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Heroes one and all - Wisbech celebrates its community champions




Community heroes who go above and beyond to make their town a better place were recognised at a special awards ceremony on Saturday.

Hosted by Wisbech Town Council and held at the Raphael Centre the event saw a number of individuals and groups receive special trophies for the work they do.

The awards celebrated everything from businesses who not only provide excellent service but also support the community in other ways, to individuals who help make their neighbour's lives that bit better with help and friendship.

Wisbech unsung hero awards All the winners
Wisbech unsung hero awards All the winners

Ian Larkin was compere for the evening reading out each of the shortlisted nominations before handing over to the town’s mayor to

The first award of the evening was Best Business. There were seven nominees in this hard fought category: 1-2 Achieve, Cleaners 5 Star, Dance Fit with Conan, Fenland Families and Baby Bank, Sky Sirens Studio, Specsavers Opticians and Hearing Centre and the Red Lion.

The eventual winner announced by the Mayor of Wisbech Sidney Imafidon was Specsavers represented by David Miles. The shop’s nomination read: “Specsavers store is probably the best-looking store in Wisbech. They are open seven days a week providing a great and much needed service in Wisbech, delivering both NHS and private services for customers requiring eye and hearing services.

Wisbech unsung hero awards Best Business Award went to Specsavers
Wisbech unsung hero awards Best Business Award went to Specsavers

“This store alone brings many much-needed people into Wisbech town centre and should be recognised for the services they are providing.”

The second award of the evening was Best Customer Service Award and as with the Best Business category, this was also hard fought with five shortlisted.

The nominees were: Cherri Wilson, Cleaners 5 Star, Julie Bushby, Specsavers Hearing Centre, The Luxe Cinema.

Wisbech unsung hero awards Best Customer Service Award was won by Julie Bushby
Wisbech unsung hero awards Best Customer Service Award was won by Julie Bushby

Ultimately it was Julie Bushby, community champion at Wisbech Tesco Extra, was named the winner.

Her nomination read: Julie epitomises customer service in its truest form. She has supported Wisbech as a whole, whether that be a charity, a care home, cadet unit or the town itself. Always smiling and willing to help. This lady deserves recognition for her selfless endeavours.”

Bus rescue hero Laurence Manning was named as the Best Neighbour winner. He bit off competition from George Rowlett, Feed Fenland and Sylwia Salvidge to lift the trophy.

His nomination read: Laurence was one of the people who helped rescue six children after a bus they were travelling in crashed into a water-filled ditch at Leverington Common. After pulling the screaming children from the bus, their attention turned to the driver who was still in the cab. Thankfully, none were injured.”

Wisbech unsung hero awards Best Neighbour Award was won by Laurence Manning
Wisbech unsung hero awards Best Neighbour Award was won by Laurence Manning

The winner of the Roger Green Sports Award – named after former mayor and newspaper editor Roger Green – was Terry Leftley.

His nomination read: Terry started power walking to raise money for stroke awareness, raising hundreds of pounds for the charity. He then joined Park Run, something he has never done before but is now a regular at Saturday events.

“I first met Terry powering around Wisbech Park. Since he's completed his challenge, he’s now become a regular at FnFf, and is attempting the Three Peaks and Pennine Challenge this summer. Terry embodies the Wisbech spirit of drive whilst not wanting recognition, he is a credit to the Town.”

Wisbech unsung hero awards Roger Green Sports Award was won by Terry Leftley
Wisbech unsung hero awards Roger Green Sports Award was won by Terry Leftley

The other nominees in the category were: Alex Parnell, Gary Bligh, Jake Gowler, Matt Crawford and Jay Gomez of Marshland Saints Under 13s, Jay Best, Rolandas Draskinis, and Wisbech Town Hockey Club.

Next up was the Wisbech Community Hero Award.

This was won by Betty Cunningham, who is well known in the town for supporting good causes with her fundraising efforts.

Wisbech unsung hero awards Wisbech Community Unsung Hero was won by Betty Cunningham pictured front centre
Wisbech unsung hero awards Wisbech Community Unsung Hero was won by Betty Cunningham pictured front centre

Her nomination read: “For many years Betty has run community events, such as prize bingo etc., to raise money for many local and national charities, especially if it involves children. Betty has raised thousands of pounds and never asks for any recognition for her efforts. I think it really is time she is given that recognition by honouring her with this award for her endless efforts.”

There were a lot of nominees in this category they were: Bex Posier and Emma William, Ella Calaby, Emma Barnard, Fat Not Ft Forever, Luke Connolly, Peer Support Group, Sarah Perkins, Simon Goodchild, Sylwia Salvidge, Toni Bird, Wendy Ketteringham, and Wisbech Air Cadets.

A young man who is a “fabulous role model” for others was the winner of the Wisbech Youth Unsung Hero Award.

Wisbech Youth Unsung Hero went to Lewis Edwards
Wisbech Youth Unsung Hero went to Lewis Edwards

Lewis Edwards pipped Harry Field, Keira Kelly and Dean Edwards, Dance Fit with Conan, and Wisbech Air Cadets to win the award.

His nomination said: “Lewis is always on hand to help at the town’s events and volunteers help every week at the Salvation Army. He works so hard and is a fabulous role model for other young people and adults alike.”

It was then down to the mayor to announce the last two awards of the evening.

Wisbech unsung hero awards Judges Award was won by Sarah Perkins
Wisbech unsung hero awards Judges Award was won by Sarah Perkins

They were the Judge’s Award and the Mayor’s Award.

It was felt by the judges that the contribution to the community of Wisbech by someone nominated this evening has been so dedicated and beneficial to the town, that they needed a special mention and to receive their own award from the judges.

The winner was Sarah Perkins who has become well-known in the town for her incredible yarn bombings with the residents of Lyncroft Care Home.

Last summer Sarah and her band of happy knitters went for the Guinness Book of World Records for the biggest yarn bomb created at the town’s Castle to coincide with the rejuvenated Rose Fair.

Wisbech unsung hero awards Mayors Award was won by Rolandas Draskinis
Wisbech unsung hero awards Mayors Award was won by Rolandas Draskinis

She received multiple nominations and they said: “Her nominations read: Sarah’s determination to Yarn bomb the Castle for the Rose

Fair was amazing, and it looked fabulous, and she had people from all over UK contributing. Then she went on the decorate the town with poppies, mostly made by the residents of Lyncroft where she worked. At the Christmas Lights Switch-on, she handed out donated knitted hats, scarves and gloves to the local community. She is a star.”

The final award of the evening was the Mayor’s Award.

Wisbech unsung hero awards were presented at special ceremony on Saturday
Wisbech unsung hero awards were presented at special ceremony on Saturday

Cllr Imafidon said: “This category was introduced last year. In recognition of the kindness and selflessness of two teenage men who saved a man’s life on New Year’s day at Wisbech Park, the winner of this year’s award is also an extraordinary young man, who turned a personal tragedy that almost cut his life short at a very young age, into a community centred service that benefits everyone and provides free sports training sessions for children of all ages. The Mayor’s Award goes to Rolandas Draskinis of Wisbech Boxing Club.”

Rolandas had been nominated in the Roger Green Sports Award category, his nomination said: “This guy gives up endless time for no financial gain to help young children. He trains them, disciplines them, and keeps them off the streets with the greatest dedication and respect.”

Cllr Imafidon closed the ceremonial part of the evening and said: “To those that were nominated, a huge well done, we need people like you, and it has been our honour to highlight your contribution to this town.

Wisbech unsung hero awards were presented at special ceremony on Saturday
Wisbech unsung hero awards were presented at special ceremony on Saturday

“I would like to take this opportunity to say a big thank you to our sponsors that ensured we were able to deliver this event, Cllr Steve Tierney, and the Fenland Citizen.

Wisbech unsung hero awards were presented at special ceremony on Saturday
Wisbech unsung hero awards were presented at special ceremony on Saturday

“So, ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, It’s time for some music, food and a chance for everyone to enjoy the rest of the evening, thank you very much for making Wisbech a better place to live.”



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