Heroes one and all - Wisbech celebrates its community volunteers with its second annual awards night
It was a night of celebration, laughter and applause as Wisbech recognised the many volunteers who work tirelessly for the town and its community on Friday.
This was the second year of the Wisbech Unsung Heroes Awards and they attracted dozens of nominations for the eight categories up for grabs.
The evening at the Queen Mary Centre was attended by over a hundred people including those short-listed and those who had nominated them for an award. Among the guests was Councillor Kay Mayor, chairman of Fenland District Council and Councillor Chris Boden the district council's leader.
Guests enjoyed a welcome drink provided by AJ Bars courtesy of town Councillor Aigars Balsevics and tucked into a tasty buffet produced by Bygones Cafe, thanks to its owner Councillor Andy Maul and his partner Vikki Holmes.
The proceedings began with a performance by Thomas Clarkson Academy student Joe Tierney, who was the lead in the school's production of 'We Will Rock You'.
Hosts for the evening were Councillors Andrew Lynn and Garry Tibbs.
All those short-listed from the many entries were invited to the evening and their names were read out during the evening, before the winners in each of the categories were announced.
Everyone short-listed received a certificate while the overall winners each received an engraved glass trophy.
The first award of the night was for Good Neighbour, for those helping those around them in Wisbech.Those short-listed were Davida Bodimeade, Michelle Robinson and Roger Rawson, with Mr Rawson declared the overall winner.
Next came the Community Spirit Award, for working hard for the community of Wisbech. This category had so many strong entries that judges decided four should be short-listed for this award. They were: Tony Bennett, Barbara Oliver, Jade Merson, Stanley Spinks and his late wife Marilyn with Mr Bennett picking up the trophy.
An award in memory of long-serving former councillor Ann Carlisle was next, this was for an outstanding contribution to Wisbech and those short-listed were: Donald Gray, Dr Eric Somerville and the late Jim Edgeley. The award went to Mr Gray, who was unable to make the ceremony but his brother Roger proudly collected the award on his behalf.
He said: "Donald was very emotional when he heard he had been put forward for this award."
Customer Service was also recognised with Nathan Smith, Diane Al-Tameemi and Sarah Street shorlisted. Mr Smith, who works at the Luxe Cinema, picked up the award for his outstanding customer service.
The three short-listed nominees in the Youth Achievement Award were: Lucas Edwards, Daisy Lee and Kirsty Willmott. This was a particularly popular category and judges felt the calibre of entries was so high they decided to give all three a trophy.
There was also big competition for the Roger Green Sports Award, for significant achievement and dedication to sport in Wisbech. Those short-listed were: Arthur Buckler, Gary Bligh and Alana Pritchard. Nine-year-old Arthur, who is British inline skating champion as well as holder of other titles, picked up the trophy.
Next came the Wisbech Hero Award - this award is for heroic deeds and there were two short-listed, both life-savers in their own way. First was PC Harvey Nutton, who rescued a motorcyclist from a water-filled ditch, saving his life. The second was Caroline Trigg, who saves the lives of abandoned and sick dogs, helping to find them their forever homes. PC Nutton was the award winner.
The final award of the evening was the Wisbech Town Council Leader's Award, chosen by Councillor Sam Hoy. This was for voluntary work for the community of Wisbech and there were three short-listed: Susanah Farmer, Alan Wheeldon and Ruth Freeman. Mrs Farmer collected the award for "going above and beyond" in everything she does for the town including volunteering with the Wisbech Family History Society, the Octavia Hill Birthplace House, tourism and the Girls' Venture Corps.
After the event Jeremy Ransome, editor of the Fenland Citizen, which helped sponsor the awards, said: "It has been a fantastic evening. Wisbech has some amazing people and everyone here tonight deserved to be recognised for their dedication and support of the town and its community."