We are indebted to all our residents who volunteer their own time and efforts to help out in the village. Whether they are enthusiastic litterpickers, drive a community bus, offer their services to the Wheel of Care, or help run the Nomad Theatre, the Repair Cafe or the Horsley Live Music Club, we appreciate their support. Just before Christmas, the Chairman of East Horsley Parish Council organises an event to recognise the valuable help provided by volunteers. The occasion is marked by two awards, one for the Volunteer of the Year, nominated by residents and voted on by parish councillors, and one by our Chairman, Robert Taylor. This year the awards go to:
Moyra Brookes - Chairman’s Award
The Nomad Theatre, situated behind Bishopsmead Parade, is an impressive local facility used not only for amdram productions but also by several local and neighbouring groups, including youth groups and the Horsley Live Music Club. It is a great asset to the village which would not still be open were it not for all the hard work that Moyra and her team of fellow volunteers put in every week. This is not a one-off village event, but an ongoing management job, which is undertaken voluntarily by Moyra, when it should be a paid job - as is the case with arts facilities in other villages (such as Cranleigh). Although Moyra does not live in Horsley, the work that she does benefits the village massively, and she deserves our recognition, which we trust will increase local interest and support for this valuable local asset.
Moyra Brookes is awarded this year's Chairman's Award in recognition of her considerable commitment to sustaining this important community facility over many years.
Moyra Brookes was presented with her Chairman’s Award after the pantomime dressed up as Queen B!
Alex Veys - Volunteer of the Year
We are delighted to announce the winner of this year’s Volunteer of the Year Award is Alex Veys. Alex is the driving force behind the launch of the Repair Cafe. One of his two nominators stated, “his meticulous attention to detail and his people skills at marshalling all the volunteers to great effect combined with his perpetual geniality has been nothing short of a masterclass”. Another nominator wrote “Alex is always cheerful, and nothing seems to faze him. Everyone who volunteers to help out at the Repair Cafe knows what they are doing, identification badges and paperwork seamlessly appear. He has invested a huge amount of time to launch this project, and he is to be commended for his efforts”.
Alex Veys