DEDICATED volunteers were rewarded for selfless service to their community at Haslemere annual town meeting.

Five pillars of the community won Tindle medals as part of the biannual awards ceremony instigated by Herald proprietor Sir Ray Tindle in recognition of outstanding contributions by individuals to the life of Haslemere.

Hamish Donaldson, who chairs the independent judging panel that selects the successful nominees, told those at the meeting in Haslemere Museum: “We have given out 115 awards so far and the scheme has been running for ten years.

“You will marvel at how many things get done by these volunteers.”

Scheme co-ordinator Fay Foster read out the citations and town mayor John Robini presented the medals.

• Penny Bradley was honoured as someone with a ‘can do’ attitude, who is fully involved in the life of Haslemere.

A fundraiser for the Haslemere group of Macmillan Midhurst for 14 years and a Macmillan volunteer driver and palliative care sitter for ten years, she was one of the organisers of the Queen’s Jubilee and 90th birthday cream teas.

She also volunteered at Haslewey community centre for five years and served as chair for three years, has volunteered at the museum charity Christmas card shop for four years and at Lion Green events.

• Barbara Gaff has ignored mobility problems and impaired sight to help others at Haslewey for eight years.

Alongside helping in the kitchen, she has built the weekly craft club up from six to 16 members and is a bingo caller.

Nominating a ‘fabulous lady’, centre manager Kerry Morren-Jeffs said: “I imagine Barbara will feel a little daunted that I am putting her forward. Haslewey could not run without the dedication and kindness of our volunteers, all of whom are valued. However, Barbara stands out as a stalwart for everything the centre stands for.”

• Stella Mills has not only been the book keeper for the Haslemere Fringe, but has also been one of the principal volunteers since the very first Fringe in 2011.

She is also the driving force behind the Little Lumpy charity cycle race’s band of bakers who have helped make the fundraiser such a success.

She volunteers at Haslemere Citizens Advice Bureau and behind the bar at Haslemere Hall and also chairs the Weysprings Residents’ Association.

• Sue Thwaites has helped transform Beacon Hill Christmas Fair into a major annual event.

A member of Beacon Hill Focus Group, which works hard to promote village activities, she is also a key player in the Beacon Hill Summer Fete and helped resurrect the event, which has grown in popularity, with fellow group members. In addition, she ran the village butchers with her husband until fairly recently.

• Brian Walsh chairs Beacon Hill Light Brigade that stages spectacular village Christmas displays and during the six weeks of the display period is continually checking and replacing failed units.

He is also chair of Beacon Hill Focus Group and was responsible, with Sue Thwaites, for relaunching the fete.

He looks after and updates the Beacon Hill website and his volunteering is on top of being in full-time employment.