Hayling Island Lions celebrate Marilyn Skennerton’s Honorary Citizen’s Award.
Marilyn Skennerton has been described as "one of the nicest, kindest most generous souls you will ever have the pleasure of meeting".
A retired nurse and long time Islander Marilyn was a founder member of Hayling Island Lions in 1997 and has consistently held every major role in the charity ever since. She has been called "simply the backbone of this amazing organisation that does so much good on Hayling".
Thursday, April 9 she was advised that all her hard work, dedication, commitment and selflessness hasn’t gone unnoticed. She has been awarded (a joint honour in 2026) the prestigious Havant Honorary Citizen Award.
Her letter, from Mayor of Havant, Councillor Munazza Faiz stated: "This recognition is a testament to your dedication, hard work and exceptional talents and it brings me immense joy to see your efforts being acknowledged in such a meaningful way."
Marilyn was a force behind the organisation of the Hayling Carnival and has been subsequently involved in everything from countless Donkey Derby’s, Prostate Cancer Screening events, The Santa Sleigh Operation, the formation and running of the original Lions Shop and so very much more. Every year she shops for close to 100 gift bags for needy and vulnerable children on Hayling. It would be impossible to list or overstate everything that she has done, but without question the Community of Hayling is better thanks to her quiet, professional, fair and considered approach. She is a well loved, much respected and invaluable individual and this award is so very well deserved.
The current Lions president Derek Gillard had worked with Cllr Mark Coates, various friends and family behind the scenes to ensure that the nomination was well researched, it still gave but a hint of the depth and reach of Marilyn’s magnificent efforts. He announced her award to a stunned and disbelieving Marilyn at the Thursday Hayling Lions meeting; the thunderous applause nearly raised the roof.
On May 20th, Marilyn and members of her family and friends will attend the Mayor Making ceremony where the award will be presented. She will stand in the spotlight, knowing that all her tireless good work has been seen, heard and recognised. Hayling can indeed be very proud of one of its most incredible individuals.