King’s Award For Surrey Hills Radio

Surrey Hills Community Radio, based in Leatherhead, was presented with The King’s Award for Voluntary Service at a celebration evening on Monday (28^th April) —the highest honour a voluntary group can receive in the UK and the equivalent to an MBE for a group of volunteers. The Award presentation was held at ‘The Stockroom Society’ in Leatherhead’s Swan Shopping Centre, bringing together current presenters, supporters, and community partners from over a decade of broadcasting.

His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Surrey, Michael More-Molyneux, presented the Award to the station co-founder and station manager – Dave Smith. The citation was read by Deputy Lieutenant Neelam Devesher, one of the Award assessors. Among the distinguished guests were Peter Cluff, the High Sheriff of Surrey, Helen Maguire MP, and Vice-Chairman of Mole Valley District Council, Cllr Roger Adams.

The evening was a vibrant reflection of the community spirit SHCR has championed since its inception. Guests included representatives from Freewheelers Theatre and Media Company, The Theatre Academy, The Sunnybank Trust, The Orpheus Centre, The Paul Alan Project, Leatherhead Cricket Club, and Mole Valley Runners, Mole Valley Arts Alive Festival, the Mole Valley Employment & Skills Hub, plus their newest partners the organisers of ShyneFest. Also attending were local businesses who sponsor shows that have supported the station’s growth, including local caterer Nibble & Feast and The Golden Scissors hair salon.

A standout moment came from Claygate Primary School, who delighted the audience with two radio-themed songs, complete with dance moves. Adding to the emotional resonance of the evening, Millie Jane Franks gave a heartfelt speech before performing live, sharing her gratitude for SHCR’s continued support of her career through their new music programme. Her performance was a moving reminder of the station’s impact on local talent and creativity.

Station Manager Dave Smith shared,
“This Award is not just for the radio station—it’s for every single person who has given their time, their talent, and their voice to make SHCR what it is today. We are so grateful to all who have been part of our journey.”

The announcement for the award in 2024 – the tenth year anniversary of the station, followed a memorable visit by HRH The Duke of Edinburgh who visited the studio in North Street and recorded a special radio show during which he interviewed key members of the team and presenters, which was aired a few days later on his 60^th birthday.

Monday’s celebration marked not only a milestone for SHCR, but a reaffirmation of its mission: to bring people together through the power of local radio, community collaboration, and shared stories.

You can find out more about Surrey Hills Community Radio, including how to listen in to its exclusively online shows at www.surreyhillsradio.co.uk

Photography by Andy Newbold & Kayleigh Arunasalon.