Woodley Town Council awards your local heroes
Woodley Town Mayor Cllr Juliet Anderson awards local heroes as nominated by the community of Woodley
We were delighted to award Woodley’s local heroes at our recent Annual Town Meeting, held in the theatre at The Oakwood Centre on 23rd May.
Neighbour of the Year
Vikram Singh was awarded Neighbour of the Year for supporting people in Woodley to stay safe online and avoid being scammed. David Lawson, one of Vikram’s nominees, said: “Vik is a real community hero because he has helped me and other neighbours stay safe online.”
Volunteer Group of the Year
Woodley Lunch Bunch were awarded Volunteer Group of the Year for their continued work providing a packed lunch delivery service to families in Woodley who are having a difficult time financially, or in other ways, during the school holidays. Brent Lees, one of the nominees, said: “Many people have had challenges associated with the pandemic and the cost of living crisis and are juggling whether to put the heating on or feed their children. Lunch Bunch is an organisation that helps with some of those challenges and that’s why I felt they were very deserving of this award.”
Juliet Sherratt, chairperson of Woodley Lunch Bunch praised and thanked the volunteers of the group for their dedication and continued support to help the local children of Woodley.
Volunteer of the Year
Peter Hawkins was awarded Volunteer of the Year for his dedication helping others and encouraging individuals to take up and enjoy bowling. Peter is a founding member of Woodley Bowling Club and also helped build the Clubhouse. Stephen Treeves, one of the nominees, said: “I can’t think of a better tribute as Woodley Bowls Club celebrates its 60th anniversary than to give someone who was a founder member and who helped build the club and see it move forward to get an award for his work in the community.” Stephen also praised Peter’s wife Viv, who is also a valued member of the community.
Mayor’s Award
Former Woodley Town Mayor, Cllr Janet Sartorel, awarded Shane Mason from the Good Companions Pub, for his work providing meals on Christmas Day and Boxing Day to the elderly & vulnerable, alongside providing a free soup kitchen during the winter.
“Ever since Shane and Leanne took over the management of the Good Companion Pub, they have set out to make community the heart of what they do. From November last year to January this year Shane and Leanne provided a free soup kitchen at the pub. On Christmas Day and Boxing Day, in collaboration with the charities Woodley Lunch Bunch and Woodley Share, they sent out over 120 Christmas dinners, celebration boxes and presents for local children. For their outstanding contribution to the community, I am delighted to nominate Shane and Leanne for this year’s Mayors Award.”
