Volunteers, who give up so much of their time to serve the community, are the town’s unsung heroes. In Godalming we are fortunate to have so many people, volunteering in so many different areas. Godalming’ s Annual Town Meeting held on Thursday, 16 March gave the opportunity for the Mayor, Councillor Shirley Faraday to say thank you to six worthy volunteers who were nominated by other members of the community.
The Mayor’s Volunteer Award recognises the service to the community of the nominees for their outstanding contribution to others.
This year’s recipients were Mandy Block for her work at the Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice shops, Emma Follett for her organisation and co-ordination of the drumming and percussion band popularly known as the XR WAB Samba Band which is open to all local people, Cherry Gay for her support for displaced Ukrainians in Godalming, Phoebe Gaydon for her lead of three jazz bands and fundraising for community groups through musical events, Tim Stephens for his help to others in the community and the donation of the produce he’s grown on his allotment to local groups and John Taylor for all the work and help he provides to the Farncombe Day Centre. All were presented with framed certificates and a Godalming town badge; a small token of gratitude for their hard work and dedication.
Speaking recently, Councillor Shirley Faraday said: “Every year people give their time, skills and care to Godalming. Some support the vulnerable, some bring music, theatre, art and joy to our town and some campaign for a better world. Every contribution is valuable to our community. It gives me great joy to announce the Mayor’s Volunteer Awards.”
Image L-R: John Taylor, Phoebe Gaydo,n Emma Follett, Shirley Faraday, Mandy Block, Cherry Gay and Tim Stephens
