The annual Mayor's Community Awards ceremony took place at Kingston's Guildhall on Friday afternoon (March 17), recognising and celebrating individuals who have played their part in helping fellow residents over the past year.

This year, the Mayor of Kingston, Councillor Yogan Yoganathan, also presented four 'Young Person' Community Awards for those under the age of 21 who had carried out inspiring work within the local area.

The award ceremony took place in the Council Chamber of Kingston Council's Guildhall from 12pm - 2pm.

On hosting the 2022 event, Cllr Yogan Yoganathan said: "It has been a great pleasure for me to present Community Awards to incredible, inspiring residents, who have shown such empathy and generosity to others in Kingston. 

"Throughout my Mayoral year, I've been struck by the strong sense of community spirit in our borough and these awards are a brilliant example of the great work being done locally to support others. It is truly an honour to be able to shine a light on these community heroes - many congratulations to them all."

Winners of the 2023 Mayor's Community Awards

Anandaluxmy Gnanasampanthan: Anandaluxmy has been a dedicated member of Kingston Tamil School Netball Club for over 20 years, transforming it into a thriving community with over 150 players. She was awarded for her enthusiasm in encouraging adults and children to take part and has been influential in organising fundraising tournaments.

Despo Stevens: Despo volunteers with her local food bank at the Greek Orthodox Church and is a regular volunteer with RBKares. During the pandemic, Despo got involved helping others by volunteering to shop and run errands, as well as offering companionship and joining a cooking rota for frontline workers.

The Kingston resident also played a crucial role in helping with RBKares 'Winter Warmer bags' scheme, designed to help those struggling with rising heating costs.

Vijayaluxmy Wijayasooriar: Vijayaluxmy (Vije) has been a volunteer at The Centre for Community Development for a remarkable 14 years, as well as helping with The Elders Empowerment Programme, which helps older people in the local Tamil community to overcome loneliness, isolation and to empower them to lead an independent, fulfilled life. 

Suzanne Seyghal: Suzanne has been awarded for her support for community groups across the borough using her vast experience as a copywriter and communications specialist.

Among the organisations Suzanne has supported are the Full Cycle Community Bike Project, Cambridge Road Estates Tuesday Group, The Kingston Society and Kingston Cycling Network. Suzanne also runs the Sunflower Streets Residents Association. 

Sue Baker: Sue Baker has launched Tea & Treats, a free community afternoon tea, held each month at Swinnerton Hall in North Kingston. The monthly event has created a vital community hub for an increasing number of people, typically those who are new to the area or those who don't otherwise have much social contact.

Robert Dobbie: During Robert's four years as Chair of the Surbiton Festival Committee, he has played a leading role in modernising the organisation of the festival  led it through the Covid pandemic, and ensured it returned, stronger than ever. Under Robert's stewardship, new children's events have been added to the festival programme for families to enjoy. 

Hyung Soo Yim: Hyung Soo Yim started the Korean Senior Citizens Association in 2016 and is the Chairman of the Korean Culture and Arts Association. During the pandemic, Hyung played an active role in providing food both for those isolating and for the volunteers at Kingston Hospital.

Hyung has brought greater public awareness of Korean food and the Korean way of life through kimchi festivals, Christmas markets and celebrations for the Platinum Jubilee. 

Julie French: Julie has been a vital member of the BRaG Residents Association Committee over the years. During the pandemic, Julie also became a founding member of the Sewing Angels, who have raised over £25,000 for local charities, including Kingston Food Bank, Momentum, Barnfield Riding for the Disabled, Mind in Kingston, Refugee Action Kingston and KCAH.

Karl Nicholas: Karl became Assistant Bandmaster and Director of Music of the Kingston & Malden Scout & Guide Band in 2000, having joined the Band as a Scout in 1994.

Karl's musical skills, dedication and commitment have enabled the Band to reach a very high standard and become recognised as one of the best Scout & Guide Bands in the UK. Karl has also held several other significant scouting roles, including being the Scout Leader at 2nd Cuddington Scout Group for an incredible 18 years. 

Mayor's Young Person's Community Award recipients

Stephanie Powell: Stephanie has been awarded as a winning recipient of the Mayor's Young Person's Community Award due to their commitment to the 10th Surbiton Guides unit since they were 10.

As well as becoming a Young Leader over the last 10 years, Stephanie has led sessions in a confident, mature and charismatic way, explaining activities to Guides with compassion and kindness. 

Charlotte Trevillion: Charlotte started her Guiding life as a Rainbow aged 5 and went on to progress through to Brownies and Guides despite various health conditions, and now volunteers as a Young Leader in the Guides.

Charlotte also started learning the clarinet and has joined in many Kingston and nation-wide events including the Lord Mayor's Show, St. George's Day Parade at Windsor and the Royal Borough of Kingston Band Tattoo. Charlotte now teaches younger members how to play the clarinet and music theory. 

Emily Forey: Emily has been registered with Kingston Young Carers project for over 13 years, as well as being part of the Young Adult Carers group. As a young leader, aged just 18, Emily helped support a young carer with diabetes throughout the Young Carers Festival.

She also volunteered her time at the Young Carers Conference this February, where she spoke in front of professionals about her experience and the importance of the project to young carers and professionals in Kingston.

Matthew Down: Matthew is a young volunteer who has been working at the Oxygen charity shop in New Malden for the last two years. During the pandemic, Matthew was instrumental in helping to get the shop up and running again, with his commitment to volunteering and encouraging other young people to volunteer.

In the summer of 2022, as part of his other voluntary role at Sunninghill Community Radio, Matthew did a mammoth 12 hour music marathon which raised a fantastic £860 for Oxygen.