Who’s A Star In Your Community? Nominations Invited For Mayor’s Award

Published on: 20 Jan, 2016
Updated on: 21 Jan, 2016

Do you know somebody who has done exceptional work in your community to improve the lives of others?

They may be selected for The Mayor’s Award for Service to the Community. It celebrates residents and groups who make a real difference by giving their time in volunteer roles.

It aims to recognise and encourage positive community working in the borough. Recipients of the award are nominated by the local community.

Recipients of the award in recent years have been Michael and Doreen Boxall. They have been working within the local community for over 35 years and have been involved in helping run a local youth club, helping fund and organise day trips for the elderly and directly involved in keeping their local area tidy.

For many years they have been members of the Ancient Order of Foresters, during which time they have supported other members in times of sickness and financial hardship at the same time as working hard to raise funds for the RNLI, Guide Dogs for the Blind, Macmillan and the British Heart Foundation.

Sheila Willis has helped to stage large outdoor community events, including the Stoughton in the Great War event in September 2014.

She has also held fund raising events including a garden open day and tea party at her home.

Sheila is a member of Fairland’s Women’s Institute, the editor of a local community magazine and is well known among the community from her previous role as the local police community support officer, covering Stoughton ward. She also gives popular talks about the history of women in the police force and her own interesting career.

Shirley West BEM won an award in 2004 for her work for the British Heart Foundation, fundraising and inspiring others to give her the support needed – helping the Royal Surrey County Hospital. Her award in 2007 was for her organisation of the Castle Green Bowling Club for over 10 years, making it a cultural attraction for both national and international visitors.

And the Guildford Dragon NEWS’ David Rose received the award in 2014 for his work as co-ordinator of the Joining In! project that supports community development in Westborough and Park Barn, his local history work, and his local journalism in helping to tell the stories of others who do valuable work in their communities.

The Mayor of Guildford, Nikki Nelson-Smith.

The Mayor of Guildford, Nikki Nelson-Smith, said: “We are asking local people to nominate good deeds, community spirit and selfless commitment within their community. These awards recognise the tremendous contribution made by the kindness, generosity of spirit and endless enthusiasm of many people at a local level in their neighbourhood.”

The awards are kindly sponsored by The County Club, Guildford. General manager Kevin Lorimer, added: “This is a great opportunity to recognise some of the generous and worthwhile deeds that are carried out in our borough, and to thank those people for their care and commitment.”

To nominate someone or a group in your community, complete the online form at www.guildford.gov.uk/mayorsawardforservicetothecommunity or email the civic secretary to request a form at CivicSecretary@guildford.gov.uk or call 01483 444031.

The deadline for nominations is Friday, February 12. The mayor will present the awards at an informal ceremony on Saturday, April 16.