Mayor Awards Students with Community Accolade

Students Robert Sharp and Fred Edge-Partington are among eight caring young people who have been rewarded by the Mayor of Reigate and Bansted for helping others in the borough. The two Sixth Form students each collected a special award at a special ceremony held at the Town Hall in Reigate on 19 March.

The Mayor, Cllr Dorothy Ross-Tomlin set up the Citizenship Award Scheme to recognise the young unsung heroes in the borough who work for the benefit of others, either as an individual or as part of a team, without being part of a specific organisation or charity.

Robert and Fred have both supported a partially sighted local resident for two years and have created a music catalogue for him and provided him with friendship through their weekly visits.

The Mayor said: “During my time as Mayor and as a Councillor I have met a great many young people who do so much good work to help others in the community. I wanted to recognise those young people that really demonstrate that it’s cool to care.

“All of these young people have all portrayed a keen sense of citizenship and shown consideration and kindness to other members of their community, and it is with great pleasure that I present them with their awards.”

The Mayor and Caroline Nicholls of BAA Communities Trust, who sponsored the initiative, presented the Citizenship Award winners with their awards. Each of them received a glass trophy, framed certificate and gift vouchers in recognition of their volunteer work.

Commented teacher Joanna Ball, who nominated the two for the awards: “About one third of our Sixth Formers are involved in community service and we are very lucky to have so many links with local groups, particularly primary schools. Currently, students help with classes from Holmesdale,
Reigate Parish, Reigate Saint Mary's, the Priory, and St John's (Redhill) schools. Other students visit elderly members of the community with the help of the Redhill Methodist 'Live at Home' scheme.”

She added: “ Many students also help with the YMCA playleader scheme and they have signed up to become millennium volunteers. Other students have enrolled in local art projects run by the YMCA such as window dressing and skip art. Students also volunteer to help in charity shops such as the Children's Society and Help the Aged. Reigate Grammar school has forged ties with the East Surrey Hospital as well as Radio Redhill and numerous students volunteer on to help on the wards and with the broadcasting as well. The students are very generous with their time and they are grateful for the opportunity to serve their local area. If there are any other institutions who would like the help of some volunteers we would be very happy to get involved and encourage them to contact the school.”

March 2008