The first Wyre Forest community awards ceremony took place at Wyre Forest House on Wednesday 9th October.
This event was organised by Wyre Forest District Council and Vestia Community Trust in partnership with the Kidderminster Shuttle.
Ten new community awards plus a further eight Mike Oborski No Barriers Awards were presented in front of an audience of nearly 100 guests from the Wyre Forest area.
The awards have been launched to celebrate local heroes and to make sure they are thanked in public. More than fifty nominations were received to celebrate individuals and groups who strive to make their communities better, safer and happier places.
Clive Joyce, Editor of the Kidderminster Shuttle was Master of Ceremonies. He opened up the event and introduced local singing group the Vocalettes who serenaded the audience with a couple of celebratory songs.
Marina Banner, Executive Director of Vestia and TCHG Corporate Services formally welcomed the audience and congratulated the winners, nominees and supporters and the local sponsors of the event for their contributions to Wyre Forest as a community.
The Mike Oborski Awards were presented by Councillor Fran Oborski and Councillor Howard Martin.
The Community Awards were then presented:
Community Project of the Year Award – BRAG (Broadwaters Resident Action Group) Luncheon Club
Set up in March 2013 with Big Local funding, lunch club has grown and become sustainable. The club has become a focal point and support network for local older people.
Community Event of the Year Award – St George’s Park Fun Day
This is an annual event held by the volunteers from Friends of St George’s Park. It brings together the whole community to celebrate the heritage and diversity of the area, its public facilities and green spaces. The Group sources funding to provide many free activities and subsidised food to ensure everyone can enjoy the day.
Young Person Volunteer of the Year Award – Baxter College Champion Fundraisers
A group of seven students have so far raised over £5000 for Kemp Hospice and have been involved with the Youth Forum and Kemp Ambassadors for the last two years.
Charity Volunteer of the Year Award – Kidderminster Witness Service Volunteer Team
Witness Service volunteers explain court procedure and assist with any forms whilst giving emotional support to put witnesses at ease and reassure them during a stressful time.
Community Volunteer of the Year Award – Jo Knight
For the last 5 years Jo has worked with various community groups across the Horsefair, Broadwaters and Greenhill area. Currently Jo is Chair of Friends of Springfield Park, a member of Big Local DY10 Steering Group and works closely with BRAG. This is all fitted in around her full time job.
Social and Sport Volunteer of the Year Award – John Caldwell
John is the first chair of the new Stourport Civic Group and has given a unquantifiable amount of his time over last 2 years to ensure the Civic can be developed as a community centre.
Achiever of the Year Award – Rebecca Harvey
Rebecca is a recent student at Stourport High School, now at Durham University. Nominated by Head, Liz Quinn, for her dedication, hard work and achievement of amazing results Liz achieves great things with humility, modesty and good manners. In 2012 she was shortlisted in the top 10 of the national Academy Excellence Awards.
Flying the Flag for Wyre Forest Award – Loz Samuels
Loz was nominated for her tireless work in bringing together and nurturing artists and offering support and advice. “Her role working for WFDC isn’t unique but her approach is. She is visionary in developing KAF and promoting local talent.”
Outstanding Business Contribution to the Local Community Award – Vision Labs
Won the award for their work at Birchen Coppice Primary School. They release staff from normal duties to do on-going weekly projects such as Book and Cook, listening to children read, painting in the school, renovating the school pond and supporting the school holiday club.
Outstanding Innovation Award – The Boars Head Pub
Over the last two years, proprietors Sandra Baker and Sid Palmer have transformed the pub to be the epicentre of live music and arts. Voted best UK small live music venue. The pub has done a massive amount to bring communities together through the love of music and art.
Ian Hardiman, Wyre Forest District Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Wellbeing said: “It has been great to see local people celebrated for giving of their time and energy in selfless ways. It is this approach that builds strong and supportive communities and it is great to see this alive and well in Wyre Forest. Congratulations to everyone involved.”
Marina Banner said: “We would also like to say a big thank you to our local sponsors who readily supported this new awards scheme and have played their part in contributing in a better, stronger, happier Wyre Forest Community. The sponsors are Safer Wyre Forest the Community Safety Partnership, 10.32 Wyre Forest Early Help for Families, Nisa, Care & Support 24, Vision Labs, Veldonn, OakLeaf Grounds Services, Exilco.”
For more detail about the award winners and those who were commended, click here: http://www.vestia.org.uk/communityawards/winners.php
For more information on the Wyre Forest Community Awards visit www.vestia.org.uk/Communityawards/
For more information on the No Barriers Awards and this year’s winners, visit www.wyreforestdc.gov.uk/nobarriers.
