Volunteers and community helpers in Nantwich were rewarded at the Mayor’s “Salt of the Earth” awards.
Scores of people gathered at Nantwich Civic Hall for the awards which preceded the annual mayor’s charity dance.
Nantwich Mayor Cllr Christine Farrall introduced the awards to recognise and celebrate unsung heroes in the town.
She also wanted to acknowledge some of the people she has worked alongside in her year in office.
After receiving a massive amount of nominations, Cllr Farrall and a committee had the task of choosing the winners.
Those chosen were invited to the ceremony at the Civic Hall on Friday (March 27), where the Mayor was joined by The High Sheriff of Cheshire Susan Sellers to present the awards.
Awards and winners:
Inspiration Award (Sponsored by Delmar Press & Nantwich Market)
Liz Southall of Redshift Radio and Shaun Cafferty from Martin & Co were presented for an Inspiration Award. Both individuals were praised for working tirelessly to bring people together, work on events, raise money for charity, and more. Liz was presented with her award by the Mayor and High Sheriff.
Community Volunteer Award (Sponsored by The Cat)
Judy Townsend of The Gables Luncheon Club. Judy and her team provide senior citizens with lunch and fellowship at The Gables several times a week. She delivers lunches to members who cannot travel and provides meals to those with special needs.
Making Communities Safer Award (Sponsored by Inside Paradise)
David Maidment OBE won for his role in co-ordinating the Nantwich Street Pastors Scheme, which sees volunteers from churches in Nantwich who brave the wet and cold nights, often until the early hours of the morning, to offer help to the most vulnerable members of our society.
Business Support Award (Sponsored by David Thomas, Civic Manager)
Hall Smith Whittingham LLP were winners of the Business Support Award for their involvement with charity events and supporting major events in the town. The business also boasts an apprenticeship scheme.
Young Volunteer Award (Sponsored by Grapevine)
Charlotte Barratt, of Malbank School, has been volunteering through Friends for Leisure for four years. She was the winner of the Young Volunteer Award for her commitment to the group and the work they do with disabled young people in Cheshire East.
Supporting Children Award (Sponsored by Rector Barry Wilson)
Jenny O’Brien received the Supporting Children Award. Jenny plays a big part in making activities at St Mary’s Church and St Anne’s School as vibrant, fun and as engaging as possible for all.
Outstanding Organisation (Sponsored by Cllr Arthur Moran & Cllr Graham Fenton)
The Mayor presented this award to two organisations. The first to Deborah Robb who chairs the Nantwich Food Festival, a voluntary organisation which works to make the event a success, bringing over 40,000 people to the town. The second to Nantwich Litter Group led by Joyce Webb, who has been involved with the group since its instigation over three years ago and now it sees 80 volunteers working hard to keep Nantwich tidy.
Mayor’s Recognition Award
The Mayor selected David Greatorex for this special award. David has co-ordinated, written and held numerous quizzes over the years, raising a large amount of money for charities. He will also be running the Mayor’s Charity Quiz on Friday April 24.
Cllr Farrall said: “It was a wonderful evening and I was delighted to have the opportunity to say thank you to some very hard working people.
“However, I would also like to extend my thanks and appreciation to everyone who was nominated and to all the volunteers of Nantwich who dedicate so much time to make it a wonderful town.”
The Mayor’s Charity Dance with Todd Miller and the Joe Loss Orchestra was held after the awards ceremony on Friday (March 27). afterwards.
(all pictures courtesy of Paul and Denise Compton, Nantwich Events Photography)
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