Council lauds volunteer of the year

Archived press release

Date Published: 27/09/12

Volunteer of the year presentation

A tireless volunteer who has supported countless causes and charities in Aylesbury Vale will be recognised at a special ceremony this week.

Simonetta Juniper of Aylesbury has been named recipient of the Aylesbury Vale District Council Volunteer of the Year Award.

The accolade marks Simonetta’s fantastic contribution to numerous charity projects throughout her life and follows a nomination by her daughter, Christina.

She will receive her award from AVDC’s Chairman, Councillor Derrick Isham, at a private ceremony at the council’s Gateway offices on Friday 28 September.

The annual Volunteer of the Year Award recognises and rewards the efforts of people within the district who go out of their way voluntarily to help others. A panel of judges made up of local councillors has the task of deciding on a winner.

This year’s winner has given an enormous amount of her time, skill, energy and dedication to serve the community of Aylesbury in many different ways.

Simonetta volunteered at Rayners Hedge, Aylesbury's neuro-rehab unit for MS sufferers and stroke patients, and took the took the time to get to know and support the families of some of the patients receiving care.

She also took part in an initiative to help homeless people in Aylesbury stay safe and warm during the winter months. Simonetta volunteered at a local church that was providing overnight shelter and played a valuable role in manning the rotas.

More recently, Simonetta was one of the thousands of volunteers that helped to make the London 2012 Games such a success.

Christina Juniper, who nominated her mother for the award, said: “I think she fully deserves this award given that, no matter how busy she is, if there is a project that she wants to help out with, she will find the time. I am fiercely proud to have this remarkable woman as my Mum and think that winning this award may help her in realising how truly fabulous she is and how many people she has helped with her selflessness.”

Councillor Pam Pearce, Cabinet Member for Community Matters, added: “We are fortunate in Aylesbury Vale to have people like Simonetta who go the extra mile to help those around them. Simonetta’s commitment to the local community, in so many different areas and over many years, is both a credit to her and an inspiration to others.”

The quality of the candidates this year is reflected by the fact that the panel has also awarded a runner’s-up award to Ros Hutt of Buckingham. Ros is well known in the town through her involvement with numerous voluntary organisations including Community Care North Bucks, Age Concern and Project Street Life.

Keith Croxton, of Community Care North Bucks, nominated Ros for the award. He said: “She is a caring and compassionate person who carries out her involvement in so many voluntary activities in the community without seeking the limelight. She has brought comfort and hope to many individuals as well as helping community groups in their areas of service.”

Simonetta and Ros will both receive a framed commemorative certificate.