Amersham: Citizen of the Year Awards celebrate residents' action

Amersham Town Council announced the winners of Citizen of the Year Awards recognising individuals, groups and businesses at a ceremony held at the Amersham Free Church on March 28. 

Amersham in Bloom volunteers won the Mayor’s Special Award for their commitment and dedication to enhance the town, which won the coveted RHS Britain in Bloom last year.

Mayor Mark Roberts said: “I am delighted with these awards to recognise those who have made a fantastic contribution to Amersham over many years but most particularly in the last year. It is people like these that make Amersham such a great place and I was happy to present the awards to them.”

Citizen of the Year award went to Alison Bailey, a volunteer and trustee at Amersham Museum and key organiser of the Amersham-on-the-Hill Christmas Festival.

Citizen of the Year winner Alison Bailey's husband collected her accolade (Image: Amersham Town Council)

She was also commended for her help with the new Amersham town map on display by the Metropolitan replica train.

Kie Daniels was crowned the Young Citizen of the Year winner.

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He was praised for his selfless and frequent help for the community and his loved ones, including helping his sister when she was unwell.

As an active member of the Army Cadets 6th Platoon Rifles he has helped at events, sold poppies, raised money and trained in first aid. 

Young Citizen of the Year winner Kie with mayor Mark Roberts (Image: Amersham Town Council)

The 2023 Business Award winner was Barnett Waddingham for the company’s support of the Town Council and the wider community for many years.

They have stepped up to sponsor various events in the town, including the new Amersham in Bloom clothing and a children’s flowerbed design competition.

The Town Council thanked the company for funding a biodiversity project, which will enhance a grass verge opposite their office.

Business Award 2023 winners from Barnett Waddingham (Image: Amersham Town Council)

Stony Dean School bagged the Environment Award for their involvement “in most projects that are aimed at improving Amersham,” the Town Council clerk Steve Catanach said.

Among other civic activities they have helped to plant a native hedge at Willow Wood for better biodiversity, litter picks, helped to plant 8,000 crocuses and maintained overgrown footpaths.

Mr Catanach said: “Stony Dean School has also driven many environmental projects within their own grounds this year, including rejuvenating a pond and sowing of wildflowers. The school has also had solar panels installed on their roof.

Stony Dean School won for their efforts to enhance the local environment (Image: Amersham Town Council)

“Congratulations to Stony Dean School and thank you so much for your continued support. Neil Strain, headteacher and Gareth Kirmond you should be very proud.”