THE 13th ceremony to honour outstanding service to the community in Haslemere was held at The Georgian Hotel, last Wednesday.

The presentation of the Volunteer Award medals by mayor Melanie Odell came after the official business of Haslemere Town Council’s annual meeting, held at the hotel earlier in the evening.

A further seven people from the town were recognised for exceptional contributions, taking the number so far honoured up to 78 since the scheme’s foundation in 2010. The original idea came from Sir Ray Tindle, proprietor of The Herald, who presented the town council with a number of medals to be given in recognition of special service by individuals. An independent panel was then set up to consider names submitted by fellow residents.

Panel chairman Hamish Donaldson gave a short summary about the awards scheme before Fay Foster read out the names of the recipients. Mayor Melanie Odell, who had herself received the award in December 2011, presented the medals and ribbons, and gave a resumé of the service each individual had given. Those honoured were:–

• Barbara Badger, for Haslemere and District Twinning

• Shirley Hankers, for Haslemere Chamber of Trade and the Royal Society of St George

• Brian Howard for his services in numerous capacities

• Jocelyn McCarthy, for Haslemere Hospital League of Friends

• John Patrick, Haslemere Volunteer Bureau and for his services to the medal award scheme itself

• Michael and Robina West, for their work with the Three Counties Association of National Trust Members.

Residents can now nominate people for the next award ceremony to be held in October 2016. Forms are available from the Haslemere Town Council office, or online at www.haslemere.com/awards