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Celebrating the Mayor of Guildford’s Award for Service to the Community 2025

Celebrating the Mayor of Guildford’s Award for Service to the Community 2025

On Saturday afternoon (26 April 2025) The Mayor of Guildford, Cllr Sallie Barker MBE, hosted a special award ceremony for recipients of the Mayor’s Award for Service to the Community 2025. The event celebrated unsung heroes across Guildford Borough who give freely of their time to enrich the communities in which they live or work.

In total 23 individuals and organisations received a Mayor’s Award for Service to the Community 2025. 

Welcoming guests to the ceremony, the Mayor of Guildford, Councillor Sallie Barker MBE, said: “We are very fortunate that our borough is home to so many people who are happy to give their time freely to support a local need.”

Speaking directly to award recipients, she added: “You do what you do without need for public recognition, but these awards demonstrate that it does not go unnoticed. It was truly heartwarming to read the nominations.”

Citations for each nomination were read out at the awards ceremony.

Examples of the outstanding work being done in our communities revealed the incredible dedication of volunteers receiving award certificates.

  • Supporting local communities
    Whether providing emotional and practical support for those with life-limiting illnesses, helping senior citizens stay fit, or supporting young people to improve their quality of life, volunteers showed care and compassion for others.
  • Environmental champions
    From those maintaining and improving community green spaces to others campaigning on environmental issues and reducing food waste, there was no shortage of passion to create a more equitable and sustainable future.
  • Advocating and empowering others
    Offering advice and learning opportunities that lead to employment or creating safe spaces where people feel heard and included, is making a real difference to individuals.

Following a group photograph with the Mayor of Guildford and the Leader of the Council, Cllr Julia McShane, guests enjoyed musical performances from The Wholenotes Choir and another amazing local talent, Karl Sonoy, who also wowed the audience at the Mayor’s recent Diversity Show.

Award recipients then relaxed over tea and cakes at The County Club, which generously supported this year’s award ceremony. 

Jane Derbyshire, Chairman of the County Club stated: 
“The County Club is proud to sponsor The Mayor’s Awards for Service to the Community 2025. It’s important that we recognise the unseen hard work done in our community. “

The full list of award recipients is on the Council’s website.

– Ends –

Notes to Editor

Wholenotes Community Choirs are a not-for profit organisation led by Alison Wrigley. They are for those with social anxiety, a learning disability and, or autism. Performing is one way members can give back to their community. Through the power of singing and music members also make friends, develop their interpersonal skills, feel a sense of achievement and benefit from increased self-esteem and confidence.

Representing the County Club, Nick Wyschna and Charlotte Bateup, kindly read the citations.

Images supplied:

Recipients of the Mayor’s Award for Community Service 2025, with the Mayor of Guildford, Cllr Sallie Barker MBE and the Leader of Guildford Borough Council, Cllr Julia McShane.

Entertainment at Mayor of Guildford’s Award for Service to the Community 2025

Wholenotes Choir

Karl Sonoy


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Press contact: Beverley Stonehouse – e-mail Beverley.Stonehouse@guildford.gov.uk