THE future of sport in Farnham is alive and well – if a thriving awards night is anything to go by.

The great and the good of the town’s burgeoning sports scene, be it player, official, coach or volunteer, were recognised for the their work at Farnham Rugby Club on Monday.

And the clubhouse on Wilkinson Way was an apt venue for the Farnham Sports Council awards presentation as the rugby club are carrying all before them this season, having won eight games out of eight in their quest for a place in coveted National South 1 next season.

Whether the rugby club are inspiring other sporting folk or whether the achievements of the greater Farnham sporting collective are inspiring the rugby team is open to debate. What is clear, though, is that sport in the town is in rude health.

In all, there were 15 categories covered, with a host of highly-commended honours and special awards handed out, while evergreen long-distance pedaller Russ Mantle, who last month became the first Briton to clock one million miles on his bike, was the special guest.

David Gill, chairman of Farnham Sports Council, said: “The standard of nominations for this year’s sports awards was once again incredibly high and we should all be very proud that Farnham has so much talent and so many brilliant sports clubs.

“Very well done to all the winners and to those who received special awards or who were highly commended.

“To all those in our community who volunteer, or help to promote and develop sport in Farnham, thank you all for your efforts and keep up the good work, you really do make a difference in your community.”

Seale & Sands bowler Danny Wilkinson was named Senior Sports Personality of the Year while accomplished golfer Lottie Woad and floorball specialist Rory Francis Campbell-Brady were joint winners in the under-18s category while aspiring cricketer Tom Humphreys was given the nod for the under-14s.

It was a big night for Farnham Runners, with Clair Bailey being named Volunteer of the Year, Anne Snelson earning Farnham mayor Pat Evans’ Community Health and Wellbeing Award, Linda Tyler picking up an Outstanding Achievement Award from Waverley mayor Mary Foryszewski, and the six runners who made up the Endure 24 Ladies Dream Team being highly commended in the Senior Team of the Year Category.

Mrs Foryszewski also handed out her special achievement award to Peter Etherton, of Frensham Sailability.

Also showing that they are fighting fit were the Farnham School of Tae Kwon Do, who walked off with the title of Sports Club of the Year, while Tim Ayres-Townshend was named Coach of the Year.

Frensham Pond Sailability’s Hansa Team sailed off into the sunset with Senior Sports Team of the Year, and blind golfer Jason Bastable picked up the inclusivity award.

And inspiring young Alice Roberts was named Young Volunteer of the Year for her work with the area’s gymnasts.

Marion Stockley, the sports council secretary, said: “It was a wonderful evening and our thanks go to the rugby club for allowing us to host our sports awards evening and to all the vital clubs and individuals who made the nominations. Without their contributions, we wouldn’t be able to stage the event.”

*For lots more pictures from this week’s Farnham Sports Awards, see this week’s Farnham Herald.