Civic awards given to two town champions

Charity fundraiser and man behind history lecture were recognised at award ceremony

TWO Thatcham stalwarts were presented with civic awards on Tuesday evening for their contributions to the community.

Felicity Belcher and Dr Nick Young were presented with certificates, badges and £15 book tokens by Thatcham mayor Lee Dillon, at the annual town meeting.

Miss Belcher, whose award recognised her significant contribution to the community, has dedicated 25 years to charitable work, and numerous charities have benefited from her fundraising efforts.

She estimated that she had raised almost £55,000 over the years by selling plants from her home. However, she passed on the praise to the Thatcham community, who she said had helped her with her efforts by giving her contributions to sell.

After receiving her award, Miss Belcher said that she was surprised and a bit embarrassed to be given it.

She said: “The nice thing is that the local community bring their excess produce. Lots of people have been helpful.”

Dr Young was honoured with his award for the work he does in promoting the town.

Particular mention was made of his support to commercial businesses and community groups by creating, hosting and running a free local website that aims to market the town world wide, and his efforts maintaining the Thatcham Vision project's website as part of his role as a member of the group.

He also started up the Peter Allen Memorial Lectures, at which guest speakers talk to audiences on a range of topics, and raise is money for the British Heart Foundation. Mr Allen, who had been the project manager of Thatcham Vision and a member of the Thatcham Historical Society, died of a heart attack in 2009.

Dr Young was also nominated for his work as the chairman of the Thatcham Historical Society and for helping out at town events, such as the annual Festival of Arts and Leisure.

Mr Young said that he was proud to receive the award, knowing who had been awarded it before him.

He said: “When the letter came through, there was a stunned look on my face. I thought ‘What have I done to deserve this?' I just do my little bit to make Thatcham better.”