Awards Ceremony for Recipients of Mayor’s Award for Access

Published on: 27 Oct, 2023
Updated on: 29 Oct, 2023

Organisations, groups, charities and premises that provide better access and helpful services to people with disabilities have been honoured in this year’s Mayor of Guildford’s Award for Access.

The Mayor, Masuk Miah, presented this year’s winners with their awards at a ceremony held at Guildford Baptist Church in Millmead on Tuesday, October 17.

Pictured with the Mayor of Guildford, Masuk Miah, and member of the awards panel, are recipients of the 2023 Mayor of Guildford’s Award for Access at the presentation evening at Guildford Baptist Church on Tuesday, November 17.

Silver awards were given to the Friary Centre and St Luke’s GP practice, and bronze awards were given to Guildford Cathedral, the Ash Vale Centre and Guildford Cricket Pavilion.

Access through the Arts recipients were the Rhythm of Life Community Choir that is is open to all ages and singing abilities. The choir’s focus is not just singing but friendships of its members. It was formed in 2014 and meets at The Hive community centre in Park Barn.

The Rhythm of Life Community Choir sing at the awards presentation evening.

The choir is led by Karen Taylor with David Rose on guitar. After the presentations were made the choir was invited to sing two songs from their repertoire – Fly Me To The Moon and Teach Your Children.

Trekkers, at St Saviour’s Church in Guildford, was also presented with an Access through the Arts award. This group brings together young people who are vulnerable or have additional needs. They can get involved with fun activities, crafts and a drama club.

Services to the Community awards were presented to:

Katy Leonard, the organiser of Puttenham Youth Club.

The citation for her award included that Katy has played a large part setting up the club and keeping it running for the last 10 years. It’s grown from a few children to a thriving and active membership of over 40 between the ages of eight and 15.

Horsley, Bookham & Leatherhead Riding for the Disabled is run and funded by a team of dedicated people. They teach children and young adults with disabilities to horse ride at Badger’s Farm Livery Yard.

George and Mark, fundraisers for the Halow project, organise an annual 250-mile cycle ride across England and France. It has been has been raising funds for the charity since 2013. The pair have raised more than £1 million for halow over the past 10 years.