Community heroes of Haslemere and Hindhead have been celebrated at the annual Haslemere Volunteer Awards.

The awards, handed out at Haslemere Museum on Thursday, March 21, honour residents who have given outstanding service to the community.

Christopher Ashton-Jones and Fay Foster hosted the ceremony and town mayor Jerome Davidson gave out the medals, donated by the late Herald owner Sir Ray Tindle.

See below for a full list of 2024 recipients and citations:

HASLEMERE VOLUNTEER AWARDS HASLEMERE, SURREY ENGLAND MARCH 21st 2024 Haslemere Volunteer Award Scheme ceremony, honouring residents who have given selflessly to the community were presented at the Haslemere Town Council’s annual meeting held at Haslemere Museum The medals for the awards were donated by Sir Ray Tindle, the late proprietor of the Herald The Haslemere Volunteer Award Scheme is run by volunteers and nominations are sought annually for those who have provided help and support to vulnerable members of the community during recent years Hamish Donaldson - Chairman of the Panel who has served sinced its inauguration in 2010 (Photo by Malcolm Wells) Standard reproduction rates apply, contact Malcolm Wells to arrange payment malcolmrichardwells@gmail.com
Hamish Donaldson, chairman of the Haslemere Volunteer Awards panel, who has served sinced its inauguration in 2010 and was presented with a special award this year (Photo: Malcolm Wells) (Malcolm Wells)

HAMISH DONALDSON MBE

Serves as Deputy Lieutenant of Surrey and instigated the Haslemere Festival events for the Millennium in 2000.

Led celebrations for the Queen's Jubilee, held positions at the Haslemere Players and still helps build their sets and scenery.

Involved with St Bartholomew's Church and is an honorary lay canon for Guildford Cathedral.

Received a MBE for services to Haslemere in 2014.

HASLEMERE VOLUNTEER AWARDS HASLEMERE, SURREY ENGLAND MARCH 21st 2024 Haslemere Volunteer Award Scheme ceremony, honouring residents who have given selflessly to the community were presented at the Haslemere Town Council’s annual meeting held at Haslemere Museum The medals for the awards were donated by Sir Ray Tindle, the late proprietor of the Herald The Haslemere Volunteer Award Scheme is run by volunteers and nominations are sought annually for those who have provided help and support to vulnerable members of the community during recent years Veronica Bowes - (Photo by Malcolm Wells) Standard reproduction rates apply, contact Malcolm Wells to arrange payment malcolmrichardwells@gmail.com
Haslemere Volunteer Awards 2024 recipient Veronica Bowes (Photo: Malcolm Wells) (Malcolm Wells)

VERONICA BOWES

Proposed by Sara Bevan, seconded by Kay Topping

Has volunteered regularly at the Haslemere Educational Museum for over 14 years.

She helps with the shop accounts, helps organise and run the pop-up tearoom, bakes cakes and serves behind the counter.

HASLEMERE VOLUNTEER AWARDS HASLEMERE, SURREY ENGLAND MARCH 21st 2024 Haslemere Volunteer Award Scheme ceremony, honouring residents who have given selflessly to the community were presented at the Haslemere Town Council’s annual meeting held at Haslemere Museum The medals for the awards were donated by Sir Ray Tindle, the late proprietor of the Herald The Haslemere Volunteer Award Scheme is run by volunteers and nominations are sought annually for those who have provided help and support to vulnerable members of the community during recent years (centre) - Freda Chapman - a well known and very popular lady (Photo by Malcolm Wells) Standard reproduction rates apply, contact Malcolm Wells to arrange payment malcolmrichardwells@gmail.com
Freda Chapman – a well-known and very popular servant of the Haslemere community – pictured with town mayor Jerome Davidson (left) and Christopher Ashton-Jones (right) (Photo: Malcolm Wells) (Malcolm Wells)

FREDA CHAPMAN

Proposed by Kay Topping, seconded by Melanie Odell

Has volunteered at the Haslemere Educational Museum for over 30 years and her textile knowledge has been a huge asset.

As well as cataloguing the textile collections, she has made replica items for the handling collection and helps with decorations for the Victorian Parlour ready for Christmas.

HASLEMERE VOLUNTEER AWARDS HASLEMERE, SURREY ENGLAND MARCH 21st 2024 Haslemere Volunteer Award Scheme ceremony, honouring residents who have given selflessly to the community were presented at the Haslemere Town Council’s annual meeting held at Haslemere Museum The medals for the awards were donated by Sir Ray Tindle, the late proprietor of the Herald The Haslemere Volunteer Award Scheme is run by volunteers and nominations are sought annually for those who have provided help and support to vulnerable members of the community during recent years Peter Clarke - (Photo by Malcolm Wells) Standard reproduction rates apply, contact Malcolm Wells to arrange payment malcolmrichardwells@gmail.com
Peter Clarke, volunteer at The Den youth group, at the Haslemere Volunteer Awards (Photo: Malcolm Wells) (Malcolm Wells)

PETER CLARKE

Proposed by Verity Sutherland, seconded by Victoria Martin

Helps at The Den youth group and created a wild garden in dedication to the late Queen on Derby Road with the Haslemere children.

Aids the parish churches create wildflower areas and works with Weyhill in Bloom.

Peter helped an Afghanistan refugee family with flat furnishings and finding employment.

HASLEMERE VOLUNTEER AWARDS HASLEMERE, SURREY ENGLAND MARCH 21st 2024 Haslemere Volunteer Award Scheme ceremony, honouring residents who have given selflessly to the community were presented at the Haslemere Town Council’s annual meeting held at Haslemere Museum The medals for the awards were donated by Sir Ray Tindle, the late proprietor of the Herald The Haslemere Volunteer Award Scheme is run by volunteers and nominations are sought annually for those who have provided help and support to vulnerable members of the community during recent years Keith Clayton - (Photo by Malcolm Wells) Standard reproduction rates apply, contact Malcolm Wells to arrange payment malcolmrichardwells@gmail.com
Scouts leader Keith Clayton at the Haslemere Volunteer Awards (Photo: Malcolm Wells) (Malcolm Wells)

KEITH CLAYTON

Proposed by Melanie Odell, seconded by Clive Reay 

Received an award for 40 years service to the Scouts in 2014, and is now nearing 50 years service.

In 2017, he was appointed District Commissioner and appointed Group Scout Leader at 1st Hindhead Scout Group.

HASLEMERE VOLUNTEER AWARDS HASLEMERE, SURREY ENGLAND MARCH 21st 2024 Haslemere Volunteer Award Scheme ceremony, honouring residents who have given selflessly to the community were presented at the Haslemere Town Council’s annual meeting held at Haslemere Museum The medals for the awards were donated by Sir Ray Tindle, the late proprietor of the Herald The Haslemere Volunteer Award Scheme is run by volunteers and nominations are sought annually for those who have provided help and support to vulnerable members of the community during recent years Di Cook - (Photo by Malcolm Wells) Standard reproduction rates apply, contact Malcolm Wells to arrange payment malcolmrichardwells@gmail.com
Di Cook was nominated for a Haslemere Volunteer Award by Revd Fiona Gwynn (Photo: Malcolm Wells) (Malcolm Wells)

DI COOK

Proposed by Revd Fiona Gwynn, seconded by Jackie Holmes 

Helped set up the monthly Coffee and Chat in the Grayswood village club and is a key member in the twice-annual Fayres Team for All Saints Church. 

Regular volunteer at Haslemere Food Bank and promotes collections in the church.

She has also been involved with supporting Ukrainian refugees.

HASLEMERE VOLUNTEER AWARDS HASLEMERE, SURREY ENGLAND MARCH 21st 2024 Haslemere Volunteer Award Scheme ceremony, honouring residents who have given selflessly to the community were presented at the Haslemere Town Council’s annual meeting held at Haslemere Museum The medals for the awards were donated by Sir Ray Tindle, the late proprietor of the Herald The Haslemere Volunteer Award Scheme is run by volunteers and nominations are sought annually for those who have provided help and support to vulnerable members of the community during recent years The meeting was very well supported (Photo by Malcolm Wells) Standard reproduction rates apply, contact Malcolm Wells to arrange payment malcolmrichardwells@gmail.com
The meeting at Haslemere Museum was very well supported (Photo: Malcolm Wells) (Malcolm Wells)

CLIVE DAVIDSON

Proposed by Hilary Neilson, seconded by Gareth Matthes

Founded Transition Haslemere in 2007 and has been coordinating and running the community allotment at Collard's Lane. 

Supports the Farmers' Market with the Transition Haslemere second-hand book stall, raising money for Swan Barn.

Has become known for his fascinating tree walks (with poetry) during the Haslemere Walking Festival.

Leads the newly formed Haslemere branch of the Surrey Tree Warden Network.

HASLEMERE VOLUNTEER AWARDS HASLEMERE, SURREY ENGLAND MARCH 21st 2024 Haslemere Volunteer Award Scheme ceremony, honouring residents who have given selflessly to the community were presented at the Haslemere Town Council’s annual meeting held at Haslemere Museum The medals for the awards were donated by Sir Ray Tindle, the late proprietor of the Herald The Haslemere Volunteer Award Scheme is run by volunteers and nominations are sought annually for those who have provided help and support to vulnerable members of the community during recent years Maggie Hamilton - (Photo by Malcolm Wells) Standard reproduction rates apply, contact Malcolm Wells to arrange payment malcolmrichardwells@gmail.com
Haslemere Volunteer Awards 2024 recipient Maggie Hamilton (Photo: Malcolm Wells) (Malcolm Wells)

MAGGIE HAMILTON

Proposed by Verity Sutherland, seconded by Victoria Martin

The proposer first met Maggie when she was reaching out for help for an Afghanistan refugee family.

She had been helping them, another Afghanistan family and a Syrian family since they arrived in the UK.

Works within Haslemere Parish and Amnesty International. 

Named chair of Amnesty’s Guildford & Haslemere Group in 2017.

HASLEMERE VOLUNTEER AWARDS HASLEMERE, SURREY ENGLAND MARCH 21st 2024 Haslemere Volunteer Award Scheme ceremony, honouring residents who have given selflessly to the community were presented at the Haslemere Town Council’s annual meeting held at Haslemere Museum The medals for the awards were donated by Sir Ray Tindle, the late proprietor of the Herald The Haslemere Volunteer Award Scheme is run by volunteers and nominations are sought annually for those who have provided help and support to vulnerable members of the community during recent years Karen Hatchell - (Photo by Malcolm Wells) Standard reproduction rates apply, contact Malcolm Wells to arrange payment malcolmrichardwells@gmail.com
Karen Hatchell is a fundraiser and volunteer driver for the SERV organisation, transporting blood products for those in urgent need (Photo: Malcolm Wells) (Malcolm Wells)

KAREN HATCHELL

Proposed by Christian Ashdown, seconded by Howard Bicknell

Fundraiser and volunteer driver for SERV since 2018 and has raised over £6,000.

The service transports blood products, urgent samples, and medical supplies across Surrey and London, as well as making regular deliveries to the Kent Surrey Sussex Air Ambulance charity.

Member of the Wey Hill in Bloom team and involved in the Haslemere Hall and Haslemere Thespians.

HASLEMERE VOLUNTEER AWARDS HASLEMERE, SURREY ENGLAND MARCH 21st 2024 Haslemere Volunteer Award Scheme ceremony, honouring residents who have given selflessly to the community were presented at the Haslemere Town Council’s annual meeting held at Haslemere Museum The medals for the awards were donated by Sir Ray Tindle, the late proprietor of the Herald The Haslemere Volunteer Award Scheme is run by volunteers and nominations are sought annually for those who have provided help and support to vulnerable members of the community during recent years Craig McGowan - (Photo by Malcolm Wells) Standard reproduction rates apply, contact Malcolm Wells to arrange payment malcolmrichardwells@gmail.com
Craig McGowan has been president of the Haslemere Chamber of Trade and Commerce for nine years and is a great supporter of local charities (Photo: Malcolm Wells) (Malcolm Wells)

CRAIG MCGOWAN

Proposed by Narn McNoo, seconded by Justin Manley-Cooper

President of the Chamber of Trade and Commerce for nine years and is a great supporter of local charities.

Has secured media coverage for the town and is co-founder of Haslemere's Business Centre, a not-for-profit facility for small businesses.

Any business surplus has gone to fund the Christmas lights and Craig provides insurance to many local charities but has opted to make little or no commission.

HASLEMERE VOLUNTEER AWARDS HASLEMERE, SURREY ENGLAND MARCH 21st 2024 Haslemere Volunteer Award Scheme ceremony, honouring residents who have given selflessly to the community were presented at the Haslemere Town Council’s annual meeting held at Haslemere Museum The medals for the awards were donated by Sir Ray Tindle, the late proprietor of the Herald The Haslemere Volunteer Award Scheme is run by volunteers and nominations are sought annually for those who have provided help and support to vulnerable members of the community during recent years Vera Prangley - (Photo by Malcolm Wells) Standard reproduction rates apply, contact Malcolm Wells to arrange payment malcolmrichardwells@gmail.com
Vera Prangley helped set up a monthly Coffee and Chat in Grayswood village club (Photo: Malcolm Wells) (Malcolm Wells)

VERA PRANGLEY

Proposed by Revd Fiona Gwynn, seconded by Jackie Holmes

Trained as a pastoral assistant in the Guildford Diocese in 2008 and has visited parishioners in Grayswood and Haslemere.

She and other members of the church set up a monthly Coffee and Chat in the Grayswood village club. The aim was to provide a space for people, to come and enjoy some company.

Vera is also a key member of the church fayres committee.

HASLEMERE VOLUNTEER AWARDS HASLEMERE, SURREY ENGLAND MARCH 21st 2024 Haslemere Volunteer Award Scheme ceremony, honouring residents who have given selflessly to the community were presented at the Haslemere Town Council’s annual meeting held at Haslemere Museum The medals for the awards were donated by Sir Ray Tindle, the late proprietor of the Herald The Haslemere Volunteer Award Scheme is run by volunteers and nominations are sought annually for those who have provided help and support to vulnerable members of the community during recent years Drummond Russell - (Photo by Malcolm Wells) Standard reproduction rates apply, contact Malcolm Wells to arrange payment malcolmrichardwells@gmail.com
Drummond Russell has volunteered for the Haslemere & Hindhead branch of the RNLI for 20 years (Photo: Malcolm Wells) (Malcolm Wells)

DRUMMOND RUSSELL

Proposed by Sir Rob Margetts, seconded by Frances Reincke

Volunteer for the Haslemere & Hindhead branch of the RNLI for 20 years, chairman for six and the local RNLI education officer.

President of Haslemere Bowling Club and continues with the role of Father Christmas at the Haslemere Educational Museum.

HASLEMERE VOLUNTEER AWARDS HASLEMERE, SURREY ENGLAND MARCH 21st 2024 Haslemere Volunteer Award Scheme ceremony, honouring residents who have given selflessly to the community were presented at the Haslemere Town Council’s annual meeting held at Haslemere Museum The medals for the awards were donated by Sir Ray Tindle, the late proprietor of the Herald The Haslemere Volunteer Award Scheme is run by volunteers and nominations are sought annually for those who have provided help and support to vulnerable members of the community during recent years (right) Fay Foster - (Photo by Malcolm Wells) Standard reproduction rates apply, contact Malcolm Wells to arrange payment malcolmrichardwells@gmail.com
Fay Foster (pictured) and Christopher Ashton-Jones read out citations for the award winners (Photo: Malcolm Wells) (Malcolm Wells)