PILLARS of the community were honoured with a special service at St Bartholomew’s parish church to celebrate recipients of Haslemere Volunteer Awards.

The town initiative to commend community service, was launched almost 10 years ago by former town Rotary president John Patrick in partnership with Herald proprietor Sir Ray Tindle.

The public nominates those who they think deserve the awards and an independent panel discusses the nominations and decide on the medal winners.

Medal presentation ceremonies are held twice yearly to pay tribute to those who have given outstanding community service.

Six winners were presented with their medals at Haslemere Museum by mayor Sahran Abeysundara at a ceremony following the town’s annual meeting.

The most recent recipients back in April, were:

• David and Barbara Lightfoot, for arranging numerous holidays and outings for members of the Three Counties Association of National Trust Members

• Peter Marsh for 26 years of driving the Haslemere Care minibus and associated services

• Dorothea Nattrass, for her service with Haslemere Twinning and young people via the Crusader group

• Dr Keith Potter, Three Counties Money Advice team founder

• Julia Tarento, who organised fundraising for repairs to the road outside Grayshott Surgery.

The deadline for nominations for the next Haslemere Volunteer Awards, due to be held in November, is Friday, October 27.

Forms can be downloaded at www.haslemere.com/awards.

The Lord Lieutenant of Surrey, Michael More-Molyneux and Haslemere Mayor Malcolm Carter joined more than 60 medal holders, their families and friends, for Sunday’s service.

Haslemere Rector The Rev Mary Bowden welcomed those attending and the Lord Lieutenant and mayor each read a lesson.

The Rev Danny Wignall, vicar of St Stephen’s, in Shottermill, gave a talk in thanks, and the choir sang two anthems.

Prayers for the public spiritedness and generosity shown by residents were read by volunteers Fay Foster, John Patrick and Ann Fitchett. After the service, members of the 120-strong congregation were invited to enjoy drinks and refreshments in the adjoining church hall.

• Waverley Mayor Simon Inchbald issued an urgent appeal for more volunteers to come forward to help with youth groups, including Scouts and Guides at last week’s council meeting.

“Some groups have long waiting lists of young people wanting to join,” he said. “But they can’t join up, because of the shortage of adult helpers.”