About the awards

Once a year, we give Services to Farnham Awards to people who provide an outstanding or crucial service to the community or the people of Farnham. The awards medals are kindly sponsored by the Tindle News Group.

Nominations

Nominations are welcome from local organisations and from members of the public.

If there is somebody you would like to put forward, you will need to explain why you are nominating them and will require a seconder.

To nominate somebody you know, please complete the Services to Farnham Award nomination form.

Judging 

A small panel of people consider the nominations and put forward their winning selections to a meeting of the Full Council at the end of January.

Presentation of the awards

The winners are invited to receive their awards at a special ceremony in February. This normally takes place on the last Monday in February. The Mayor of Farnham presents the awards.

Recipients of Services to Farnham Awards

2022/23

The Mayor of Farnham, Councillor Alan Earwaker presented medals to:

Paul Adams

Paul Branston Adams is one of Farnham’s larger-than-life characters often seen as Father Christmas or the Easter bunny raising funds for charity.  For over 30 years he has supported the Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice and other community causes to raise much needed funds, and also add some fun and colour. In addition, Paul teaches cricket to the younger generation.

Through his business, Branston Adams, Paul has supported networking and mentoring events for other local businesses to help the local economy believing strongly that if you look after the community, the community looks after you.

Paul is a real community champion much deserving of this award.

Roy Beard

Roy Beard has volunteered at The Spire Café for over a decade and is a dedicated, indispensable, and valued member of The Spire Church. He gives his time tirelessly and generously to the customers and members and was one of the key team that helped the café win a national Community Project Award for providing a safe and supportive environment. Roy is also a Trustee of the Farnham United Reformed Church Charity.

Roy is a real unsung hero appreciated by all who meet him.

Barry Cogger

For as long as anyone can remember, Barry Cogger has been an integral part of the Farnham Remembrance Service in Gostrey Meadow being one of the first to arrive and last to leave.  Barry voluntarily sets up the PA system to enable the service to be broadcast to those attending and the increasing numbers of the community who arrive to watch.

As a local business, Barry has always supported community events whether the Lions Spectaculars over recent years, or other community activities.  Over many years Barry has worked alongside Heath End secondary and Hale primary schools providing and staging for school events.

Barry is someone who always responds to requests for help and generously gives of his time and experience without expecting anything in return.  He deserves recognition for his community spirit.

Norma Corkish

Norma Corkish has been working exceptionally for Farnham for many years using her time, strategic skills and diplomacy to support many organisations that offer so much for Farnham.

Since 2005, Norma has been the Chair at the award winning New Ashgate Gallery Trust and since 2011 has driven the evolution of The Bungalow to the Hale Community Centre, Upper Hale as its chair, supporting residents of all ages. As an active Rotarian she is the immediate past President of the Rotary Club of Farnham.

So many organisations have flourished with the excellent support and focus brought by Norma that she is a very worthy recipient.

Jonathan Curtis

For over ten years Jon Curtis has been chair of the Dempster Trust, supporting individual residents of Farnham who are in need.  As part of this role, he has played a leading part in the Farnham Support Fund, liaising between the panel and individuals in need, to verify applications and ensure targeted decisions are made fairly and promptly.

Jon brings experience as a magistrate and his calm and thoughtful approach has been much valued.  Jon is also an active member of the Farnham Rotary Club leading the Club’s community team. Jon’s dedication, patience and sensitivity makes him an ideal recipient of a Services to Farnham Award.

Mark Elsoffer

Mark Elsoffer has been a dedicated volunteer at Tice’s Meadow for over twelve years.  Although not a Farnham resident, Mark is committed to improving this award-winning space for the benefit of wildlife, local residents, and those travel from further afield.

Mark leads on social media and the collation and distribution of the Tice’s Meadow annual reports. Mark’s ability to connect with the community and get more people involved has seen 36 work parties and over 4,200 volunteer hours over the past year. There is no doubt that without Mark’s leadership, vision, zest and tenacity, Tice’s Meadow would not be the well-managed, safe and welcoming environment it is today.

Ruth Hicks and Maureen Williams

Ruth Hicks and Maureen Williams have worked tirelessly for over 15 years to help raise funds for the Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice.

During this time, Maureen and Ruth have hand-crafted hundreds of beautiful birthday, Christmas and any-occasion cards, helping to raise an estimated £35,000 for the important and necessary work of the hospice.

Maureen and Ruth’s hard work and continued commitment to this cause over the years has been exemplary, and is a true example of people wanting to dedicate their valuable time and energy for those less fortunate.

The dedication and commitment of both Ruth and Maureen has really made a difference to the hospice and is worthy of recognition with a Services to Farnham Award.

Sue Keogh

Sue Keogh has had a major impact on Farnham community life for over 25 years as Chair of Governors both at St Mary’s Frensham, and Weydon Secondary Schools, a member of the Farnham Rugby Club Committee and more recently as Secretary of the Farnham Sports Council.  She was one of the organising committee for the Farnham Community games and now runs Dementia Friends sessions for the Alzheimer’s Society.

During COVID, Sue helped set up and run the Farnham Helpline providing vital help to the most vulnerable at this uncertain time. Sue was also a pivotal member in the team that set up and ran the vaccination programme at Farnham Hospital and manages the volunteer pool to ensure all shifts are covered.

Sue took on the role of helping co-ordinate the inaugural Farnham Literary Festival and played a key part in its success in both 2022 and 2023. Through her vital and unselfish volunteering Sue has made an outstanding contribution to community life in Farnham.

Katherine Larmer

Kate Larmer was the driving force behind Farnham Homes for Ukraine and the special relationship between Farnham and Kharkiv. Working with Tatyana Moskalenko, Farnham residents were matched with Ukrainian residents at the start of the war.

Kate worked closely with Farnham Town Council, Waverley Borough Council and other organisations such as Frensham Heights School, often breaking new ground in resolving issues for which there was no rule book.  She created a wide range of services to assist including a ‘shop’ with clothes and toys, and supported English lessons and facilitated access to leisure and other services.

During COVID, Kate created a valuable network which assisted with the wider community response in helping individuals and families in need.

Kate’s personal contribution working all hours to support, respond and make a difference to her community makes her a worthy candidate for the Services to Farnham Award.

Collette Macklin

Collette has devoted over 25 years to running Girl Guide groups for various ages in Farnham. She started running 1st Bourne Rainbows at the young age of 19 and followed this by leading the 1st Bourne Brownies, Guides and Rangers groups providing a nurturing environment and adventurous outlet for hundreds of girls.

Collette has given up so much of her own time over the years taking the groups on various camps and trips in addition to their weekly meetings, ensuring they understand the importance of community spirit by also joining in community events.

Collette really goes above and beyond and she should be recognised for her 25 years of outstanding selfless contribution to Girl Guiding in Farnham.

John Martin

John Martin has been an active community volunteer in Badshot Lea for some 20 years as a litter picker, a founder member of the Badshot Lea Bloomers, and an active committee member of the Kiln Village Hall. John likes a challenge and always strives to do what is best for the community. In recent years, John has played a leading role in the Bloomin’ Kids’ workshops and planting out tens of thousands of plug plants with other volunteers.

One of John’s biggest achievements has been the creation of the highly successful Community Garden in Badshot Lea from a patch of land to a buzzing, thriving community space hosting a range of events for all ages. He is someone that goes above and beyond for the good of his local community.

John’s vision, dedication and personal commitment is inspiring and truly deserving of recognition.

Tony Ostime

Tony Ostime has been at the heart of Farnham & Alton Talking Newspapers for 27 years.  As main contact for the group of volunteer readers, he organised the rosters of 80 volunteers for the four core readings a week with exemplary tolerance and good humour.

From 1988 Tony was also Treasurer then Chairman of Farnham Amateur Operatic Society (FAOS). He was also a stalwart leading member of FAOS where, with his fine baritone voice, he put his own unique stamp on many lead roles.

Tony has always put service before self and, in his case, long and loyal service. He represents Farnham volunteering at its best and is a worthy winner of the Services to Farnham Award.

Christine Sargent

Christine has volunteered for Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice for the past 22 years, for Victoria Garden for the last seven, and has been looking after the Garden of Reflection area of West Street Cemetery for three years.

Christine’s primary work has been hands-on horticultural, as well as offering advice and expertise in selection issues. This has been sustained and committed volunteering, taking considerable time and energy.

As someone who is self-effacing, going quietly about her business and duties, Christine exemplifies the commitment of volunteering and the fundamental values of community life.

Through her tireless and sustained engagement in volunteering Christine encourages the rest of us to take part and is a shining example to all.

Lady Beryl Tindle MBE

Lady Tindle opened the Downing Street Charity Shop in 1987, running it for 35 years with the help of many volunteers. During this time over £30,000 was raised for various charities, the majority of them local to Farnham. Before this, Lady Tindle was heavily involved in Adult Education in West Street, running courses to teach adults to read and helping foreign students to learn English, and was previously Head of the Clare Centre, a remedial centre for children in Dorking

On moving to Farnham in 1961, Lady Tindle became President of Homemakers, a role she held for over 50 years. Lady Tindle has also been a Governor of Pilgrims Way Primary School in Farnham and Patron of the Children’s Centre, at Potters Gate School.

Throughout her life, Lady Tindle has been involved in the support of the more disadvantaged in society and a great philanthropist. She is a worthy recipient of the Services to Farnham Award.

Gail Whattingham

Gail Whattingham is known throughout Farnham as the Queen of Christmas. Every year, Gail festoons her house in Greenfield Road with lights to raise money for the Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice. Since she started fundraising at the age of ten, she has raised more than a million pounds for charity.

Gail was selected to be a torch-bearer for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games as an outstanding member of the local community and is about to celebrate 50 years on the Farnham Sports Council, having been a founder member.

Gail’s quiet contribution to Farnham life and her amazing fundraising efforts make her stand out as a community hero deserving of a Services to Farnham Award.

Paul Whitlock

Paul Whitlock became a Trustee of Abbeyfield Wey Valley Society in 2006 and became its Chairman in 2011 steering the Society through a major expansion. He was instrumental in setting out a strategy to transition the Society into a professionally run care home group with responsibility for six care homes and two supported houses.

Paul was also heavily involved with the Dempster Trust for 17 years, providing invaluable advice to the Trust. As a member of Farnham Rotary Club since 2006 he has been actively involved in fundraising activities and support for local charities and events; he also chaired a regional committee of the Rotary Foundation.

Paul is an outstanding example of an individual who has devoted many years of commendable voluntary service to the Farnham community meriting the Services to Farnham Award.

2020/21

The Mayor of Farnham, Councillor Pat Evans presented medals to:

Rev’d David Ashby

John Birch

Tony Burke

David Coker

Sarah Coker

Christopher Ellis

Peter Glover MBE

Michael Maher

Rebecca Skeels

2019/20

The Mayor of Farnham, Councillor Pat Evans presented medals to:

Rachel Britton

Vic Cracknell

Col. Jack Crawford

Anthony Goodall

Louise Granville-Jones

Dr Alan Hunt

Michael McAleenan.

John Negus

Graham Noakes

Graham Precious

Chris Shepheard

Norman Smith

Barry Wilkinson

2018/19

The Mayor of Farnham, Councillor David Attfield presented medals to:

Dr Martin Angel

Dr David Brown

Rachel Deadman

Philip German

Iain Hunter

Polly Murray

Valerie and Douglas Nye

Catherine Powell

Marion Stagg

Marion Stockley

Bill Whittenbury

2017/18

The Mayor of Farnham, Councillor Mike Hodge presented medals to:

George Alford 

Alexa Barrow

Janet Fraser 

Mavis Golding 

Maureen Grew

Keith Harris

Robert Hockey

Richard Horton

Elizabeth Meade

Roy Waight

Ian Wilkins

2016/17

The Mayor of Farnham, Councillor John Ward presented medals to:

John Boas

Pam Easey

Susan Farrow

David Gill

Roger Hobbs

Carol McFarlane

Peter Sauter

Peter Seager

Sue Weaver

Susan Wells

2015/16

The Mayor of Farnham, Councillor Mrs Pat Frost presented medals to:

Martin Billett

Stewart Dakers

Brian Gravestock

Vera and Allan Maxwell

Joanna Michaelides

Gilly Stewart

Diane Vasey

Robert (Bob) Verner-Jeffreys

2014/15

The Mayor of Farnham, Councillor Jeremy Ricketts presented medals to:

Phil Alexander

Roy Beard

Robert Blackman

Linda Bone

Anne Boyman

Peter Buckingham

John Collins

John Ely

Alan Gavaghan

John Green

Peter Greenyer

Geoffrey Jeal

Margaret Kitney

Diana Martin

David McAdam

Darryl Morgan

Noel Moss

Edward Peek

Michael Prinsep

Ivy and Reg Skeet

Gavin Stride

David and Gillian Victor-Smith

2013/14 

The Mayor of Farnham, Councillor Paddy Blagden presented medals to:

Michael Beale

Roger Bradley

Peter Brinsden

Jan Clark

Simon Farrant

David Fisher

Brian Greig

Sue Hepburn

Jonathan Jones

Peter Matthews

Michael Yeadon

2012/13 

The Mayor of Farnham, Councillor Stephen Hill presented medals to:

Ian Carter

Meg Daniels

Audrey Gotting

Eric Goulding

David Graham

Sue Gravenell

Ken Powell

Nicky Staszkiewicz

Derek Wall

Marion Wall

Geoff Wallis

Rosemary Wisbey

2011/12

The Mayor of Farnham, Councillor Jill Hargreaves presented medals to:

Keith Aston

Jo Aylwin

Elisabeth Butters

Bill Cushen

Gloria Dyche

Maggie Groves

Lionel Knight

David Lambert

Steve Newport

Eve Price

Olive Silver

Tracy Thayre

Diane Thomas

Phil Thomas

2010/11

The Mayor of Farnham, Councillor John Ward presented medals to:

Elizabeth Bagnall

Ina Barzotelli

Sheelagh Greentree

Michael Hayter

Henry Liu

Jean Parratt

Berni Schoenberg

Mick Sturgess

Kevin Taitt

Cyril Trust

2009/10

The Mayor of Farnham, Councillor Lucinda Fleming presented medals to:

Mike Barter

Joyce Belcher

Leslie Binfield

Michael Blower

Sue Bowness

Brenda Broomhead

Roger Burge

Chris Elton

Nellie Hawkins

Carol Holman

Mike Holman

Jean Hurst

Brian Kurton

Dr Pat Lambert

Dennis Pratt

Mike Probert

Bryan Sell