person of the Year award after being nominated by his mum, Samantha.
During the first Covid lockdown, Dexter started running marathons to raise money for Royal Berkshire Hospital. He also camped out for a month to raise funds for Camp Mohawk.
Dexter also uses his own initiative to donate to local food banks inspired by Marcus Rashford and set up Dexter’s library based out of Whitley CDA, to help as many children as possible to have access to books during the summer holidays.
“Dexter cares for everyone; indeed, he is a huge advocate of human rights for equality,” said Samantha. “Dexter is a young anomaly – he is gentle, mature, emotionally intelligent, empathetic and sympathetic in his approach to his everyday living.
“Dexter Rosier makes the world a better place.”
Dexter, who already has more ideas for fundraising, said: “I do it to help people.”
The final award of the evening was the Mayor’s Outstanding Contribution Award. Woodley Town Mayor, Cllr Janet Sartorel gave the honour to Rosemary Edgington from Winnersh District Royal British Legion for her dedication, persistence and continuing support of the Poppy Appeal in Woodley.
Cllr Sartorel said Ms Edgington has been involved in the poppy appeal across various committees since 1978, and took over from her father as organiser for Woodley in 2017.
“In 1998, poppy selling migrated to Woodley precinct, where it still remains today. In fact, my husband Lou was out with Rosemary selling poppies last November. Luckily, they now have a few more comforts when selling, including a table and chairs and not just a ‘poppy box around the neck’,” Cllr Sartorel said.
She also started working with Woodley Town Council and its Armistice Day event in 2021, following in the footsteps of her father.
“She is a valuable and vital member of the team who put the Armistice event together and they have asked me to convey their very heartfelt thanks for her support and guidance, adding that they look forward to continuing this relationship and benefitting from Rosemary’s knowledge, dedication, kindness and support for many years to come,” Cllr Sartorel said.
The awards ceremony was followed by a reception in the Carnival and Maxwell rooms, catered for by Brown Bag.
Plans are now being made for next year’s awards. Nominations will open later in the year. For more details, log on to: https://www.woodley.gov.uk/civic/community-heroes-awards
