(top L-R) Bill Rodda and Colin Lott (bottom L-R) Sue Twose, Woodley Town Mayor Cllr Sam Rahmouni, Jackie Yule
Woodley Town Council honours local heroes
Woodley Town Council hosted its annual Citizens’ Awards on Friday 29 March, honouring local Woodley heroes who go above and beyond for the community.
The three Citizen Award winners were nominated by local residents for varying reasons to recognise their contribution to Woodley.
The winners
The first to receive an award was Bill Rodda, who was nominated to recognise his commitment to local football during the last 20 years, both as a manager and coach and his significant contribution to create Woodley United, of which he has been president since 2015.
Accepting the award, which was presented by Woodley Town Mayor Cllr Sam Rahmouni, Bill commented: “Thank you Colum [Moon] for your kind words. It all started back in 1998 when I took my son to Woodley Hammers football club and it has grown from there. I’d also like to thank Woodley Town Council for hosting these awards and recognising individuals in Woodley.”
Woodley Town Mayor Cllr Sam Rahmouni with Citizen’s Award winner Bill Rodda
Sue Twose was next to be awarded for her endless generosity and kindness to neighbours and local Woodley residents, offering a helping hand or support when needed. Sue thanked everyone for the award, as presented by Mayor Rahmouni.
Woodley Town Mayor Cllr Sam Rahmouni with Citizen’s Award winner Sue Twose
Jackie Yule received her Citizens’ Award for generously giving her time to Highwood Primary School for over 15 years, focusing on developing the library, including generous donations of books. Accepting the award from Mayor Rahmouni, Jackie said: “Thank you for such an unexpected award for something I love doing.”
Woodley Town Mayor Cllr Sam Rahmouni with Citizen’s Award winner Jackie Yule
Mayor’s Award
Mayor Rahmouni then presented the Mayor’s Award to Colin Lott for the generous time and effort he has put into fundraising for various charities over the last 40 years. Mayor Rahmouni also commended Colin for fund raising for the War Memorial, which was erected in the Memorial Recreation Ground in Woodley.
Accepting the award, Colin commented: “Thank you everyone. I love Woodley and enjoy fundraising for the community. I would like to thank everyone who worked with me to raise funds for the War Memorial and it was wonderful to see over 3,000 attend the commemoration service last year at the Memorial to mark 100 years since the end of World War One.”
Woodley Town Mayor Cllr Sam Rahmouni with Mayor’s Award winner Colin Lott
Following the awards, a raffle was held to raise funds for the Reading, Wokingham and Districts branch of the MS Society; the Mayor’s chosen charity.
Applications to nominate for the next Woodley Town Council Citizen’s Awards will be available from October 2019 and considered at a council meeting in January 2020. More information about the awards can be found HERE.
