'Doers' recognised for contribution

PROUD: Mabel Trueman with her son Mikey, 10, and grandson Kodah, 5. PHOTOS/ANDREW BONALLACK

Three people who have unselfishly given their time and energy to Masterton were rewarded at a special ceremony held in the Frank Cody Lounge on Thursday.

Mabel Trueman, Ian Campbell and Margaret Hannon were recipients of the Masterton District Council's Civic Awards and were recognised at the function hosted by chairman of the Civic Awards Committee Doug Bracewell and Masterton mayor Lyn Patterson.

Ms Trueman, who had been nominated for an award by Pene Jackson, Donna Gray and Learni Rapaea-Awhiti, works at Te Awhina Cameron Community house and has helped bring residents in the low decile area of Masterton closer together.

She has ensured there is a walking bus every day to Lakeview School, and runs the school's breakfast club.

She looks after the children of young parents so they can have some time out and is involved in the school's holiday programme.

At the function, children put on a haka for her which drew the comment from Ms Trueman: "Thank you very much, it was a really great performance."

Ian Campbell was nominated by Peter Martin, Marie Millar and Stephanie Kirby.

He has been involved with the Masterton Tennis Club for over 25 years in many roles including treasurer, secretary and maintenance manager.

Mr Campbell recently arranged the replacement of surfaces for three courts open to the public.

He is past chairman of Probus Ruamahanga, chairman of the Trimble Trust since 2004 and is the treasurer and workshop supervisor at Henley Mens Shed.

Although he now has breathing difficulties, Mr Campbell told the gathering he would give talking "a try".

"Living in this community has always been very important to me. Masterton is a great community to live in.

"But really, all I have done in volunteer work follows my belief that if you see a job that needs doing, and you believe in your ability to do it, then do it. Don't wait for someone else.

"I'm proud to be part of Masterton and would not wish to be anywhere else," he said.

Margaret Hannon is a retired speech therapist who developed the Granny's Basket Language Enhancement Programme.

She enjoyed sharing books and games with her grandchildren and watching their language develop.

Mrs Hannon created a programme so other children could have the same opportunity. The programme was trialled in 2007 at Masterton Christian Childcare Centre and at Lakeview School.

It is now firmly established and has helped hundreds of children.

Mrs Hannon said she was very grateful for the award.

"The programme has been most enjoyable.

"I'm grateful to the volunteers and principals of the schools," she said.