MORE than 50 members of the public turned out to hear speakers and applaud for the presentations at Petersfield’s annual town meeting.
Held in the Festival Hall, the 42nd annual meeting opened with a review of the town council’s year from the mayor, Councillor James Deane.
He said: “My thanks must also go to council officers and staff, all them work with cheerful willingness and are often called upon to go that little bit further.
“The support I have received from my councillor colleagues has been exemplary. mayors simply cannot deliver alone – it has been very much a team effort.”
A brief report was given by representatives of the council committees on their work of the year.
Jeremy Mitchell and Vaughan Clarke gave a presentation on the plans for Petersfield Museum, and Tony Struthers gave an update on a tree survey of the Petersfield area.
Cllr Deane presented awards, starting with The Daniel Day Lewis Award for best actor/musician under the age of 18.
George Renshaw was this year’s winner for his performance in Miss Saigon put on by Churcher’s College.
Cheques were given to the mayor’s chosen charities, Petersfield Dementia Friendly and Petersfield Salvation Army Christmas Present Appeal.
Grants were given to Headway Portsmouth and SE Hampshire, Petersfield Youth Theatre, Hospice Services at Home TLC Ltd and Petersfield Musical Festival.
The Mayor’s Award for services to Petersfield, recognised the work of Tony Struthers (Petersfield Society and Lions Club), Robin Hart (Friends of Petersfield Heath), Iris Holt (on and off stage at Festival Hall), June Brooks (Friends of Petersfield Hospital), and Churcher’s College (assisting with civic events).
A surprise presentation was made to Vaughan Clark for his work as a councillor and volunteer at the Petersfield Museum. Vaughan also received a gift for his wife, Jill, who was unable to attend.