Community heroes recognised with mayoral award

The first winners of this year’s Mayor’s Honour Awards have been selected by Borough Mayor Cllr Adrian Mather.

The awards recognise everyday heroes and are open to adults, children, young people and community groups who work, live, study or provide services in Wokingham Borough. 

Each winning individual receives a lapel badge and a certificate, while group winners receive a shield and certificate.

Certificates will be awarded at the Voluntary Sector Thank You event in spring 2025. The council will announce more details on this event in due course.

The first round of nominations for this year’s awards ended at the beginning of September and Cllr Mather selected four winners with the help of Deputy Mayor Cllr Carol Jewell.

Cllr Mather said: “It was a pleasure to go through the nominations. These awards shine a light on residents who often don’t seek credit for what they do, but very much deserve to be celebrated. It makes it hard to select just a handful of winners and we would really love to say just how much we appreciate every contribution that makes our borough a better place to live. 

“The examples of kindness, bravery and dedication demonstrated in these nominations makes me very proud to be the mayor and I look forward to reading more fantastic stories when the next two rounds of nominations close. Please consider putting someone forward for their act of everyday heroism.”

And the winners are…

John Mallaghan is one of three people to be recognised in the adult category. He has been a volunteer befriender with The Link Visiting Scheme since 2014, enthusiastically engaging in additional projects, fundraising and serving as a trustee.

Another winner is Kris Manning, who volunteers with Berkshire Lowland Search and Rescue. At the Bracknell Half Marathon in 2018, Kris was part of the team using CPR and a defibrillator to save a runner’s life after she collapsed at the finish line. 

During his 38 years of service, he has attended more than 250 callouts and given more than 8,300 recorded hours of volunteering.

Nic Lander, who set up The Kimel Foundation to help neurodivergent young people find work, has also been selected for an award. He is the owner of the Kimel Community Café in Evendons Road in Wokingham, where he employs young people.

The first winner in the young person’s category is Sidhant Anand, who has excelled as an emerging young performer in acting, music and dance. He has performed in a West End production of Matilda the Musical and will have a role in an upcoming Sky Original series.

Get your nominations in

There are two more opportunities to put someone forward for an award in this municipal year, with further deadlines for nominations on 1 November and 1 January.

Examples of nominated people can include fosterers, volunteers, carers, teachers and employees. For children and young people, the Borough Mayor would like to hear about individuals who have overcome a difficult situation or have outstanding achievements, such as in sport or the arts.

Nominations should be no longer than 100 words and should set out why the nominee should be considered for the award. The nominee's full name, contact details, such as their email address and telephone number, should also be included in the entry. To nominate an individual or group, email the mayor’s office at mayoralsupport@wokingham.gov.uk.

Both the Borough Mayor and Deputy Mayor will review nominations on a regular basis. Once their decision has been made, all recipients will be informed by email or letter.