A FORMER orphan who built up an acclaimed equestrian business is among the winners of a Tandridge civic award.
Ian Winfield started life as a Barnardo's boy.
Since then he has served in the Army, been a bodyguard, and run a chain of nightclubs and restaurants.
He bought Oldencraig Equestrian Centre in Tandridge Lane, Lingfield, in 1998.
Through the centre he has helped a host of worthy causes – leading to his award last week.
Mr Winfield, 51, was among the winners given public recognition at a reception for the voluntary sector held last Thursday by Tandridge District Council chairman Sakina Bradbury.
Among his achievements, he holds twice-yearly events where coach loads of children from inner cities are treated like kings for the day.
And last December he organised a ball which raised more than £60,000 for charities including the Army Benevolent Fund, Barnardo's and the Emile Faurie Foundation for deprived children in inner cities.
Mr Winfield told the Mirror: "After the background I've come from it's nice to be able to put something back to those in need.
"It was such an honour to be given public appreciation in front of so many others who do good locally."
The awards were presented in front of an audience of about 100 at Surrey National Golf Club in Chaldon. They included other volunteers, representatives of community groups, and past and present councillors.
Other award winners were:
Mike Moss – The 79-year-old of Gordons Way, Oxted, launched the Tandridge Community Grassroots Fund in 2008 in tribute to his late wife Hazel.
It has since raised thousands of pounds for local charities.
Mr Moss has also been a lynchpin of East Surrey Dial-a-Ride and Tandridge Voluntary Service Council. In October 2010 he was presented with an MBE by Princess Anne for his services to the community.
Whyteleafe Helping Hands' young volunteers – The seven youngsters, aged between 11 and 18, have raised funds for local worthy causes and helped out at various community events.
They are Sam Varley, 18, Andrew Spence, 18, Jess Lomas, 15, Joseph Barley (correct), 18, Tabitha Rose, 15, Meridith Rose, 11 and Francesca Cobell, 16.
Kevin Black – Editor of the County Border News since 1986.
East Surrey's former MP Peter Ainsworth dubbed him his "second wife", having bumped into each other at countless community events.
