02 May 2017

Outstanding members of Woking’s community celebrated their achievements at the Mayor’s Civic Reception on Friday 28 April 2017.

The event, which recognises the dedication of Woking residents, was held at H.G. Wells Conference and Events Centre, where the Mayor of Woking, Cllr Anne Murray, announced Woking’s Eminent Citizen for 2017 and the winners of this year’s Young People’s Civic Award Scheme.

Eminent Citizen

Robin Hoyle has lived in Horsell for 22 years. Active within the local community, Robin is a key member of Horsell Residents’ Association, getting involved in many projects such as Pares Woodland Garden, an area of abandoned woodland that has been cleared to create a woodland walk in the heart of the village. Since then, the project has grown and now assists with the maintenance of the historic churchyard at St Mary’s Church.

Robin is also Chairman of Horsell Common Preservation Society and has been involved and completed recent projects including Riverside Meadows Walks, a new Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace (SANG) that has been developed by the Society and Woking Borough Council, and the recently created lake and wetland area, Heather Farm.

Young People’s Civic Award Scheme

Now in its 21st year, the Young People’s Civic Award Scheme aims to reward young people who make outstanding contributions to the community whose work or achievements may not normally be recognised. The judging panel included representatives from Woking Borough Council, Woking Youth Council, Surrey County Council, Surrey Police, Sport Woking, and the voluntary sector.

Outstanding Contribution to the Community

Declan-Lee O’Leary – Declan-Lee attends Woking High School and is a remarkable young man. Declan-Lee works tirelessly to help people in the local community as well as fundraising to help improve conditions for people living in poverty abroad. Declan regularly visits elderly and disabled people in his community offering support with dog walking, light housework, shopping and giving his time freely to chat.

A dedicated fundraiser, Declan is currently raising £2,500 for a mission to Tanzania and where he will help to build pit latrines, repair water tanks and provide support in a local children’s home.

Outstanding Achievement

Jamie Lewis – Jamie, who attends Winston Churchill School, is an extremely talented gymnast. Jamie has dominated junior gymnastics for the last two years, achieving the titles Under 16 Great Britain All-Round Champion and English All-Round Champion, and winning Great Britain Team Gold at the Junior European Championships in 2016.

A member of Woking Gymnastics Club, Jamie is an excellent role model and continually works hard to reach his goals and is supportive of his team mates. In the future, Jamie will target the Junior Europeans again in 2018 before switching to the senior competition, with his ultimate goal of competing at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

Pictured is Mr Finn Chu of Woking Gymnastics Club who collected the award on behalf of Jamie who was unable to attend the Civic Reception due to competing for Great Britain.

Triumph Over Adversity

Rishika Raghunandanan – Rishika attends Fullbrook School and is a kind, keen and conscientious individual who unfortunately has missed a lot of school due to serious medical issues. Rishika has worked tirelessly to catch up on her studies, and despite undergoing fortnightly chemotherapy sessions, Rishika never complains and always has a smile on her face.

Rishika is also extremely supportive of other students and will always help those in need when she can.

Presentation

The Mayor of Woking presented each winner with a glass trophy, certificate, family cinema ticket (sponsored by The Ambassadors) and a £25 Woking Shopping gift card (sponsored by Woking Shopping).

Speaking about the awards, Cllr Anne Murray, Mayor of Woking, said: “These awards recognise local people who go above and beyond to give their time selflessly to help others within our community without expecting anything back.

“During my Mayoral year, I have met many extraordinary people and groups who make a significant contribution to our community that make Woking a better place to live. I am therefore extremely proud that we can, as a community, honour these extraordinary people and give them the recognition they deserve. They are a true inspiration to us all.”

Article by Woking Borough Council