THE HASLEMERE Volunteer Awards returned after a long Covid-enforced absence at last Wednesday’s annual meeting – with a dozen selfless servants of the community rewarded for their service.

It was the first ceremony since the death of Herald proprietor Sir Ray Tindle, who instigated the awards in recognition of outstanding contributions by individuals to the life of Haslemere in 2010.

This year’s Haslemere Volunteer Award recipients are: Margaret Barlow, Phil Bates, Colin Dodge, Charlie Dale, Howard Bicknell, Malcolm Carter, Caroline Hayes, Oliver Leach, Beryl Lindcott, Narn McNoo, Angela Wheeler and Tim Winter.

Complimentary drinks for all were served at the end, and the awards ceremony followed this year’s annual town meeting, chaired by the mayor, Councillor Simon Dear.

Haslemere town clerk Lisa O’Sullivan gave a report on town council activities over the past year, after which councillors took questions from the floor. Subjects raised by residents included policing in the area, the future of the Citizens Advice Bureau and the Community Infrastructure Fund for town improvements.

Haslemere Volunteer Awards judging panel chairman Hamish Donaldson paid tribute to Sir Ray Tindle.