Reigate & Banstead Mayor Recognises Local Volunteers
47 hard working volunteers and volunteer teams from across the borough have been recognised for their dedication to the community at the Mayor’s annual Volunteer Awards on Friday 20 July 2018.
These included 9 awards for long service volunteers - a new category this year - 14 awards for individual volunteers, a record seven young volunteer awards (aged under 25), 13 volunteer team awards, two trustee awards and two business awards.
Two award winners also received special recognition awards for their outstanding service, having volunteered for 90 years between them. Judy Clark, from Reigate has dedicated more than 40 years’ service to the Scouting movement and Jean Longley, from Merstham, has volunteered for 30 years with the Library Direct Home Service (formerly Books on Wheels).
The Mayor of Reigate & Banstead, Cllr Dorothy Ross-Tomlin, presented the winners with framed certificates at the ceremony, which was followed by a reception to thank them for their valuable commitment and contribution to the borough.
The Mayor said of the winners: “‘Taking Responsibility’ is my chosen theme for my year as Mayor. We have heard so many inspirational stories of people who, through volunteering, do just that to support our communities. Volunteering regularly is not easy, but it is extremely rewarding. I want to thank all of the borough’s volunteers for contributing so greatly to our local area and making the lives of so many people so much better. These awards are just one small way to say ‘thank you’ for the selfless work they do for others.”
The annual awards scheme, now in its fifteenth year, is run by Reigate & Banstead Borough Council and Voluntary Action Reigate and Banstead to celebrate the unsung heroes who do so much valuable work for the borough and its communities and to show appreciation for their time and commitment to helping others.
Alisdair Semple, Trustee of Voluntary Action Reigate & Banstead, said: “What a fantastic evening! It is always inspiring to hear about the positive impact that volunteers are making in our local community. We hear a lot of bad news stories, but it’s also important to remember that, every day, thousands of Surrey residents give some of their time to help others. The Volunteer Awards is an opportunity to celebrate ordinary people doing extraordinary things.”
