Civic awards ceremony honours Newbury volunteers

Now in its 16th year, the Civic Award went to Catherine Moody, aged 73 from Newbury, for her work with Home Start West Berkshire, a charity which supports families with children under five who deal with issues such as isolation, sickness and disability and mental health.
Speaking at the ceremony Mrs Moody said: “I was just really surprised. I enjoy every minute of being a volunteer at Home Start.
"I meet lovely families and it is very rewarding.”
Mrs Moody got involved with the charity when it was created in 1997 after being encouraged by a friend and she keeps in contact with some families after they have left the scheme.
The Young Person's award, sponsored by Swift Group, was launched in 2008 for under-25s, and this year's winner was 18-year-old Amy Broughton, of Newbury, for helping set up a netball team at her former primary school at Speenhamland.
The school did not have a netball team until Amy stepped in to help pupils raise enough funds to buy a kit and the girls did not participate in any team sports but they have now played competitive matches against other schools.
Speaking on her win Amy, who is now studying for her A levels at St Bartholomews School and plans to study Philosophy at Exeter, said: “It feels really really good. It’s been a really rewarding experience to see the children’s confidence improve.”
All nominees were also presented with certificates to mark their achievements including Mike Clarke who was highly commended for nearly 60 years service to the Scouts, helping to raise £4,000 to buy an allotment and two tin huts in Remembrance Road for camping.
Michael Wooldridge received an award for his long-standing work with the Salvation Army brass band, playing at local hospitals on Christmas Day every year for over 50 years.
He also plays in Northbrook Street every Saturday in December and has helped raise over £250,000 as well as playing the Last Post at many Remembrance Day events throughout the area.
Volunteer teacher, David Grundy, was awarded for his work at Silver Surfers, a computer training course for senior citizens and Timothy Marsh was recognised for his organisational role of the Bayer 10k road race, which has helped raise over £40,000 for charity.
Mike Robinson, Helen Bartlett, Trevor Lisseman and Angus McDonald for driving elderly and disabled people to the shops and visits to clubs as part of the Handybus team.
Adam Elliott was also nominated for the Young Person's award for setting up and running the Dolman Scout Troop, after becoming a Scout leader when he was 18, and has helped young people develop their confidence and life skills.
The awards were held as part of the Annual Town Meeting and the theme for the evening was ‘building on a year of celebration’ in reference to the Queen’s diamond jubilee and London 2012 with special awards being presented to Games Makers by the mayor of Newbury, Arthur Johnson.