The Jenny Robinson Award for Outstanding Voluntary Contributions was created in 2026 in memory of Jenny, a former volunteer and Chairman of Trustees. Since the award was launched, it has been presented to OpenSight volunteers who have gove above and beyond the already exceedingly high bar in which all the charity’s wonderful volunteers achieve year in, year out.
In 2025, the award was deservingly awarded to Margaret McKenzie for her generous contribution to volunteering over many years with OpenSight’s Eastleigh Social Club.
Our 2026 winner:
We had the pleasure of presenting the Jenny Robinson award to Sue Wright in recognition of her dedication to Gosport Social Club. Since taking over as Club Leader, Sue has been committed in creating a vibrant, energetic atmosphere at the meetings.
She has shaken up the variety of activities on offer and regularly organises trips for the members. The Gosport Social Club now regularly welcomes upwards of 30 members at their meetings.
Sue also deserves recognition for the work she does with a charity called Level Up. This charity is dedicated to empowering young people (aged 18-25) facing additional needs, mental health challenges, anxiety or SEND. Sue kindly offered to take some of the young volunteers at Level Up under her wing, they attend regular OpenSight meetings to help with refreshments. This helps them to build independence, confidence, and learn valuable life skills.
Congratulations, Sue!
The Nominees:
And congratulations to the following people for being nominated for this award:
Christine Bond has been nominated for this award for her dedication to Eastleigh’s Social Club. She has been with the Eastleigh Club for many years, she organises all of the programmed events as well as transport for our club members, neither of which are easy tasks and take up a lot of her time. She is also a valued committee member. Congratulations, Christine!
Caitlin Freemantle is OpenSight’s youngest volunteer, and has been helping the Hilsea Early Years group with enthusiasm and positivity. The children love playing with her and she engages with the families bringing not only an extra pair of hands but also a sense of fun. Her dedication and reliability has continued through her A levels when many others would have stepped back. Congratulations, Caitlin!
Michael Inkpen has been nominated for the award because of his longstanding dedication and time given to support the Fareham and Stubbington Social Clubs. Having initially retired from volunteering in 2024, he soon decided to return to OpenSight. He now continues to volunteer when possible and is always a great advocate for the charity. Congratulations, Michael!
Rob Hiley has been nominated for this award for his support of both Romsey Social Club and Eastleigh Active Age Group. He has organised trips, fundraised, supported admin, and has been welcoming to everyone at each group. Congratulations, Rob!
Lyndsey Bardsley has been nominated because of her dedication to the Gosport Social Club. She has been a pillar of support to Sue over the years, and they make a great team. She supports in a variety of roles within the club, but as transport organiser for a large, well-attended club, this is no easy task. In addition to the role at the club, Lyndsey has supported a number of OpenSight events with her fantastic baking skills, which in turn raises valuable funds for the charity, for this we are extremely grateful. Congratulations, Lyndsey!
Diana Kruger has been nominated for this award in recognition of her 36years of outstanding service and unwavering dedication to OpenSight and the Andover Social Club, and for her exceptional efforts in raising substantial funds to help secure the club’s long-term sustainability and success. Congratulations, Diana!
Shirley Gravenell has been nominated for this award in recognition of the dedication she shows to her volunteer role with OpenSight. She is so passionate about supporting others to manage feelings of overwhelm and anxiety, and generously shares practical tips and techniques, drawing on both her professional background as a psychotherapist, and her personal journey with sight loss. Her support has been especially valuable during our insights course, and bus confidence workshops, delivering confidence-building sessions that are consistently well received. She creates a warm and welcoming environment and leaves a lasting impression on those she meets. She is always a joy to be around. We are incredible grateful for everything Shirley brings to OpenSight. Her kindness, expertise, and genuine care make a real difference. Congratulations, Shirley!
Theresa Osborne-Bell has been nominated for this award for the major role she played in helping to setup and run the Meon Valley Social Club in the early days and acting as its treasurer for many years. Her energy and commitment made a significant contribution to its success as an independent club. She now runs Fareham Social Club, Fareham Active Age Group, and has supported our insights workshops, all whilst working and volunteering for other organisations as well. Congratulations, Theresa!
