Elmbridge Council is to create a permanent memorial to St George's Hill councillor Charu Sood, who tragically lost her battle with cancer last year.
At Full Council on Wednesday 21st May, incoming Mayor Cllr Steve Bax announced he was establishing a trophy in memory of his Conservative colleague, to be presented annually to a councillor who goes "above and beyond" for their residents, as Charu did.
Paying tribute, the Mayor said: "In addition to representing the residents of Weybridge St George’s Hill at the Council, Charu’s finest qualities were most evident in the work she did out in the community. Whether that was cooking for the homeless, helping to start Weybridge in Bloom, delivering for the foodbank and for Meals on Wheels, running litter picks, coordinating a sewing group making PPE during the pandemic, or raising funds for the victims of domestic violence, Charu did all this and more. And was loved by her residents."
Much had been said about the need to commemorate Charu’s life and service with a lasting memorial.
Cllr Bax continued: "I have reflected upon this, and I can announce that I am creating the Charu Sood Community Champion Award. This will be bestowed at the end of the Municipal Year to a Member of our Council, who has gone above and beyond in the service of our community. It is my expectation that the Award will be part of the legacy we pass on to our successor council, ensuring Charu’s memory will endure in years to come."
Charu’s husband Saurabh, and two of their daughters, were present in the gallery and gave their blessing to the initiative.
Charu was elected as a Conservative councillor for St George's Hill in 2018 and again in 2022, also serving as Deputy Mayor before stepping back due to ill health. Runnymede & Weybridge Chairman Colin McFarlane was elected in October to serve the remainder of Charu's term.