Special awards for people in Raunds who make their town proud

Raunds mayor Cllr Helen Howell was delighted to receive a large number of nominations for the inaugural Raunds Mayor’s Citizens’ Awards.

She handed out a number of certificates for achievement, as well as three special individual awards.

The winner of the mayor’s junior citizen award was Natasha Blakemore.

She is a young carer and a talented musician who is currently studying for her GCSEs at Manor School.

She regularly performs outside of school in her local community and was recently a finalist in the county council’s anti-bullying song writing competition.

The mayor’s citizen award went to Malcolm Tull for 40 years of dedication to the fire service and to the town of Raunds.

He retired in May 2014 but had given 40 years of service to Raunds and the surrounding community as a retained firefighter.

His citation said he always performed professionally in the most awkward and difficult circumstances.

And the mayor’s special award of recognition went to David Thoday in honour of his dedication and service over the years to Raunds.

He has served on the district council, Raunds Town Council and was a school governor for more than 40 years.

He completed 24 years of service in the Royal Observer Corps and has received the British Empire Medal for his service in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List.

He is currently chairman of the Raunds, Stanwick and Hargrave British Legion and has carried the Royal British Legion Standard at the Royal Albert Hall for the Remembrance parade.

A number of certificates of recognition were also given out at the presentation.

These went to:

- Geoff Dyne and Nick Amis for their volunteer work supporting people learning IT

- Bradley Denny for his work with the Archers of Raunds in recognition of his Olympic potential and the contribution he makes to the club supporting other young archers

- Tom Leggate for his continuing support to Raunds Town Youth Football Club. He is a role model for many young people

- Carol Gurney for her excellent work as a foster carer

- Debbie Wright, who although partially sighted, has won many awards for the sport of archery and is also a volunteer gardener

- Pauline Ellis for many years working non-stop for the good of Raunds town and its inhabitants

- Angel Valentine for arranging Streetlife meet-ups and supporting others, particularly the elderly and children in hospital

- Stephanie Hall for her work as chairman of the Friends of Raunds library group and success as a fundraiser

- Stephen Burdett for being a member of St John Ambulance for 38 years and the leader of Raunds St John Ambulance cadets

The service held last month was very well attended and the mayor thanked all the winners, nominees and nominators for being part of it.