VOLUNTEERS from across the borough were recognised for their selflessness at a celebratory event. 

Nearly 30 volunteers were presented with certificates by the Mayor of Basingstoke and Deane, Councillor Jane Frankum, in appreciation of their efforts supporting charities and voluntary groups in the town. 

The ceremony, organised by Basingstoke Voluntary Action (BVA), saw guests enjoy a buffet reception sponsored by Sainsbury’s. 
Chris Haslam received an award for her stalwart service to the Stroke Association. 

Her nominator, Lucy King, said: “Her endless patience and infectious good humour have enabled her to build very positive relationships with the clients she has worked with so that they can move forward effectively with their stroke recovery and achieve the goals they have set for themselves.”

Di Clarke was nominated by Des Martin for her voluntary work with Castle Hill Pre-School, in Winklebury

He said: “Her positive outlook and can-do attitude inspires everyone around her, and the amount of her own free time she dedicates to our preschool is truly remarkable. When we hit upon hard times she was instrumental in saving our preschool and without her commitment and loyalty Castle Hill Pre-School would no longer exist.”

Sarah Robinson, volunteer centre manager at BVA said: “All the volunteers nominated for awards this evening are people who have simply been steadfast, reliable, proactive and committed in their concern for their community and the people who they help. Each of them might say they don’t deserve recognition, but without people like them, our community would be much poorer. 

“Tonight’s event was a chance to say thank you, and to recognise and value their contribution of time, skills and commitment to their local community.

"We are delighted to help charities and voluntary groups to recognise the achievements of their volunteers in this way, and to work in partnership with Sainsbury’s, who donated a generous celebratory buffet in recognition of the importance of volunteering to the community.”

The mayor also received a certificate of thanks for her outstanding contribution to the community of Basingstoke and Deane from chair of BVA trustees, Alan Turvey.