Ten local men and women have been honoured in the prestigious annual Services to Farnham Awards at a ceremony in the Council Chamber of Farnham Town Council on 17 May. 

Speaking at the ceremony, the retiring Mayor of Farnham, Councillor Pat Evans said: “I never cease to be amazed by the depth and quality and achievements of the huge number of Farnham’s voluntary organisations and volunteers who represent a spirit of helpfulness, cheerfulness and dedication for our community. Their efforts support many important facilities and services including care for the elderly, activities of all kinds and for all ages, and elements of the fabric of our town like the library and museum.”

The 10 award winners, who each received a bespoke medal presented by the Mayor, are: Reverend David Ashby, John Birch, Tony Burke, Sarah Coker, David Coker, Christopher Ellis, Peter Glover MBE, Michael Maher, Rebecca Skeels and David Wylde. David Coker’s sister, Sue Power, received his medal on his behalf as he was unable to attend due to health reasons. 

This year’s awards recognise outstanding service to the community of Farnham in areas as diverse as emergency first aid, providing food parcels, sport, heritage, culture and the arts, and community safety. The awards were inspired by Sir Ray Tindle and continue to be sponsored by him. 

Each year Farnham Town Council, which organises the awards, invites local residents to nominate people who they think deserve recognition for their voluntary work in the local community. The awards ceremony ordinarily takes place in February but was postponed until May so that winners could receive their awards in person as restrictions eased.

Nominations for the 2022 awards will be invited in the autumn.

Read the Services to Farnham Awards nominations.