THE SILVER anniversary of the Annual Community Awards in Whitchurch is taking place this year and nominations are now open.

Every year, Whitchurch holds an awards ceremony to honour those who have made a special contribution to the town and deserve to be recognised.

This year is a special anniversary for the awards themselves as it will be the 25th time they have been held.

The awards presentation will be taking place as part of a special afternoon event on Sunday, 22 April at the Gill Nethercott Centre.

The nominations are open to someone, or a group of people, whose actions have benefitted the community as a whole, and Whitchurch Town Council would now like to hear about potential nominees.

There are six awards that are presented each year with a special Youth Award also given out which is given to a young person or young people who have been deemed to have helped out their community.

To nominate someone for the award, e-mail clerks@ whitchurch-hampshire-tc.gov.uk or send it in writing to The Town Clerk, Town Hall, Newbury Street, Whitchurch, RG28 7DW.

The deadline for the nominations is Saturday, 31 March, and nominations require a short supporting summary of why they should win the award.

Last year, the awards were given to Neighbourcare telephone co-ordinator Helen Knight, Brian Cousens, who runs Brian’s Bingo and Paul and Jan McGarvey, who have given the use of a room in The Bell Inn free of charge for more than 25 years.

Gongs were also given to Sarah Castle, for her work as centre manager at the Gill Nethercott Centre, forming Singing for the Mind, and for forming a successful Guide pack, and John Clark, for the array of ways in which he has helped the community.

A group award was given to the Scout leaders in the area, for their efforts in running different groups in the area.

In addition to the awards presentation in April, there will also be displays and presentations, focusing on the future of Whitchurch.

There will also be a presentation of the town report from the Town Council and the town’s borough councillors will be there as well to discuss local issues.