Graham is Wirral's Volunteer of the Year (From Wirral Globe)

Graham is Wirral's Volunteer of the Year

11:50pm Wednesday 15th July 2009

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A Rock Ferry man who works selflessly for his community is Wirral's Volunteer of the Year.

Graham Williamson, aged 73, received the prestigious honour from Wirral's mayor, Andrew Hodgson, during a ceremony at the Floral Pavilion Theatre & Conference Centre in New Brighton earlier this evening. He also took the title of Older Person Volunteer.

To be honest, I feel a bit guilty about accepting this award, because there are so many other people who are doing at least what I have done.

Graham Williamson

He was one of more than 100 people nominated for the award, which was organised by Wirral Council For Voluntary Service and has been supported by the Globe since its inception in 1996.

The former teacher, who worked at Birkenhead School until a back injury forced him to retire 21 years ago, told the Globe: "I certainly wasn't expecting to receive the award.

"I was informed that I was nominated for the first one, the older volunteer category, but I rather think that was done out of sympathy.

"As far as the second award is concerned, I didn't think I had a cat in Hell's chance of getting it."

Over the last 20 years, Graham has been director and secretary of the Viking Youth Club. He also set up and obtained funding for community action group the Tranmere Alliance.

As chairperson of the Friends of Tranmere Park, he set up the running of the Tranmere Show, using some of his own money to set up the first show in 1993. He also runs a luncheon club.

He contiuned: "To be honest, I feel a bit guilty about accepting this award, because there are so many other people who are doing at least what I have done.

"But I suppose the fact that I've been doing these things over many years makes a difference."

When not working as a full-time volunteer, Graham takes care of his disabled wife Barbara.

The other award recipients were:

Sue Flush - Unwaged volunteer;

Carol Hankey - Employed volunteer;

Samantha Schorah - Younger volunteer;

Lynda Hicks - Disabled volunteer;

Wendie Darlington - Specialist category: volunteers supporting hospital and hospice services.

Compere for the evening was BBC Radio Merseyside presenter Roger Phillips.

He told the audience of more than 100 people: "Every volunteer is a winner. The truth of the matter is that nothing would work without volunteers, whether it be specials working with the police service, or hospice volunteers working for the hospital service."

A raffle raised £340, which will be divided between the mayor's charity and the Globe-backed Jellybean Appeal.

Wirral singer Phil Chisnall provided the entertainment after the ceremony.

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