Volunteering in Elmbridge – Celebrations in Esher as Mayor Presents Long Service Volunteer Awards

The first Elmbridge Long Service Volunteer Awards were held on 18th October 2016, organised by Volunteer Centre Elmbridge and Elmbridge Borough Council, to celebrate and recognise the incredible support that volunteers contribute to the Elmbridge community. The celebration event was held at Elmbridge Borough Council Chambers, where nominated volunteers enjoyed a drink and canapés alongside their fellow nominees and guests before the ceremony.

The awards were presented by The Worshipful the Mayor of the Borough of Elmbridge Councillor Tannia Shipley, who congratulated all 41 nominees and expressed her appreciation, on behalf of the Borough of Elmbridge, to all of the volunteers nominated and thanked them for their priceless contribution to our community. Melanie Bussicott, Head of Community Support Services (Elmbridge Borough Council) and Claire Dewsbury, Volunteer Manger (Volunteer Centre Elmbridge) read out the citations, highlighting the many invaluable contributions made by the nominees at a special ceremony.

The Worshipful the Mayor of the Borough of Elmbridge Councillor Tannia Shipley commented, “Meeting and speaking to the volunteers was a very inspiring and humbling experience. The awards ceremony was a great success, which presented an ideal opportunity to recognise the amazing support that volunteers contribute to Elmbridge on a regular basis. The event celebrated the importance of volunteers and demonstrated the diversity of people who offer their time as volunteers.”

Claire Dewsbury of Volunteer Centre Elmbridge also commented, “I was humbled by the dedication and ingenuity of all of the nominated volunteers. The event is a way for us to recognise and thank those volunteers who give up their own time to help and support many local charities and community groups. Without their invaluable help, many services to both individuals and to the community would not happen. Well done to everyone nominated and thank you.”

The Elmbridge Volunteer Awards 2016 was a collaboration between Volunteer Centre Elmbridge and Elmbridge Borough Council. With thanks to Councillor Margaret Hicks who provided funds for the Awards.

Among the Award Winners was Cliff van Tonder who formed and runs Surrey Music which now comprises of two large community choirs that rehearse weekly in Cobham. The community-based society has raised in excess of £140,000 for numerous charities through concerts and performances over 11 years.

In a communication to Surrey Music members, press officer Debbie Groves said “I’m sure you’ll be delighted to hear that, on behalf of Surrey Music and in recognition of his 11 year’s sterling service to Elmbridge, our very own Cliff has been nominated in the Elmbridge Volunteer Awards 2016.

I’m sure we all believe that Cliff deserves to be recognised for his achievements within our community over the last 11 years, and for the difference he has made to the lives of so many: our members who are given the opportunity to express themselves through music, the numerous charities who have benefitted from our concerts, our grants beneficiaries and our audiences who enjoy our diverse repertoire. Without Cliff there would be no Surrey Music, and it is down to his sheer hard work that the society is still going strong, with many of our original members – aged up to 90 and beyond! – still attending weekly rehearsals. There is no doubt that our members’ general wellbeing is enhanced by the friendship received from Surrey Music.

Let’s not forget either the hours Cliff spends each week in his own time planning for concerts, choosing music, creating and developing the organisation’s two websites, etc etc, and that, remarkably, despite moving to Peacehaven Sussex five years ago, he still continues to drive the 120-mile round trip to Cobham every week (at his own expense) to lead choir rehearsals and for concerts!”