Each year Hungerford Town Council invites Hungerford residents to nominate someone from within their community, who’s demonstrated exceptionally loyal service to benefit the town. People who’ve made a significant, and often long-standing contribution to support the well-being of our community.
On Wednesday 27 September 2023 Charlie Barr, Richard Hofgartner and Tony Drewer-Trump were awarded Freedom of the Town for their outstanding contributions to our community by Simon Muir, High Sheriff of the Royal County of Berkshire (right above) and Mayor of Hungerford Helen Simpson (left above).
Mayor Helen Simpson reports “on how lucky Hungerford is to have so many volunteers who give the most precious commodity of all, their time, often sacrificing family time to fulfil their volunteer commitments.
Charlie Barr has been awarded for many reasons but recognised for her enthusiastic work with Hungerford Youth and Community Centre for over 12 years, promoting and taking it from strength to strength. She chairs the board of trustees and is a huge part of HYCC’s Youth Club. Charlie’s role in the community of Hungerford is second to none, she volunteers at all kinds of events and opportunities. To name but a few she has been previously involved with Hungerford Rugby Club, she has run the Ladybugs parent and toddler group and for several years has run Brownies and Guides groups in Hungerford.
There is no doubt that Charlie deserves this award for her exceptional dedication and input to the town. Congratulations Charlie.
Stewart Hofgartner, a huge supporter of the town for 45 years, really is so deserving of this award! To start on the impressive list of attributes, Stewart is the founding member of Hungerford Chamber of Commerce and has contributed to countless charitable events over the years. He has given many inspiring talks to organizations, donated raffle prizes and has been the most outstanding auctioneer at charitable events. Stewart (along with Keith Haddrell) was the driving force that created The Victorian Extravaganza, Stewart continued to run the event for 15 years and the Extravaganza continues to succeed and is now in its 30th year! Other commendable contributions include his position as constable for Town and Manor between 1993 and 1995 and 25 years as a trustee. His support goes above and beyond for HTC with his generous contributions to brightening up the town with the Christmas Lights and Flower Baskets.
It all began with trading in the Hungerford Arcade and then in his own shop ‘Below Stairs’ which celebrates 50 years of trading in 2024! Hungerford is known for its antiques trade and the town has benefitted from presence of ‘Below Stairs’ which attracts many visitors from far and wide. Finally lets not forget to mention Stewart is an ambassador for Hungerford as one of the most popular dealers on Dickinson’s Real Deal on ITV1.
Stewart you are a real asset to the town and Hungerford is lucky to have you.
Tony Drewer-Trump has given up generous amounts of his free time over a significant number of years setting up and running events that are a huge benefit to the community. Some of his noticeable achievements include his involvement in Hungerford Environmental Action Team (HEAT), his key role in Hungerford 2036 Neighbourhood Plan and being a trustee of the Croft Hall. For several years Tony has chaired HAHA (Hungerford Allotment Holders Association) and has been hugely involved with the establishment and maintenance of the Marsh Lane allotments. He has also been the driving force behind Arts of Hungerford a CIC run by volunteers which puts on regular arts events for the community including an annual free arts festival for children. This year’s event was a big success and the talk of the town for a while. The art festival’s key goal is introducing children to the Arts and Tony has worked closely with the primary school to arrange music events.
Tony is undeniably an asset to the town and is appreciated for all the time an effort he has contributed over the years. Congratulations Tony.”
