Unsung heroes honoured at the 2024 Newbury Town Civic Awards

Newbury’s unsung heroes were honoured and recognised at this year’s Newbury Town Civic Awards.

Organised by Newbury Town Council, five awards were presented at the ceremony on the evening of Wednesday, March 13 at St Nicolas Church Hall.

Award winners were individuals or organisations who have gone above and beyond to help make an exceptional contribution to the Newbury community on a voluntary basis.

Newbury mayor Nigel Foot said: “We received a record number of nominations for this year’s awards.

“All nominees showed dedication and commitment to their causes, and the variety of nominations show what a wonderful town we live in where people are willing to give their time and energy helping the community”.

June Milsom, who is fast approaching her 90th birthday, was the winner of the top prize, the Newbury Town Civic Award 2024, as she has given more than 50 years of service to the town’s Guiding and Scouting community as badge secretary and uniform shop organiser.

A town council spokesperson said: “Mrs Milsom’s uniform shop is not a small undertaking, with an operation that would rival many local shops.

“With all monies going back into local Guiding and Scouting, June makes no personal financial gain, and is a true civic-minded person and role model to girls and boys across the district.”

Mrs Milsom was unable to attend the awards evening but she was represented by her daughter Julia and Guiding leader Jackie who accepted the award on her behalf.

Daniel Udry, a 17-year-old student at Trinity School, received the Newbury Town Young Person’s Civic Award for his efforts running a weekly five-a-side football tournament after school on Wednesdays.

A town council spokesperson said: “Without Daniel, these tournaments would struggle to run, and he is a commendable role model for the young primary sports men and women in Newbury.”

A new award for 2024 was the Newbury Town Local Community Group Civic Award.

This was presented to Community United West Berkshire for its efforts in bridging the gap between ethnic minority groups in the town and vital local services, making them more accessible for those who need to understand what they can offer and how they can benefit.

The winner of the Newbury Town Business Civic Award was The Ugly Duckling, a pottery painting café located in Bartholomew Street.

It was honoured for its promotion of inclusivity, as it offers special sessions for those with SEND and homeschooling sessions.

It was also commended for encouraging people of all ages and backgrounds to be creative and for running several fundraising events for local charities.

The winner of the final award, the Newbury Town Environmental Contribution Award, was ARK Action for the River Kennet.

ARK’s Love The Lambourn project was highlighted for improving habitat diversity in the stretch of the River Lambourn that flows through Newbury.

ARK also leads community river day tasks with both adults and children which offer the community the opportunity to get hands-on learning new skills in river conservation.

Each winner received a trophy, had their names engraved on the town hall’s perpetual awards and were invited to a private reception with the mayor and the judging panel.

All 33 nominees for this year’s awards were invited to the ceremony where they were each recognised and given a certificate for their achievements.