Ashtead recognises outstanding services at the 2024 Ashtead Rotary Community Awards

Ashtead ‘local heroes’ were recognised for their outstanding service to the community at last night’s 2024 Ashtead Rotary Community Awards.

Three awards were made, to people nominated by their peers, for outstanding services to the local community.

The Individual Community Service award was given to Richard Garrard who, in 2017 set up the Patient Participation Group with Ashlea Medical Practice. The Group was such a success that it won a national award in 2020. Richard is also Chair of Ashtead Good Neighbours, growing the Group to over 100 drivers who provide transport for medical appointments. He also led the Ashtead British Legion Poppy Appeal which raised £12,000 last year. 

The Group Service Award went to the Trustees of Ashtead Peace Memorial Hall (APMH) whose centenary is being celebrated this year. The trustees and volunteers are committed to improving and maintaining the Hall which is an outstanding community facility for the Ashtead community.

The Service above Self Community Award was awarded posthumously to John Woollatt. John sadly passed away in May 2024. He was the Chair of the Trustees of Dyscover, a local charity for people suffering with aphasia, a complex language disability. John brought a business approach to Dyscover making it a progressive well-known local charity. He was also a very 'hands on' Chairman where no task was too big or too small.

Ashtead Rotary Club President Tony Webb said,

“The Charitable support that Ashtead Rotary Club receives from the local community through Ashtead Village Day, is immense. In large part this is down to individuals and organisations, such as those who we celebrate this evening, for the support they give to our local community.

“This evening, local community nominations have enabled us to go some small way to say a big ‘thank you’ to those who have undertaken such outstanding work. I would therefore like to pay tribute to them on behalf of Ashtead Rotary Club, and to all of those other volunteers in Ashtead who put in time and effort to help others in our local community”.

NOTES TO EDITORS

Ashtead Rotary Community Awards has been running since 2002. The purpose is to recognise people who have given outstanding service to the local community.  Nominations are sought from local organisations and the Ashtead public to nominate their 'local heroes'. A panel of Rotarians judge and decide upon the worthiest nominations. Winners were presented with a certificate at the Awards evening which was held at the APMH last night (3rd October).

Issued By

John Morgan

Ashtead Rotary Club

Tel: 07769 262272

Email: John@fortunaamc.co.uk