Outstanding Services to Alton Award 2021
Dr James Willis and his wife Lesley Willis jointly win the Outstanding Services to Alton Award for 2021
The award is given to those who have worked hard to make a difference in our Town: through work, voluntary activity or both. James and Lesley Willis have lived in Alton for nearly 50 years. James working as a highly respected General Practitioner; Lesley as a Biology teacher. Both passionate environmentalists, they are founding and very active members of Alton Climate Action Network (ACAN) and the Alton Local Food Initiative (ALFI). They also share a love of performance arts and are longstanding members of the Alton Fringe working both onstage and offstage. James was Chairman of the Alton Society for three years; he used his considerable knowledge and authority in the cause of the town to which he is so committed. Lesley was a trained Citizens Advice Bureau volunteer for several years and both have been governors in local education institutions.
The above barely does justice to the passion and commitment they have brought to these and other causes in a lifetime of engagement in our public and civic life. They have made a demonstrable difference to the town, which, as a result, has been incredibly enriched. When told about the award they were both surprised and astonished. They are delighted that it is a joint award, recognising how well they support each other in their many endeavours.
John Hubbard receiving his award from Chairman David Simpkins
Outstanding Services to Alton Award 2020
John Hubbard
The Society is delighted to announce that their Outstanding Services to Alton Award has gone to John Hubbard. The presentation is usually made at our AGM but this is not possible this year. There is an excellent article in the Society’s Autumn Newsletter about John and these Newsletters can be found at the Alton Community Centre. He is a major linchpin in the Alton Climate Action Network and Energy Alton. He is also involved in the Repair Cafe and is Chairman of Resurrection Furniture which is linked to his Church, St Lawrence. In his spare time he enjoys gardening, walking, sailing and singing (he is a member of the Waverley Singers). He makes a huge commitment to the community of Alton.
Outstanding services to Alton Award 2019
Martin Gibbs
Martin Gibbs has won our prestigious award this year. He is 68 years old, married with two daughters. He took over running the Flood Meadows Working Party in 2007 (since renamed Friends of Flood Meadows). He organises our Sunday morning sessions (see below for the next date) when the group of volunteers numbering between 10 to 20 help to keep the meadows in excellent condition. They include people of all ages and they clear debris, vegetation, litter plus repairing and building footpaths. Martin ensures they all receive tasks that match their skills. His friendly and “can do” attitude is an example to us all.
The Alton Society Award – Rules
John Ambrose Award
2020 No award given for the fifth year running.
2019 No award given for the fourth year running.
2018 No award given
2017 No Award given
2016 No Award given
The Alton Society 