Last Sunday 29th March, was the Marlow’s Civic Celebration, a Town Council event to celebrate Marlow’s community.
This year, our Mayor Cllr Muryel Boulay chose to focus on the youth of Marlow, with awards given out and presentations from youth organisations.
Cllr Boulay opened the event with a speech emphasising the connection and collaboration between neighbours, generations, businesses, charities, and local organizations. She outlined challenges faced by many in the community, and encouraged participation – volunteering, supporting local businesses, looking out for neighbours.
Awards, based on public nominations were presented to a very deserving group of young people:
Millie Doolan – Young Community Champion
Recognised for transforming grief into community action after the death of her brother (age 18) in a car crash. Millie built a social media platform promoting safe driving and preserving her brother’s memory and created other initiatives, for example creating and funding bereavement boxes – thoughtful, practical packages for families affected by bereavement.
Josh Mustard – Young Innovator Award
Josh started a dog biscuit business aged 12 during lockdown. “Mustard’s Miracle Services” has gone from strength to strength, and this has allowed Josh to make regular donations to charities like Maidenhead Foodshare
Andrew Somers – Young Carer Award
Andrew was recognised for caring responsibilities for his father undergoing brain tumour treatment. He runs household tasks and cooks meals for himself and older brother while continuing studies, and still managing to contribute to other community initiatives.
There were informative presentations from two local youth organisations
Ian Dodds, Marlow Scouts
Ian outlined the work that the various groups do, covering different ages – Squirrels, Beavers, Cubs and Scouts. He outlined how they aim to build skills for life, based on varied activities, whether outdoor and active fun, or community support.
There are currently waiting lists to join, and further volunteers are sought to help expand. www.3mbscouts.org
Janette Fullwood, Brighter Futures Together
Brighter Futures Together is a community organisation working across Buckinghamshire and Berkshire supporting children and young people who do not fit what is already available.
They are based at Marlow Youth and Community Centre on Wycombe Road, but have an open access policy, not bound by postcodes – if young people can get there, they are welcome. brighterfuturestogether.org.uk
MyMarlow was invited to attend the event , and it was both heartwarming and inspirational to hear from the speakers, and learn of the achievements of the young awards winners. Here’s a few photos:
