Rod Archer
North Kesteven Community Champion Awards
Community Awards
North Kesteven’s most community-spirited individuals, groups and businesses have been announced at the 2012 NK Community Champion Awards.
Those shortlisted for an award, together with the person who nominated them, were invited to an awards ceremony at Whisby Natural World Centre on 18thSeptember, where the winners were announced.
The event saw people of all ages from across the District nominated by members of their community for their outstanding achievements. A shortlist was judged by a panel of Members, Officers and members of the NK Youth Council.
Lincs FM Presenter John Marshall hosted the ceremony with Leader of North Kesteven District Council Cllr Mrs Marion Brighton OBE.
Cllr Marion Brighton said: "The NK Community Champion Awards are our way of commending the efforts of some truly community-spirited people. Everyone who was nominated for an award was a winner in their own right, and this ceremony is our way – and their community’s way - of thanking them for their efforts.”
John Marshall was thrilled to host the event: "It’s great that some really inspiring people have been recognised in this way – it has been a real privilege to meet them this evening and to commend their efforts to make their communities a better place to live.”
This year’s NK Community Champion Awards were held in association with Lincs FM, The Sleaford Target, Lincolnshire Echo and sponsors Duncan & Toplis, Pygott & Crone, TJS Online, Lindum and Leisure Connection.
2012 WINNERS
Young Achievers Award (sponsored by Pygott & Crone)
WINNERS:
Matthew Parkes & Luke Hewerdine, Branston
Matthew and Luke are student leaders of the Branston Community Academy Fairtrade Group, and have worked hard to promote awareness of Fairtrade and world poverty among students and the wider community.
COMMENDED:
- Oliver Jones, Kyle Thompson, Miles Lynch, Daniel Colpitts, Dylan Garfoot and Adam Booth from Branston
These Branston Community Academy students have been nominated as excellent leaders who have supported the PE Department, the School House system and local primary schools. The boys are described as having ‘excelled themselves’.
- Jack Audis, Sleaford
Jack spends many hours of his spare time as an ambassador for the Olympics, having developed a Mini-Olympics for local primary schools. He also coaches cricket for young children.
Community Business of the Year (sponsored by Duncan & Toplis)
Royal Air Force College Cranwell
RAF College Cranwell is at the centre of the community in North Kesteven. It has led the Service participation in the development of the Armed Forces Community Covenant and its committment to the local community – including sports, music and education – has been immense. The Station also undertakes fundraising for local charities.
COMMENDED:
- The Plough Inn, Swinderby
Helen and Graham Roe have put The Plough Inn at the heart of the community. The public house has hosted fun days, talent shows and carol concerts; raised money for charity, while bringing the community together.
- Hill Holt Wood, Norton Disney
Hill Holt Wood approaches the management of woodland in a socially, economically and environmentally sustainable way. The Wood seeks to engage with disengaged youth and those marginalised from society, teaching them vital skills, while maintaining and managing the District’s woodland.
Community Spirit Award (sponsored by Lindum Group)
Judges could not decide on one winner, so decided to award two deserving individuals:
- Justine Forbes, Swaton
Justine’s community shop enables Swaton residents to grow, bake and sell their own produce, which contributes funding to the village hall. Justine also arranges for meat orders and newspapers to be distributed from the shop, which also throws coffee mornings on Saturdays.
- John Mallindine, Leasingham
John has been nominated for his work on behalf of the charity Hearing Dogs for Deaf People. A Hearing Dog recipient himself, John raises awareness of this charity by fund-raising and mentoring other members of the team so they can speak on behalf of the charity. He has also traveled around the country with his ‘best pal Poppy’ to raise awareness of deafness and disability.
COMMENDED:
- Madge Atkinson, Great Hale
This is the second year that Madge has been nominated and commended. Madge works tirelessly in the village, helping anyone in need and running the local bowls and Whist clubs. She also runs a Chatty Café in the local church, to enbale people to have a meeting place, and organises charity events for local ammenities.
Contribution to a Better Environment (sponsored by Lincs FM)
Stan Underwood, Carlton le Moorland
Stan is Chairman of the Bassingham to Carlton le Moorland Pathway Group. Under his leadership the group has brought organisations such as Lincolnshire County Council, Sustrans and various local landowners to facilitiate construction of a major pathway linking the two villages.
COMMENDED:
- Elaine Richardson & Liz Harborow, Swaton
These two flood wardens warn and inform their community about flooding. On the evening of 5th July 2012, when the District was hit by severe flooding, they freely gave their time to organise sand bag distribution points in flood-risk areas; and knocked on doors to alert residents of adverse weather.
- Pat Mellor, Heckington
Pat has run St Andrew’s Primary School’s Gardening Club for years, teaching young people the importance of growing plants and vegetables from seed and putting in hours of her own time.
Contribution to Arts & Culture (sponsored by TJS Online)
WINNER:
Darren Scales, Bracebridge Heath
As Managing Director of Backyard Productions Darren has inspired the whole community to get involved in film-making, raising money for armed forces charities along the way. From joiners volunteering to build props and sets, to students assisting in costume-making; Darren and the team have produced several short films utilising the skills of the community.
COMMENDED:
- Jim Bailey, Heckington Windmill
Jim is voluntary Mill Manager at Heckington Windmill, and has played a pivotal role for Heckington Windmill Trust in the regeneration of the mill as an attraction in the District. Since 2008 he has facilitated replacement of the mill’s eight rotten sails, as well as led the NK Volunteer Bureau into widening volunteer involvement.
- Sam Piper, Skellingthorpe
Sam is a talented artist who has inspired others through his work, working with younger pupils and running events for budding artists.
Contribution to Sport (sponsored by Leisure Connection)
WINNER:
Thelma Smith, Leasingham
Thelma is co-founder of the Laffletics Club in Sleaford, which enables young people with physical and intellectual disabilities to participate in sport. Thelma has presented disability awareness sessions in schools and has also been involved from the outset of the Hykeham Sailability Club, which encourages disabled people to sail. She also helps with fund-raising and sails herself.
FINALISTS:
- Angela Petit, Bracebridge Heath
Angela was one of the founder members of the Lincoln Asthma Swimming Group. She organises swimming lessons, life-saving training and personal survival classes for around 90 children suffering from asthma.
- Paul Timms, North Kyme
Paul runs a Taekwondo club where he teaches people of all ages. He endeavours to help people achieve the best they can, and works with difficult young children and receives many words of thanks from parents and teachers.
