CWGC Volunteers in the Spotlight

CWGC relies greatly on the contribution of its volunteers for which the organisation is eternally grateful. Many go above and beyond what we expect from them, greatly supporting our work and enhancing our visitor’s experience with their enthusiasm and knowledge.

CWGC have initiated the Spotlight Award to shine a light on and celebrate these dedicated individuals and teams and the work they do in our name.

Here are the Spotlight Award 2022 winners

Brookwood Tour Guide Team, South East Region

Team members: Judith Barnett, Norman Brice, Eugenie Brooks, Susan Crosland, Andrew Day, Mike Dawson, Graham Grist, Paul Iverson, Alan Leakey, Antony McCallum, Georgina Paul, Martin Olney, Mike Selcon, Jon Wort.

Nominated by: Megan Maltby, Public Engagement Manager

Reason for the award: The Brookwood Tour Guide Team are absolutely fantastic. As a team they have delivered well over 100 tours since May including highly engaging tours to school groups, the British Army and the public which has raised over £1300 for the CWGF. These tours always receive lovely feedback from those who attend. They are always willing to help with last minute requests and are incredibly flexible in their approach, with each tour being adapted to the group. As some of our longest standing volunteers they deserve this award for their continued support and enthusiasm. Thank you for everything you do, Megan.

Stewart Kilby, South West Region

Nominated by: Rebecca Smith, Public Engagement Coordinator (South West)

Reason for the award: Stew has been a Kantor Speaker this year and has generated the most incredible number of talks, giving at least 9 in total. They've been to a range of groups including large military organisations, young people and local groups and his feedback has always been excellent. Well done Stew! Looking forward to working together next year!

Ken Nairn, Scotland

Nominated by: Sehar Sardar, Public Engagement Coordinator (Scotland S and W)

Reason for the award: I would like to nominate Ken for this award. Since becoming a Kantor Speaker volunteer he has organised and taken the lead on a number of talks and tours in which he informed members of the public about the work of the CWGC and told the life stories of the commonwealth servicemen and servicewomen who we commemorate in Ayr. Most recently he has organised and led a People's remembrance walk in Ayr on Remembrance Sunday. I fully believe he has represented the CWGC well in all occasions and has done his utmost to make people in his local community aware about the work the CWGC has done and are still doing today.

Gary Newman, South East Region

Nominated by: William Reid, Public Engagement Coordinator (South)

Reason for the award: Since joining the Kantor Speaker programme Gary has been an incredible asset to the commission. Not only has he delivered over 10 talks this year, most of which he has generated himself, but he has also gone above and beyond using his connections to spread the word of the commission across the Isle of Wight, leading to further talk opportunities and keen interest in getting involved with the volunteering roles we offer. For the above reasons I hope this commendation goes some way in showing my appreciation for all that he has achieved this year.

Andrew Thornton, North Region

Nominated by: Elizabeth Smith, Public Engagement Coordinator (North East)

Reason for the award: Andrew volunteers as part of the Speaker, Tour Guide and EOHO progammes. He has delivered 5 presentations on behalf of the CWGC and most of these talks he generated himself. He has undertaken extra research in tailoring talks for local groups and is meticulous in preparation. Andrew guided at Stonefall as part of War Graves Week and Heritage Open Days. He also gave 10 days of tours to the Junior Soldiers at the Army Foundation College. Andrew always receives outstanding feedback. I have lots of great examples of this!!!

Congratulations to all our winners. We would like to thank them and all our volunteers for their valued efforts throughout 2021 and look forward to working with you in 2022.