Thatcham three honoured for ‘giving their time tirelessly for years on end’

Thatcham mayor John Boyd announced the winners of the yearly awards at the annual town meeting on Monday night.
The first went to Margaret Barrett, who, in 45 years of voluntary work, has helped out most areas of the community, from being mayor in 1980 and 1984, to running the Age Concern charity shop.
The all-rounder has also given up her time to be a school governor, member and chairwoman of the Memorial Hall committee, member and secretary of the parish hall committee, town councillor, and Women’s Institute member.
She said: “I was flummoxed to receive [the award]. I never really thought of myself as somebody who would get an award. It’s been amazing really, even now I can't believe it.”
Also honoured at the awards was Viv Druce.
Mrs Druce has been the clerk to the trustees of Thatcham Parochial Charities for nine years and was a trustee for six years before that. She has also been a friend and supporter of the elderly residents living within the charity’s almshouses.
She said: “You don’t expect to be nominated [for an award] – it’s what you do, so you just do it. It’s a lovely feeling to be appreciated. The award was totally unexpected.”
The final award was given to John Stone who, with his wife Patsy, set up Children 1st West Berkshire, a charity that supports children and young people who are or have been in care in West Berkshire.
He is the chairman of the charity, the handyman and the office manager and regularly drives young people to appointments and job interviews.
Mr Stone said: “I don’t [often] get awards and I don’t do it for that, but I’m surprised and pleased with the award.”
The mayor said: “These people have been involved in the town and the community and I just think they are so deserving of these awards.
“People say I have given a lot of time as mayor, but I do that for a year – these people have been giving their time tirelessly for years on end. Recognising that is something we should do.”