Sandra Fawcett, a dedicated employee at leading furniture retailer Barker & Stonehouse, has been announced as the first ever recipient of the prestigious Graham Kirkham Award.

The award, introduced in 2024 by The Furniture Makers’ Company, the City of London livery company and charity for the furnishing industry, recognises individuals who have made an exceptional contribution to the organisation. It is named after Lord Graham Kirkham KCVO, the founder of sofa retailer DFS, who has been the charity president of The Furniture Makers’ Company since 2016.

Sandra was presented with the award at the organisation’s Royal Charter Dinner, held at Furniture Makers’ Hall, London, on Thursday 7 November. Lord Kirkham personally presented Sandra a crystal trophy and commendation in front of nearly 80 guests who were in attendance.

Sandra, who is the personal assistant to James Barker, managing director of Barker & Stonehouse, was recognised for her 24 years of dedicated service in organising the Teesside Golf Day – a fundraising event that has become a vital contributor to the charity.

This year’s golf day marked its 50th anniversary since its inception by Richard Barker in 1974 and raised £17,000.  Over the past 24 years, while Sandra has been involved in the event, the golf days have collectively raised over £250,000.

A judging panel, which included Brian Ahern, Master of The Furniture Makers’ Company, selected Sandra as the very worthy winner from this year’s entries.

Brian Ahern, Master of The Furniture Makers’ Company, said: “The Teesside Golf Day is the most successful and longest-running supporter-led fundraiser, and Sandra has organised 24 of them. Her organisation of the event, both in advance and on the day, is exceptional, as is her commitment to the cause. Sandra seeks no recognition for her hours of work and determination to make the day better every year. I cannot think of a more worthy recipient of the inaugural Graham Kirkham Award.”

Sandra Fawcett said: “I am delighted and truly honoured to have won the prestigious Graham Kirkham Award. It was a wonderful surprise, and I am very grateful to receive this recognition but most importantly, I am proud to have played a role in raising vital funds for The Furniture Maker’s Company. Throughout my tenure at Barker and Stonehouse, I have always enjoyed organising the annual Teesside golf day to raise money to support those within the UK furniture industry who have fallen on hard times.”