Twyford comes together to celebrate its great citizens

A CHARITY supporting people with dementia and a woman who collected aid for Ukrainian refugees were among those recognised in this year’s Twyford Together Community Awards.

At the first Awards Night since 2019 due to the covid lockdowns, other recipients included a woman who runs football teams for girls and a popular cafe.

There was a mixture of tears of joy and proud smiles during the ceremony which recognises villagers and businesses who have gone the extra mile to make a difference for others in the community.

Rob Yeadon, the chair of Twyford Together said it was “very moving” to see so many people honoured for helping others.

“Twyford is made up of individuals who go out of their way to make a positive difference.

“They work tirelessly and silently as individuals and as businesses, looking out for their neighbour and providing a service year in year out.

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“The awards are a way of saying a very big thank you to them and to let them know their efforts and kindnesses really do make Twyford a special place to live in.”

Locals are invited to nominate people in a variety of categories. These are studied by a panel with the winners being announced at a ceremony which this year was held at Buratta’s in The Royal Oak.

Among those lifting a prize were Caroline Macaskill as Sports Person of the Year, for setting up a number of football teams for girls under nine and under 18 while Clara Steuart won Young Achiever of the Year for encouraging others to run their first 5K for charity. Clara raised funds and awareness for Wolfram Syndrome in 2021 by running with her guide.

Debbie Martin was named Neighbour of the Year. She coordinated a three-month campaign last year to raise/collect relief and aid for the people of Ukraine. The busy Mother of two Schoolchildren gave all of her spare time to ensuring large volumes of aid boxes and bags were gathered at her home and eventually shipped off abroad.

Charity of the Year went to Understanding Dementia. This small charity provides a lifeline for families who are caring for people with dementia as well as educating and informing professionals. It provides online and in-person courses that not only offer information and knowledge but also emotional support which is essential for carers.

Shirley Pearce, Understanding Dementia’s Founder, CEO and Trainer, said: “Lucy and I were so proud to have received the award for Charity of the Year, especially as we were up against another three wonderful local charities. To date, we have supported over 150 family dementia carers, and over 100 people with dementia – an amazing achievement for such a small charity, and we are delighted to get this recognition.”

The Cozy Nook won Business of the Year and was described as “a wonderfully friendly, independent café with home-made produce. Service is always with a smile.”

Added Rob: “I was delighted to present two Gordon Storey Awards in honour of the great man who did so much for Twyford. The first went to The Duke of Wellington which doubled as Gordon’s office, an award he would have loved to be giving out himself.

“The second went to Emma Donald, a person who shuns attention, yet without her neither the Twyford Together Fun Run nor these awards would have been possible.”