THE search for Whitchurch’s ninth Citizen of the Year is now officially underway after the town council launched the 2024 event.

Introduced by then mayor of Whitchurch Mike McDonald – and now town clerk – in 2015, the award seeks to recognise individuals ‘who have made an outstanding contribution to the life of their communities during the preceding 12 months’.

In 2023, the Whitchurch public chose Paul Jenkins for this honour to recognise his voluntary role as detachment commander with Whitchurch Army Cadets for more than 12 years, including the support of Duke of Edinburgh Awards, training and testing first aid, annual poppy selling and Remembrance Sunday parade.

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Mr McDonald said a public vote for the Citizen of the Year is a way to show a way that people in the town can come together to show off the best at what is on offer.

“Whitchurch has a long tradition of people going the ‘extra mile’ to support others,” said Mr McDonald.

“This award seeks to celebrate those local heroes who constantly put others before themselves, without the need for praise or recognition, a unique characteristic which makes ‘Whitchurch Stronger Together’.”

Nominations can be submitted online via the town council’s website at whitchurchtowncouncil.gov.uk or by completing a nomination form available from the Market Hall or by calling 01948 665761.

Mr McDonald added: “Nominations close on 29th September and a public vote will select the overall winner from shortlisted nominations between Monday, October 14 and Sunday, November 10.

“The 2024 Whitchurch Citizen of the Year will have the honour of switching on the town’s Christmas Lights with Whitchurch Mayor, Councillor Andy Hall on Saturday, November 23.”

Winners of the prestigious award in the past have included Betty Jukes in 2015 who played a vital role in the lives of older people at Whitchurch Senior Citizens club.

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In 2016, cancer fundraiser Gwynneth Rollins was given the nod, followed by Rose Snell in 2017, Arthur Skitt in 2018 and Keith Robinson in 2019.

There was a break throughout the pandemic lockdowns before it returned in 2021 with Keith Robinson and Jennifer McHale in 2022.

In 2023, Sheila Chase won it for her years of fundraising for Midlands Air Ambulance with her fantastic Christmas lights with Mr Jenkins winning last year.