CARING CITIZENS TO BE HONOURED IN MAYOR’S AWARDS

Community-minded residents and groups will have their contributions to society recognised when they are honoured during a special ceremony at this year’s Erewash Mayor's Awards on Tuesday, April 22nd 2008.

Representatives of three groups and seven caring individuals will be presented with an award and certificate by the Mayor of Erewash, Councillor Mrs Eileen Knight, at the event which will be held in Suite 2 of the Royal Regency Banqueting Suite, Ilkeston starting at 7pm.

The Scheme is held each year to recognise groups or individuals who undertake vital work in their community without expecting anything in return. The judging panel looks for evidence of special qualities and service beyond simply being a ‘good neighbour’ when picking out the award winners.

Cllr Knight said: “During my term of office I have met so many people who carry out work for others without reward. Unfortunately, this type of community work very often goes unrecognised and I feel very privileged to be able to have such an opportunity to show our appreciation of their efforts”.

The successful recipients of a 2008 Mayor’s Award are:

Harvey Cross of Dale Abbey – Harvey reached the grand old age of 100 in January of this year and for 67 of those years he has been church warden at All Saints Church, Dale Abbey. He also served as a Parish Councillor for over 40 years. He was nominated by two individuals who both state that Harvey carries out his duties with dedication and modesty and is a fine example to us all - the Mayor’s Award is an honour he richly deserves.

Mrs Mary Lenton, of Bonsall Court, Long Eaton – Mary has been a member of St Laurence Church for over 50 years. During that time she has been involved in the running of the cub pack, is a member of the Parochial Church Council and a Churchwarden. For more than 20 years she has also served as an LEA Governor at Grange School in Long Eaton, where at present she is the Child Protection Governor. She never misses an opportunity to assist with activities involving young people - including helping out at the Youth Club, accompanying them on their annual Pilgrimage Camp to Walsingham and serving tea and toast to parents and children at the Baby and Toddler Group. Her nominator said that Mary is a well known and respected member of the local community and is known to a great many townspeople. She always has time to chat and listen to others - the people of Long Eaton would be delighted to share in this recognition of Mary.

Sharon Stansfield, of Neale Street, Long Eaton – Since 2000 Sharon has been the Musical Director of the Long Eaton Silver Prize Band. This organisation is over 100 years old and when Sharon took over the baton it was not in the best of health. Sharon has worked tirelessly for the Band and, more importantly the community, in securing the future of the band by her positive approach to fundraising. Sharon was nominated by two individuals and they both believe that she would be a worthy recipient and that it would be wonderful if her dedication could be officially recognised.

Chloe Pinchess, of Lynden Avenue, Long Eaton - Chloe is only 10 years old and in less than a year she has raised nearly £2,000 in memory of her Granddad, who died of cancer in June 2007. She is due to run the Race for Life in June this year to raise money for Cancer Research UK. She was nominated by her Mum who feels she has achieved something very positive out of such sadness. Her family are very proud of Chloe - she is a very caring girl.

Mr Alan Read, of Romorantin Place, Long Eaton – Alan has been a founder member of “Happivale Social Centre” for over 40 years. He has devoted his life to Happivale and to his late brother Stuart, who had Down’s Syndrome. He has been a volunteer leader for over 30 years and his nominator thinks he deserves an award for his voluntary work for people with learning difficulties.

David & Alison Cotterill-Drew, of Lime Tree Rise, Kirk Hallam - David and Alison are an excellent example of community spirited people. They have dedicated many hours to create “Friends of Kirk Hallam Lake and Meadows”, encouraging local support with local pruning events and community litter picking days. With the help of the ‘Pride in Erewash’ initiative they have built up a real sense of local pride within their local neighbourhood - their nominator thinks this is an excellent achievement.


Mr John Wheatley, of Birdcroft Lane, Ilkeston - The members of the Judging Panel were all aware of the dedicated and invaluable work Mr Wheatley has voluntarily carried out over many years in aid of the local branch of Age Concern and also as Churchwarden at St John’s Church, Ilkeston.

Olive Tree Luncheon Club – This weekly Luncheon Club is based at the Community Hall in Kirk Hallam and provides a two course meal for anyone who wishes to attend. The Club is run by Gordon and Nesta Burton, George Barratt, Dorothy Hill and Marion Whitely and their nominator believes that these dedicated people deserve recognition for their hard work.

Ilkeston Rotary Club - This year the Ilkeston Rotary Club will be celebrating its 86th birthday and their nominator felt the Club deserved an Award to recognise its tremendous work in raising funds to help others.

The Judging Panel also agreed that a Group Award be made to the Friends of Erewash Museum for their hard work in the promotion of the Museum and bringing the Borough’s history back to life.

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