TV star presents awards to heroes
SOME of Woodley’s greatest citizens were given their just rewards last month, thanks to the town council’s annual awards night.
The Community Heroes – the new name for its citizens awards – were presented by journalist and broadcaster Matt Allwright, and were awards to people nominated by fellow residents.
Mr Allwright grew up in the town and shared some of his childhood anecdotes before introducing the winners.
Environmentalist of the Year was David Provins, who founded Friends of Woodford Park and was given the award for his work in tending to the gardens of the popular recreational park.
He was nominated by Morag Frost, who said he set “a wonderful example of leadership” and praised him for being enthusiastic, reliable and hard-working.”
David thanked the volunteers who help him and also made a plea for more volunteers to join the team.
Voluntary Group of the Year went to Woodley Volunteers, and the award was accepted by its chairman, Alistair Todd, and coordinator, Karen Todd.
Founded more than 40 years ago, the volunteers help to get Woodley residents to medical appointments, staying with them and taking them home.
Nominated by Pamela Webber for giving up their free time and using their own vehicles and providing such an essential service, she said: “The service is priceless and they all deserve a medal.”
Alistair said: “It’s an honour to be recognised and awarded.”
There were two winners the Volunteer of the Year award.
Carolyn Wildman won for her work with Share Woodley, a free food-sharing project which began at the start of the Covid pandemic at Emmanuel Church, sharing surplus food from catering companies and supermarkets.
Juliet Sheratt nominated them, saying: “Carolyn has worked tirelessly to build links with local food outlets who can donate food and to build a strong team of volunteers.”
Carolyn said: “I’d like to say a big thanks to my husband Pete – I couldn’t do it without him.”
She also thanked all of the volunteers and suppliers.
The other winner was Lynne Shipton from Chemogiftbags, a charity that supports those newly diagnosed with breast cancer, following her own diagnosis. They provide a bag filled with helpful items to help someone undergoing chemotherapy following a breast cancer diagnosis.
Tracy Linden, who nominated Lynne, said: “She has worked tirelessly since the charity Chemogiftbags was born in 2015.”
Lynne said: “It’s a team award. Not just about me.”
Fundraiser Dexter Rosier scooped the Young Person of the Year award and was nominated by his mum, Samantha.
During the first Covid lockdown, Dexter started running marathons to raise money for Royal Berkshire Hospital. He also camped out for a month to raise funds for Camp Mohawk.
Dexter also uses his own initiative to donate to local food banks inspired by Marcus Rashford and set up Dexter’s library based out of Whitley CDA, to help as many children as possible to have access to books during the summer holidays.
“Dexter cares for everyone; indeed, he is a huge advocate of human rights for equality,” said Samantha.
The final award of the evening was the Mayor’s Outstanding Contribution Award. Woodley Town Mayor, Cllr Janet Sartorel gave the honour to Rosemary Edgington from Winnersh District Royal British Legion for her dedication, persistence and continuing support of the Poppy Appeal in Woodley.
Cllr Sartorel said Ms Edgington has been involved in the Poppy Appeal since 1978, and took over from her father as organiser for Woodley in 2017.
She also started working with Woodley Town Council and its Armistice Day event in 2021, following in the footsteps of her father.
“She is a valuable and vital member of the team who put the Armistice event together,” Cllr Sartorel said.
■ To nominate for next year, visit www.woodley.gov.uk/civic/ community-heroes-awards