Seven remarkable individuals have been recognised for their exceptional contributions to the local community at the prestigious Services to Farnham Awards, held on 12 May 2025.
The ceremony was hosted by the retiring Mayor of Farnham, Councillor Brodie Mauluka, who praised the depth and quality of Farnham volunteers’ achievements. He said: “I am continually inspired by Farnham’s volunteers who represent a spirit of helpfulness, cheerfulness and dedication for our community.
“Their efforts support many important facilities and services including care of the elderly, the environment, young people, sports and the arts. My thanks and congratulations go to all, and particularly the recipients of the Services to Farnham Awards who have demonstrated a high level of commitment and achievement.”
Each recipient was awarded a bespoke medal and certificate, presented by the Mayor in recognition of their outstanding voluntary service across a range of areas including services to inclusion and literacy, Sailability, Farnham Sea Cadets, art and culture, Farnham Citizens Advice, the natural environment and Farnham Lions.
The 2025 award winners are: Gill Cox, David Gibbs, Sean Kavanagh, Graham Mollart, Jacqui Priddle, Libby Ralph and Phil Williams.
The annual awards, inspired by the late Sir Ray Tindle, are organised by Farnham Town Council and celebrate the often unsung heroes of the local voluntary sector.
Farnham Town Council is seeking nominations for the 2026 Services to Farnham Awards, with residents encouraged to put forward individuals who make a lasting difference to the Farnham community. More information can be found at www.farnham.gov.uk/servicestofarnham.
The recipients of the 2025 awards and their nominations are:
Gill Cox
For services to inclusion and literacy
Gill Cox has made a profound and lasting contribution to the Farnham community through her tireless work supporting inclusion and literacy. A former secondary school teacher she brings a deep love of language to her work, especially in supporting refugees and those for whom English is not a first language. Since moving to Farnham in 2007, Gill has continued her tireless efforts, including a Reading Club at the Spire Church supported by around 15 volunteers.
Entirely self-funded, the club not only improves language skills but also builds confidence, fosters social connections and integration, and empowers participants to better support their families and contribute to the community. Gill’s compassion, energy, dedication and empathetic leadership continue to inspire all who meet her, she is ‘hard-wired’ to help others in the local community.
Gill is a truly deserving recipient of the Services to Farnham Award.
David Gibbs
For services to Sailability and services to Farnham
David Gibbs has been a long-time volunteer and supporter of local organisations in Farnham including Probus, Care Farnham, Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice and Frensham Pond Sailability.
David Gibbs has dedicated over 15 years to Farnham Sailability, helping to grow it into the vibrant, inclusive organisation it is today. After a distinguished career in the Royal Air Force, David brought his leadership and practical skills to Sailability which allows people with disabilities to experience the freedom and joy of sailing in a safe and supportive environment.
As a regular Saturday volunteer and a Duty Sailing Master which meant he was responsible for a safe and efficient operation on the day of his duty, David has been a key part of the team. His recent donation of funds for a new dinghy, ROSIE III, stands as a lasting tribute to his dedication and service to Frensham Pond Sailability. He is rightly recognised for his services to Farnham.
Sean Kavanagh
For dedicated service to Farnham Sea Cadets
Sub Lieutenant (SCC) Sean Kavanagh RNR exemplifies commitment through his tireless support of TS Swiftsure, the Farnham Sea Cadet Unit and his dedication to its aims. Recently commissioned as Sub Lieutenant (SCC) RNR, he volunteers multiple days a week for parades, training, and national events while juggling family and work.
Sean’s focus is on ensuring the cadets are paraded in their best uniform and representing Farnham youth in their best light, whilst creating an exciting, safe and learning environment for the cadets of TS Swiftsure. He is always present at key civic occasions and he ensures cadets represent the town with pride at both local and national occasions.
Sean’s leadership, humour, and care provides young people with vital skills in a nurturing environment. He enables self-improvement and personal growth whilst developing life skills in a sea cadet unit for which Farnham can be proud. Sean is commendable of a Services to Farnham Award.
Graham Mollart
For services to art and culture in Farnham
Graham Mollart is a former Head of Art at Farnham Heath End School, and founding member of the Farnham Art and Design Educational Group (FADEG). Graham pioneered initiatives like the town’s first Big Draw which is now in its 18th year; and from 2017, the first two ‘Unseen Artists’ exhibitions which celebrate the use of art by many of the town’s groups and individuals not usually seen in galleries. In addition to this, he also runs a phone box gallery for Frensham Infants School.
As a World Craft Town Committee member, lecturer, and writer, Graham is passionate about sharing Farnham’s creative legacy and he regularly gives presentations on why Farnham is a World Craft Town which has been extended into a series of articles.
Graham’s community spirit extends beyond the arts, and he has supported a local autistic young person for over ten years. For his community contribution and leadership in the arts, Graham Mollart receives the Services to Farnham Award.
Jacqui Priddle
For service to Farnham through Citizen’s Advice and Rotary Jacqui Priddle is one of the unsung heroes of Farnham’s community known for her unassuming commitment and dedication to local causes, fundraising, and international awareness. Jacqui has been a committed member of the Rotary Club of Farnham since 2012 supporting its activities in a variety of roles including fundraising lead, the Youth Speaks competition and as President for 2022-2023.
Her approachable nature, organisational skills and campaigning spirit have supported numerous initiatives and members of the community. Most notably, she has given an incredible 40 years of service as a volunteer with Citizens Advice, helping countless individuals with guidance and support.
Jacqui is one of the people who make Farnham tick and deserves recognition through the Services to Farnham Award.
Libby Ralph
For services to Farnham’s natural environment and biodiversity
Libby Ralph has led several different community groups to protect and enhance the natural environment, ecology and biodiversity in Farnham and the surrounding areas.
Libby has been a driving force in protecting and enhancing the local environment. As Chair of both the Friends of Farnham Park and the Farnham Biodiversity Partnership and the Farnham Rivers Group, she leads work parties, consults with local councils, and spearheads
green corridor initiatives.
Her practical conservation work spans multiple sites including Bishops Meadow, Tice’s Meadow and the SUEZ site in Runfold where she has co-ordinated hedge-laying projects and landscape restoration. In addition, Libby has made important contributions to strategic documents of statutory organisations to ensure biodiverse areas can be protected and lasting. Libby shares her extensive knowledge generously, benefiting numerous local groups and residents and deserves to be recognised and celebrated.
Phil Williams
For services to Farnham through the Farnham Lions
Phil Williams has been an active member of Farnham Lions for many years and incredibly active in support of the Farham community. He led the project for the refurbishment of computers for disadvantaged families during the pandemic and continues to manage this as and when needed.
In 2019, Phil instigated the Lions Roar project in Farnham which encourages creative learning in schools and developing “new ideas that could change the world”. He has also been a key part of the management team for the Farnham Beerex over many years and became its Chair in 2025.
Phil works hard to support the local community, both young and old, and manages ongoing projects to redistribute much needed resources including equipment, clothing and materials through local community hubs which might otherwise be thrown away.
Phil’s creative approach, always looking for new and innovative ways to support Farnham is truly deserving of recognition through the Services to Farnham Award.
Notes for editors
David Gibbs was unable to attend the ceremony but will be presented with his award separately.
