New Graham Hewitt volunteer award for Gosport: Nominate now

A new Graham Hewitt Volunteer of the Year award has launched in Gosport, named after the late borough councillor, mayor and Honorary Freeman who did so much for volunteering and local charity.

Nominations for the Graham Hewitt award as well as the Gosport Citizen of the Year and Young Citizen of the Year are open on the website and must be submitted before 2 April.

Graham Hewitt became a borough councillor aged just 21 and went on to serve as the youngest mayor from 1974. A committed European, he worked tirelessly to make Gosport's twinning with Royan, in France, a resounding success down the decades.

Graham enjoyed a 42-year career working for The News, retiring as director of management services and company secretary. Together with his wife Juliette, Graham set up the Gosport & Fareham branch of the Multiple Sclerosis Society, overseeing hundreds of thousands of pounds of fundraising for the cause and directly helping many thousands of people. Graham died at the age of 81 in March 2020.

Council Leader Cllr Peter Chegwyn said:

"This new award will recognise individuals who work tirelessly for our local community each year without ever seeking reward or thanks. We're looking for people to nominate the 'unsung heroes' of whom Graham Hewitt was always so proud to work alongside during his long and distinguished service to our borough."

Nominations for all three awards - Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year, and the Graham Hewitt Award - are being sought before the deadline of 2 April 2025.

All nominations for the new award will be considered by a panel of Honorary Aldermen, who will recommend this year's winner.

The winners of all three awards will be announced at the annual mayor making ceremony on 14 May.

Published: 24 March 2025