Seven remarkable individuals have been recognised for their exceptional contributions to the local community at the prestigious Services to Farnham Awards.

The annual awards, inspired by this newspaper’s late founder, Sir Ray Tindle, are organised by Farnham Town Council to celebrate the often unsung heroes of the local voluntary sector.

The ceremony was hosted by the retiring Mayor of Farnham, Cllr Brodie Mauluka, who praised the depth and quality of voluntary work carried out across the town.

“I am continually inspired by Farnham’s volunteers who represent a spirit of helpfulness, cheerfulness and dedication for our community," said Cllr Mauluka.

“Their efforts support many important facilities and services including care of the elderly, the environment, young people, sports and the arts. My thanks and congratulations go to all, and particularly the recipients of the Services to Farnham Awards who have demonstrated a high level of commitment and achievement.”

Each of the seven recipients was presented with a bespoke medal and certificate by the mayor, in recognition of their outstanding voluntary service across a diverse range of causes.

These included services to inclusion and literacy, Sailability, Farnham Sea Cadets, art and culture, Farnham Citizens Advice, the natural environment and Farnham Lions.

The 2025 winners were:

Gill Cox has made a profound and lasting contribution to the Farnham community through her tireless work supporting inclusion and literacy.

A former secondary school teacher she brings a deep love of language to her work, especially in supporting refugees and those for whom English is not a first language. Since moving to Farnham in 2007, Gill has continued her tireless efforts, including a Reading Club at the Spire Church, which is supported by around 15 volunteers.

Entirely self-funded, the club not only improves language skills but also builds confidence, fosters social connections and integration, and empowers participants to better support their families and contribute to the community. Gill’s compassion, energy, dedication and empathetic leadership continue to inspire all who meet her.

David Gibbs has been a long-time volunteer and supporter of local organisations in Farnham including Probus, Care Farnham, Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice and Frensham Pond Sailability.

David has dedicated more than 15 years to Farnham Sailability, helping to grow it into the vibrant, inclusive organisation it is today. After a career in the Royal Air Force, he brought his leadership and practical skills to Sailability, which allows people with disabilities to experience the freedom and joy of sailing in a safe and supportive environment.

As a regular Saturday volunteer and a duty sailing master, he was responsible for a safe and efficient operation on the day of his duty. His recent donation of funds for a new dinghy, Rosie III, stands as a lasting tribute to his dedication and service to Frensham Pond Sailability.

Sean exemplifies commitment through his tireless support of TS Swiftsure, the Farnham Sea Cadet Unit. Recently commissioned as sub lieutenant (SCC) Royal Naval Reserves (RNR), he volunteers multiple days a week for parades, training, and national events, while juggling his family and work commitments.

Sean’s focus is on ensuring the cadets are paraded in their finest uniform to represent Farnham youth in their best light, whilst creating an exciting, safe and learning environment for the cadets of TS Swiftsure. He is always present at key civic occasions and he ensures cadets represent the town with pride at both local and national occasions.

Sean’s leadership, humour, and care provides young people with vital skills in a nurturing environment. He enables self-improvement and personal growth, whilst developing life skills in a sea cadet unit for which Farnham can be proud.

A former head of art at Farnham Heath End School, and founding member of the Farnham Art and Design Educational Group (FADEG), Graham has pioneered several initiatives in the town.

These include Farnham’s first Big Draw, which is now in its 18th year and, from 2017, the first two Unseen Artists exhibitions, which celebrate the use of art by many of the town’s groups and individuals not usually seen in galleries. In addition to this, he also runs a phone box gallery for Frensham Infants School.

As a World Craft Town Committee member, lecturer, and writer, Graham is passionate about sharing Farnham’s creative legacy and he regularly gives presentations on why Farnham is a World Craft Town, which has been extended into a series of articles.

Graham’s community spirit extends beyond the arts, and he has supported a local autistic young person for over ten years. For his community contribution and leadership in the arts, Graham Mollart receives the Services to Farnham Award.

Jacqui is one of the unsung heroes of Farnham’s community known for her unassuming commitment and dedication to local causes, fundraising, and international awareness. She has been a committed member of the Rotary Club of Farnham since 2012, supporting its activities in a variety of roles including fundraising lead, the Youth Speaks competition and as President for 2022-2023.

Her organisational skills and campaigning spirit have supported numerous initiatives and members of the community. Notably, she has given 40 years of service as a volunteer with Citizens Advice, helping countless individuals with guidance and support.

Libby has led several different community groups to protect and enhance the natural environment, ecology and biodiversity in Farnham and the surrounding areas.

She has been a driving force in protecting and enhancing the local environment. As chair of both the Friends of Farnham Park and the Farnham Biodiversity Partnership and the Farnham Rivers Group, she leads work parties and consults with local councils to spearhead green corridor initiatives.

Her conservation work spans multiple sites including Bishops Meadow, Tice’s Meadow and the SUEZ site in Runfold, where she has co-ordinated hedge-laying projects and landscape restoration.

In addition, Libby has made important contributions to strategic documents of statutory organisations to ensure biodiverse areas can be protected and lasting. Libby shares her extensive knowledge generously, benefiting numerous local groups and residents.

Phil has been an active member of Farnham Lions for several years and a dynamic supporter of the Farnham community. He led the initiative to refurbish computers for disadvantaged families during the pandemic and continues to oversee the project as needed.

In 2019, Phil launched the Lions Roar project in Farnham, a school-based initiative that fosters creative learning and encourages pupils to develop “ideas that could change the world.” He has also played a key role in the management of the Farnham Beerex for many years and became chair of the charity beer festival in 2025.

Phil is devoted to supporting the local community, and manages ongoing projects to redistribute much needed resources including equipment, clothing and materials through local community hubs, which might otherwise be thrown away.

Phil’s creative approach and constant drive to find new and innovative ways to support Farnham make him a truly deserving recipient of the Services to Farnham Award.

Farnham Town Council is now seeking nominations for the 2026 Services to Farnham Awards, with residents encouraged to put forward individuals who make a lasting difference to the Farnham community.

More information can be found at www.farnham.gov.uk/servicestofarnham