Spotlight shines on local heroes at annual Mayor’s Awards
Community contributions from across the Winchester district have been recognised during the annual Mayor of Winchester’s awards.
The ceremony took place in Winchester Guildhall on Thursday 13 March, when a total of 54 award certificates were presented to 71 local individuals, groups and businesses.
Among those recognised were: the Rotary Club of Bishop’s Waltham; Jean Browne; Hampshire Swifts; Winchester Young Carers; Winchester Go LD; Gary Munday from Swan Samba; Alan Marlow from Winchester Ramblers; Connect Winchester Community Bus; The Soberton and Newtown Conservation Group; Danny Dubois; Tuesday’s Place in King’s Worthy; Citizens Advice Winchester; Kathy East from Lanterns Nursery School; GrOws (Green Owslebury); Keith Leaman; Natalie March; Anne Collins, Parish Clerk serving Durley and Upham PCs; Wilfred’s Café in Droxford and Meon Valley; Jenny Webb from South Wonston Community Café.
Swanmore Accredited Community Support Officer (ACSO) Gary McCulloch was presented with an award.
Mr McCulloch, who has been in the role for five years and works in Swanmore and Owslebury, said: “I was really shocked and humbled to be amongst so many well deserving people from all across the district. Myself and my fellow ACSO Sarah work filling the gaps and taking care of what are often little things; people can see they’re being listened to. If I can solve a problem, it’s good for the local community.
“I truly believe that my job is the best there is and I thoroughly enjoy every minute of it. I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who took the time to nominate me.”
The Mayor of Winchester Cllr Russell Gordon-Smith said: “The annual Mayor of Winchester Community Awards is one of the most important events in the Mayor’s calendar, and it’s a way to acknowledge and celebrate the quite invaluable work carried out by many community-spirited residents and business of all ages, from all walks of life.
“It has been heartwarming to see just how many kind and compassionate people there are in our district. I was so impressed by the humbling and inspirational achievements, which included three remarkable instances of lives being saved by quick thinking and well-trained individuals, taking charge of emergency situations; in one case a fourteen-year girl had set in motion a rescue attempt.
“I offer my profound thanks and admiration to every award recipient, for all that they have done and will no doubt continue to do for our community across the Winchester district.”