Thatcham awards most outstanding members of the community at Annual Town Meeting

Thatcham Town Council awarded its most outstanding members of the community at its Annual Town Meeting on Thursday evening (May 8).

Each year, the council seeks nominations from members of the public for individuals,organisations and businesses who have demonstrated outstanding service or significantly contributed to improving public life in Thatcham.

A panel of councillors met on April 1 and the winners were announced last week as follows:

Sue Dobinson was selected for the Lifetime Achievement Award for her 40 years of volunteering with Girl Guiding.

Georgia Tully was presented the award for Inspiring Young Person for her work raising funds for Bliss, a charity for babies born premature or sick.

This year’s committee also recognised two winners for the Community Contributor Award.

The Therapy Gardening Group was selected as winner for the group/organisation category.

And Helen Randall was selected as the individual winner for her 10 years of service with children’s disability charity PALS, and for her dedication to guides and volunteer work beyond her duties.

Charmaine Buckley from Factors salon was unanimously selected as Environmental Champion. The committee praised her zero waste policy and recycling of hair clippings.

And Mo Rice was chosen as Volunteer Champion as the longest-serving RSPCA charity shop volunteer in the district with 14 years of service under her belt.

Nominations for next year’s awards will open in January 2026.