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Hungerford Freedom of the Town Awards 2022 are presented




HERE they are: this year's heroes of Hungerford.

Behind the scenes they keep the town's celebrated community spirit alive.

And, in a delightful twist, the founder of the awards himself was honoured this year.

FOT (60048363)
FOT (60048363)

Martin Crane, who was town mayor for five years, created the accolade in 2012 "to promote good citizenship by recognising as role models those in our midst who, by their actions and demeanour, have demonstrated exceptionally loyal service to the benefit of the town".

He attended this year's awards ceremony at the town hall where the deputy Lord Lieutenant of Berkshire, Sarah Scrope, read the citations before the recipients' invited family and friends, mayor Helen Simpson, town councillors and previous recipients.

Also honoured this year were Penny Locke and Jennifer Bartter.

Our photograph shows, left to right: Penny Locke, Helen Simspon, Martin Crane, Sarah Scrope, Jenny Bartter

The citations:

* Martin Crane OBE

Martin joined the town council in 2008 and during his time as councillor he held the office of mayor for a total of 5 years – longer than any other mayor in the history of Hungerford, finally stepping down as a councillor in 2021.

This extraordinary commitment alone is deserving of this award.

His work on tourism and bringing visitors to Hungerford was his passion and he succeeded in putting Hungerford on the map by helping the town become part of the Great West Way.

He was instrumental in improving the High Street, campaigning tirelessly for the renovation of run-down buildings, and for introducing welcome signage.

Martin established connections with local businesses and set up an annual event at the school to help leavers connect with local jobs and industry.

He continues to give his time in his 80s and is often seen out painting locks, weeding or planting trees with ARK (Action for the River Kennet) and the church.

He regularly mows the grass by the co-op garage and cuts back overgrown vegetation.

He volunteers at Sunday School.

* Penny Locke

Penny works tirelessly to organise events, promote local charities and businesses.

She is a positive force for good in the town and wider community and an extraordinary networker and connector.

Along with her husband she produces Penny Post, a weekly online newsletter and website promoting local events and organisations.

She started Hungerford Food Festival which has grown into regular monthly markets for local producers with an emphasis on sustainability and helping the environment.

She is a member of the Hungerford Environmental Action Team (HEAT) and Hungerford Swapshop.

Penny has been involved with John O Gaunt School, as Parent School Association chair and helped run many fundraising events.

She is also an ex-cub leader.

Penny deserves official recognition for her exceptional contribution to the community over a number of years.

* Jennifer Bartter

Jennifer has dedicated herself to the community for decades and aside from running the Bowls Club as membership secretary for a number of years, she is heavily involved with community support organisations.

She started and runs Hungerford Food Bank and despite this being a sharp learning curve, she goes out of her way to deliver food and other products to the housebound, isolated and homeless people in the town.

Without her, many families in Hungerford would not cope.



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