ANNUAL TOWN MEETING 2025
Published: 21 March 2025
PRESS RELEASE
Annual Town Meeting
Residents were invited to the Annual Town Meeting at 8pm on Wednesday 19 March 2025, in The Murray Hall, at 106 Borders Lane, Loughton IG10 3SB.
Displays were set up by local groups, organisations and charities that were successful with their grant applications, allowing residents an opportunity to view before the formal meeting commenced at 8pm.
The meeting agenda followed the usual format with reports from the Town Mayor and Chairmen from the Town Council Committees about the Council’s activities and achievements during the past year and its on-going plans for the future.
Cllr Katie Valentine, Loughton Town Mayor, presented the awards to the Citizens of the Year. Richard Church was named Citizen of the Year, recognising his dedication and voluntary work with the Scouts for over 38 years. The Town Mayor said, “Richard has continually delivered results that benefit the entire scouting community”.
Frankie Gibney was declared Young Citizen of the Year, in recognition of his charitable endeavours and dedication to raise awareness and much needed funds. The Town Mayor commented on “the incredible contribution Frankie had made to the people of Loughton. He was a real inspiration”.
Richard will keep the presented Rose Bowl for the first six months of the year and Frankie will hold it for the remaining six months. Both recipients also received an engraved glass plaque to keep along with an illuminated scroll. A cheque in the sum of £250 will be presented by the Town Council to chosen charities of both winners.
A Certificate of Recognition was also presented by the Town Mayor to the daughter of Barbara Andrews, who was unable to attend. This celebrated her exceptional work going ‘above and beyond’ as a teacher for over 30 years at Hereward Primary School, helping the children of Loughton reach their potential.
Representatives from local groups, organisations and charities that were successful in their grant applications received certificates to mark their achievement. In total the Town Council presented £35,671.93 to Community Groups in Loughton, helping very worthy local causes.
The Town Mayor welcomed local MP, Neil Hudson, who attended this year, and joined Town Councillors for an informal chat with residents and the voluntary groups following the meeting.
For more information contact:
Mark Squire (Town Clerk)
Tel: 020 8508 4200
Date: 20 March 2025
Representatives from the local Groups and Organisations that received Financial Assistance Grants in this years awards with the Town Mayor.
Frankie Gibney Young Citizen of the Year 2025 and Richard Church Citizen of the Year, holding the Rose Bowl and Scroll.
Richard Church, Citizen of the Year 2025 holding the Rose Bowl, with TM Cllr Katie Valentine.
Frankie Gibney holding his engraved glass plaque with Cllr Katie Valentine, Loughton Town Mayor.
Barbara Andrews daughter collecting her Certificate of Recognition - Citizen of the Year 2025 Award from the TM, Cllr Katie Valentine