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Thatcham hands out Civic Awards




Seven-year-old Lennon Foad among those recognised for his contribution to the well-being of the town

PEOPLE and charities who have contributed to the well-being of Thatcham were honoured at the town mayor’s civic reception on Friday.

The event saw the presentation of three civic awards and two cheques to the chosen charities of the mayor of Thatcham, Gary Johnson, at the Frank Hutchings Community Hall.

First to be honoured was seven-year-old Lennon Foad who raised thousands of pounds for Breast Cancer Care by organising and completing a 20-mile bike ride to help his nanny Pam and others with cancer.

Lennon received a standing ovation, along with a few tears, when Mr Johnson presented him with a Thatcham Town Partnership Badge at the ceremony.

A Gold Civic Award was then presented to Heartstart Thatcham for their significant contribution to the well-being of the community of Thatcham. The charity provides free life-saving courses and has raised money to provide defibrillators within Newbury and Thatcham.

Scheme co-ordinator Dr Nick Young thanked his team, who he said worked tirelessly behind the scenes, and Mr Johnson for the support that he had given the charity over the last year.

“We are just one small cog that makes this scheme work,” Dr Young said. "It’s for everyone that works in this community that makes it what it is.”

The second award winner was Clive Williams OBE for his contribution towards restoring the Old Bluecoat School.

Mr Williams, who is the chairman of the charitable trustees, was presented with his civic award at a concert marking the reopening of the building earlier this year.

Last, but by no means least, was John Smart for his fundraising events with Thatcham Rotary Club since 2001 and as a regional organiser for ShelterBox, a charity that provides emergency shelter and supplies to communities around the world in times of disaster and humanitarian crises.

Reading the nomination Mr Johnson said that Mr Smart was “a very humble man who is always willing to lend a helping hand and make things happen”.

Indeed, Mr Smart was in Thatcham Broadway on Saturday collecting for ShelterBox’s Nepal appeal.

Mr Smart said: “I feel very honoured to receive this award. I extend my thanks to the Rotary Club who always support me in all the hair-brained schemes I come up with.”

Mr Johnson then presented cheques for £1,706.34 to his two chosen charities – the West Berkshire Therapy Centre and the Rainbow Rooms at the West Berkshire Community Hospital.

Therapy centre director John Holt said: “Gary has done a fantastic job over the year as mayor and this has helped to provide more support than we expected, so thank you.”

Amanda Hart from the West Berkshire Community Hospital also thanked Mr Johnson and all who donated throughout the year.

“Without this support we would not have such a wonderful hospital,” she said. “I would like to thank all staff and relatives for all you have done for us.”

Concluding the evening, Mr Johnson said that serving as the town mayor had been humbling and exciting for him and his wife Heather.

“It’s a year we will always remember with great pride. My remit was for fun and it has been. I have not stopped smiling and I hope people have been smiling with me.”



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