Volunteers from around the borough were recognised for their invaluable contribution to the community at a special awards ceremony at the Town Hall on Tuesday, 17 November 2009.  The winners of this year’s Mayor’s Community Awards were presented with their certificates by the Mayor of Reigate & Banstead, Cllr Richard Mantle.

In total 14 awards were made for dedication and hard work in serving the local community including one young volunteer award, seven awards to individual volunteers, three team awards and one in the trustee category. Click here for a full list of winners.

Outstanding Voluntary Contribution Award
The top ‘Outstanding Award’ was awarded to Jean and Frank Pullen, who have dedicated a large part of their lives to sport and serving the local community, helping to run and fund Walton Heath Sports Club for over 40 years.  Sadly Mr Pullen passed away in July this year.

Between them Mr and Mrs Pullen have been Club Secretary and Treasurers, groundsman, key fundraisers and social event organisers for the club, club benefactors, team manager for various youth teams, trainer, club captain and player as well as providing post match refreshments and cleaning the muddy kits.  Mr and Mrs Pullen were nominated by Peter Farrington of Walton Heath Sports Club who described the couple as unsung heroes and pillars of the local community ... they have been the heart and soul of WHSC and its valuable role in the local village community for half a century.

The Mayor's Congratulations
Following the awards, the Mayor said: "I am honoured to be able to recognise the work of these dedicated volunteers.  It is impossible to measure the enormous contribution they make to the residents of this borough.

"During my term as Mayor I am constantly reminded of the tremendous work done by volunteers.  I extend my wholehearted thanks not only to those recognised with these awards but to all the borough's volunteers who give so much of their own time to helping others."

The Mayor presented each of the award winners with a framed certificate in recognition of their valued contribution to the community and the winners of the Outstanding Award also received a crystal trophy. 

More about the Award Scheme
The Mayor's Annual Community Awards scheme was introduced in 2004 to recognise the contribution made by volunteers and to celebrate the role of the voluntary sector in serving the Borough and its residents.  The annual awards scheme is organised by Reigate & Banstead Borough Council in partnership with Reigate and Banstead Council for Voluntary Service (CVS).

Full List of Winners

Young Volunteer Award:

• Matthew Swinburn has been volunteering through the YMCA’s vinvolved scheme since 2006.  He has been a helper and befreinder at Age Concern, worked at Furnistore and the YMCA as a buildings maintenance support volunteer and taken part in fundraising events and events to promote volunteering.  Matthew was nominated by Reigate & Redhill YMCA.

Individual Volunteer Awards
Seven individual ‘Volunteer Awards’ were made to individuals for dedication and commitment to voluntary Service in the local community:

• Maureen Hooker was nominated by St Catherine’s Hospice for her many years’ work as a volunteer fundraiser, raising in excess of £27,000 for the charity.

• Colin de’Ath is a founder member of the Motor Neurone Disease Association East Surrey, which was formed in 1979.  He has been a tireless fundraiser for the association, until recently ran its 100 Club and visits other MND sufferers in East Surrey.

• Margaret Bloomfield (aged 77) has been volunteering for over 40 years including stints with the St John Ambulance, the Red Cross, recording the Talking Newspaper and more recently, Age Concern Banstead who nominated Margaret.

• Rosie Collins was nominated by the Cats Protection Crawley, Reigate & District Branch where she has been branch co-ordinator for over 12 years, helping over 600 cats and kittens a year, as well as guiding and motivating fellow volunteers.

• John Wilson, who sadly died earlier this year, was a well thought of volunteer for the Samaritans for over ten years, holding many posts including Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Leader and Training Officer.  John’s colleagues nominated him for the tremendous amount of time and care he gave everyone.

• John Marchant has been a volunteer for St John Ambulance (Redhill & Reigate Division) for 28 years, not only as a member but as a trainer.  Over the last 28 years he has given thousands of hours of his time.

• Francesca Tracey was nominated by the Children’s Trust in Tadworth where she has been a voluntary PR Officer and newsletter editor for the past 14 years.  She has also directly raised thousands of pounds for the charity along with a number of high profile events.

Team Awards
Three 'Team Awards' were made to:

• The shop helpers from Friends of East Surrey Hospital were nominated by Richard Burford, Voluntary Services Manager.  Some 150 volunteers between them run two coffee shops, seven days a week, serving patients, visitors and staff.  Some helpers are in their 80s and others have served for over 20 years.  The shops have also contributed some £1,500,000 to the hospital in the last 25 years, helping to fund important new equipment.

• Furnistore’s Volunteer Van Crew help to load and unload furniture at the warehouse and nominator Sue Shortman said that without them giving up their own time, Furnistore would not be able to meet the needs of clients (often in dire need) without their help.

• The support team for Reigate & Redhill YMCA’s Challenge Events have been nominated by Chief Executive Ian Burks.  They gave up their time, energy and expertise to help over 100 local challengers taking part in arduous events to raise money for the YMCA’s work in East Surrey, acting as drivers, mechanics, coaches, cooks, administrators, marshals and counsellors.

Trustee Award
One award was made in the Trustee Award category, for showing due diligence, good governance and commitment in the running of an organisation:

• Jeff Travis is Chairman of the Trustees of Familyline Surrey, a freephone helpline for families.  Jeff gives up a lot of time to help the charity, always looking for new ways to raise awareness and funds and new ways to reach the families the charity helps.

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Incorporated within the
Reigate and Banstead Council of Voluntary Service
76 Station Road, Redhill, Surrey RH1 1PL
(Charity Number: 1045949)

(c) Reigate and Banstead Council of Voluntary Service 2009