The organiser of the Earley Adopt-a-Street Initiative (EASI) litter picking groups, and the champion behind United Against Bullies In Reading, are both the recipients of this month’s Wokingham Borough Mayor’s Roll of Honour awards for outstanding commitment and contributions to the area.
Nominated by Margaret and Michael Osborne, Peter Soul kept Earley and Lower Earley litter free for nine years, through his work coordinating the EASI litter picking groups. He worked unwaveringly over the years, gathering more than 300 volunteers to keep to area clear.
Peter receives this award posthumous, having sadly passed away in May 2019 from Pancreatic Cancer. The nominators said: “We are so proud that Peter has won this award and that he is being remembered for all of his hard work. He worked tirelessly coordinating the team, providing equipment and distribution for the work to be carried out.”
The second recipient of the night was Shinfield resident Manu Dhaumya, who was nominated by his wife Deepa Dhaumya. Manu is the face behind the anti-bullying campaign United Against Bullies In Reading. Deepa said: “He has been working hard running this initiative for almost five years, to raise awareness for the bullying epidemic that’s prevalent on a large scale in schools.”
Manu’s is also sponsoring the Shinfield Cricket Club to help the underprivileged kids get help with coaching. In addition, he is organising a badminton tournament at Loddon Valley Leisure Centre in Lower Earley, both events will help to raise money for his anti-bullying work.
Cllr Malcolm Richards, Deputy Borough Mayor, said: “It always a privilege to pay respects to local volunteers who go above and beyond to help others in our community. I am delighted to recognise both Peter and Manu for their tireless hard work in our community.”
Any borough resident can be nominated for the award. “We are always looking for people who go the extra mile to help others in our community. Our local volunteers are what makes our borough so special,” said Cllr Richards. “If you know someone who regularly makes extra effort for others, perhaps through fostering or volunteering, we want to hear about them.”
To nominate somebody, all you have to do is email the mayor’s office at: mayoralsupport@wokingham.gov.uk. Nominations (which can only be made by Wokingham Borough residents) should be no longer than 200 words and set out why the nominee should be considered for the award. For the children’s awards, outstanding achievements in sport or arts will be considered.
Each month Cllr Soane and his deputy mayor Cllr Malcolm Richards will select worthy winners from those people nominated by members of the public. There will be children’s and adults’ categories and each winner will receive a lapel badge and scroll to mark their achievements.
The awards will be given out monthly and the next awards will be presented at November’s council meeting.
