Every year, the Town Mayor of Folkestone has the privilege of awarding local people a Town Mayor’s Community Award.
Previous recipients of this award have come from volunteers of a local church to people working to support those most in need.
This year, it was the turn of Councillor Belinda Walker who was delighted to be able to show her appreciation to members of the community who go out of their way to make a difference in the town, without asking for recognition in return.
Nominations were sought from members of the public, and this year was no exception in the number of nominations received and the varied activities undertaken by proposed nominees for the Town Mayor’s Community Awards.
Councillor Belinda Walker said:
“These annual awards provide an opportunity, as the Town Mayor of Folkestone, to show appreciation to members of the community who have done something particularly noteworthy in Folkestone over the past year. Nominations can be made by any individual and this year, once again, we had some very worthy nominations which serves as a reminder that we are very fortunate in Folkestone to have so many people that are active in our local community making our Town a safe, supportive and positive place to live and work.”
The following recipients of a Town Mayor’s Community Award 2023/2024 were invited to afternoon tea in the Town Hall and presented with certificates and gifts from the Mayor in recognition of their achievements.
- Charlotte East in recognition for her support to individuals to integrate them into the local community through taking part in local projects.
- Tony Gilbert in recognition of his many years of service to Folkestone for maintaining the cleanliness of the Town and raising money for charity.
- Marion Rietdijk-Bain Smith for her dedication to raising money and bringing local people together.
- Brian and Billie Hoyle for their hard work and dedication in raising funds and supporting local projects.
- Prof Grenville Hancox MBE and Ian Gordon of Bayle Music for their ongoing contribution to bringing international musicians to the people of Folkestone.
- Volunteers of Folkestone Rescue for their continued service to Folkestone in keeping the beaches safe for residents and visitors to Folkestone.
The Mayor thanked all of the recipients of the Awards on behalf of the Town Council and local community for the work undertaken, which helps to make Folkestone an attractive and safe community to live and work.
Nominations will be open for the Town Mayor’s Community Awards 2024-25 from around October this year, so if you know someone who you think deserves some recognition, keep your eye on the Town Council website (www.folkestone-tc.gov.uk) and Community Magazine for information on submitting a nomination or contact the Town Council office on 01303 257946 or Georgina.wilson@folkestone-tc.gov.uk for more information.