Recognition for Those Who Do Great Things in the Community

Published on: 7 May, 2022
Updated on: 9 May, 2022

By David Rose

Picking up litter, decades of devoted community service, and helping Santa deliver presents. These are just some of the things, says Guildford Borough Council, that 16 individuals and organisations in the borough have done to receive 2022’s Mayor’s Award for Service to the Community.

Pictured with the Mayor of Guildford are the 2022 recipients of the Mayor’s Award for Service to the Community. Click on image to enlarge in a new window.

It celebrates people who go out of their way to improve the lives of others. It recognises those who fostered good relationships and encouraged positive community spirit.

The recipients were invited to a presentation ceremony at the County Club in Guildford High Street on April 30, and they are:

Tony and Jackie Brown, who have raised hundreds of pounds for charity, including their local branch of The British Heart Foundation

Arbreen Hussain, who has led the IT department at mental health charity Oakleaf Enterprise for nearly 10 years and has made an enormous impact on hundreds of individuals during this time.

Steve Knight, who has collected litter in Jacobs Well at least twice a week for the last five years. Steve performs this duty voluntarily and selflessly and residents benefit from this cleaner environment.

Claire Marrow, a home school link worker at Stoughton Infant and Nursery School, who makes a positive difference to the lives of the children and families in the community.

John and Jean Meredith, founding members of Jacobs Well Residents’ Association in 1959, and for their length of service and positive impact on the community.

Andrea Norman Walker, a trustee at the Hungarian Cultural Association Guildford, who has made a significant contribution to the charity which now has 500 members, and 137 children take part in regular educational and cultural activities in Guildford.

Rupert Philips, a dedicated and outstanding volunteer, who played a crucial role in the vaccination programme.

Angela Phillips, a badminton coach, who has dedicated the last 40 years of her life to the young people of Abinger, Albury, Gomshall, Holmbury St Mary, Peaslake and Shere.

Rosemary Richmond, who has devoted an astonishing 48 years of service to the community of Pirbright, retiring from her role as a parish councillor at the end of January 2022.

Vicky Robinson, from the National Eczema Society, for her effort and commitment over many years including raising awareness and fundraising.

Alan Wood, who has worked tirelessly to improve the lives and services of Guildford Borough Council tenants throughout his time as chairing its tenants group.

The crew of Gomshall Fire Station, including Matt, Richard, Simon and Tom for their volunteering efforts, including helping Father Christmas deliver presents to the children of Abinger Hammer, Albury, Gomshall, Holmbury St Mary, Peaslake and Shere.

Guildford Chamber Choir for its service to the local community.

Guildford Heath Walks, run by Annelize Kidd and her team of walk co-ordinators for walks all year round, including adapted walks for people after the lockdown.

Guildford Lions Club, for its commitment to fundraising for good causes through events, including its Fireworks Fiesta.

The Rotary Club of Guildford, whose members have fundraised and served the community of Guildford for 100 years.

The Mayor of Guildford, Councillor Marsha Moseley, said: “Many, many congratulations to all our fantastic winners of this year’s awards.

“Thank you to everyone who took the time to nominate the exceptional people and groups we have in Guildford.

“All our winners have gone the extra mile. It is right we join with the community to recognise and celebrate their achievements. From raising funds for good causes to supporting young people with sports, the commitment these individuals and groups have made is truly humbling and commendable.

“As always, I am inspired by their stories and during my mayoral year I have experienced the wonderful sense of community we have across the borough. These awards recognise the tremendous contribution that the winners have made to residents of Guildford.”

Wholenotes Community Choir performed at the event. It was launched in January 2018 for those with social anxiety, a learning disability and / or autism.

Its musical director Alison Wrigley said: “Singing at the ceremony was joyous, uplifting and inspiring. The members all let me know that they were thrilled to be there and so pleased to give back to their community.”