27th June 2023
Claygate Youth and Community Hub Manager, Katie Holmes, was awarded the Bryan Rhodes Community Cup last night.
The presentation was attended by local parish councillors, regular 11–19-year-olds and their parents, volunteers and trustees who have made the space a vibrant centre for the village youth and community in the last two years, enthusiastically led by Katie.
Presented by Donna Holt, Vice Chairman of Claygate Parish Council, the cup is in honour of Bryan Rhodes who was a key part of Claygate life and who is always spoken of with respect even now, and has been awarded every year since 2004 to someone who has made an outstanding contribution to Claygate in the preceding 12 months.
Sue Grose, Parish Council Chairman, said of Katie, “I have never heard anyone speak of you in any way other than with respect and admiration. Your commitment to the Hub goes back much further than merely the last 12 months - but I am very mindful of the challenges that the last year has been for the Hub but the unswerving commitment and compassion you have shown over the last year has had an enormous impact upon us all - especially for those around you tonight”.
She continued, “The community holds you in the highest regard. Please know that and as you look around you the users of the Hub will I know be confirming this”.
Katie, who has been the Hub Manager for two years and volunteer for seven, said, “I’m truly honoured and proud…but you are only as good as your team – you make the Hub what it is. I love being here…it’s lovely watching [the youth] grow into adults”.
As well as having the vision for a dedicated safe space for young people, Katie has given up significant time and energy to volunteer beyond her work to support individuals in the best way.
The Hub is open every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings for 11–19-year-olds and all other times for community activities and clubs to hire the hall space.
Hear Katie's acceptance speech...
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