EXCEPTIONAL members of the community in Woking were celebrated at the borough council’s annual mayor-making ceremony on Thursday last week.

Four people were recognised for their dedication to others and charities over the past year.

A ceremony hosted by the outgoing mayor, Saj Hussain, spotlighted those who have demonstrated exemplary behaviour and had a significant impact on the lives of others.

Each year, the outgoing mayor selects a resident to be appointed Eminent Citizen for their service to the community.

For 2022-23, the title went to Julia Hopkins from Knaphill, who opened Woking’s first community fridge in her village in 2019.

The initiative started as a shed in the grounds of Holy Trinity Church in Chobham Road and is now in a purpose-built cabin and supplies hundreds of families with food every week.

Since it started, Knaphill Community Fridge has saved more than 162 tonnes of surplus food from shops and businesses from going into landfill. It now operates five days a week and is staffed by a team of more than 40 volunteers.

Local students are also benefitting from Julia’s work, achieving the voluntary section of the Duke of Edinburgh award by helping at the fridge.

Julia has also raised money for mental health and pancreatic cancer charities.

For almost 30 years, the borough’s Young People’s Civic Award Scheme has rewarded young people who make an outstanding contribution to the community whose achievements may not normally be recognised.

The scheme is open to all children up to the age of 18 who live or attend school or college in Woking and has three awards.

A leading light in Woking High School’s eco-council, James Howell, won the Outstanding Contribution to the Community award.

James, as Year 11 student, is an active member of the community with a passion for improving the town’s sustainability.

At school, he initiates meetings with peers and staff to discuss how they can improve sustainability initiatives. This year, he has instigated a TerraCycle project to recycle old pens and has led on discussions on having “meat-free Mondays” in the school canteen.

James is also involved with Woking Environmental Action (WEAct), a group of volunteers who are passionate about tackling climate change. He is keen to increase his participation after completing his GSCEs and aims to have a career as a climate scientist.

Annabelle MacAlister, a young carer from Goldsworth Park who looks after her parents and two older siblings, received the Outstanding Achievement award.

After starting home schooling in 2018, Annabelle passed all of her GSCEs with flying colours and has since re-joined mainstream education to study for her A-levels.

As a valued member of Woking Young Carers, Annabelle enjoys supporting other members and getting involved in activities and community events.

With the help of her fellow young carers, she demonstrated true determination to complete her Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award last summer. She pushed herself to the limit, alongside supporting and encouraged her peers on expeditions. 

Just two days after finishing her Duke of Edinburgh Award, Annabelle rose to the challenge of participating in the Rotary Young Leaders Award.

Chloe Harding was the Triumph Over Adversity award winner, described as a remarkable young lady who deserves recognition for her exceptional resilience and determination to overcome enormous challenges.

Chloe joined Hoe Valley School five years ago and suffered the loss of her parents during her time at the secondary school. With the support of her family, school and the Hope Service, she slowly managed to rebuild her life.

Chloe, who has cerebral palsy and is a young carer at home, always participated in school life to the best of her ability. Despite the traumatic events in her past, she has continually demonstrated an incredible resilience and determination to achieve her goals.

Since passing her GSCEs, she has started college to pursue her wish to work with young children.

It was decided she deserved the award because of her willingness to accept support, her caring attitude towards others, an amazing capacity to achieve against the odds, and the courage and dignity with which she has overcome adversity.

The awards are sponsored by The Ambassadors Theatre Group, and each winner was presented with a glass trophy, a certificate, and a one-year Super Nova Cinema membership.

Cllr Hussain commented: “I am honoured to end my mayoral year by celebrating these exemplary residents who are a true inspiration to us all.

“Our winners have consistently gone above and beyond what is expected of them in their school, work or private lives, overcoming every barrier along the way. I am particularly impressed with their motivation to keep achieving their very best and help others too”