[Pictured l-r (front) Tom Saunders, Tom Halford, B&NES Chair Councillor Liz Hardman, Joanne Saunders, Jackie Head. L-R back: Jimmi Browning, B&NES Council Leader, Councillor Kevin Guy, Alex Johnson and George Clutton. ]
Let’s find out who features in this year’s Community Awards – recognising the dedication shown by volunteers and community groups in Bath and North East Somerset to improving the lives of others.
The winners were announced yesterday (March 23) at a ceremony at The Guildhall in Bath where they were applauded for going above and beyond to help other people.
The awards organised by Bath & North East Somerset Council and its partners received 86 nominations across five categories for individuals or organisations who make outstanding contributions to the community.
The winners and highly commended awards are:
- Beryl Dixon Community Leader of the Year Award for outstanding leadership that advances equality: Alex Johnson of Nova Sports who has transformed access to sport for disabled children and adults across the South West. Highly commended was Claire Henwood who manages two food pantries for Oasis Hub.
- Sara Banks Young Volunteer of the Year Awardfor an exception young person aged up to 25 years: Jimmi Browning, Youth Connect South West for making technology accessible to others and Tom Halford (aged 13), Time is Precious, a charity founded in memory of the brother he never met.
- Peter Duppa-Miller Parish Award recognising the contribution that parishes make in their local communities: George Clutton, Parish Clerk at Radstock Town Council and Councillor Malcolm Austwick, Combe Hay Parish Council
- Charity of the Year Award decided by public vote: Ben Saunders Foundation which provides free holidays and respite breaks for families and was set up by Ben Saunders before he sadly passed away aged 18. Highly commended were Bath Area Play Project and Bath Mind.
- Jenny Willson Volunteer of the Year Award for volunteers who also motivate others: the winner wishes to remain anonymous. Highly commended was Gill Bottomley who has volunteered for Citizens Advice since 1996.
The Chair of the Council, Councillor Liz Hardman, also selected a winner for the Chair’s Special Recognition Award which went to Jackie Head for her contributions to the Chew Valley.
Councillor Liz Hardman said: “The nominations for our Community Awards uncovered some incredible stories of how powerful volunteering and community spirit can be. People who choose to give their time, skills and compassion to help others are the heartbeat of our communities. I’m delighted to have presented the awards to people who lift others up and make Bath and North East Somerset a stronger, kinder and more connected place to be.”
Becky Somerset, Director at 3SG, said: “The Community Awards is always an exciting event in the civic calendar – it is so important to celebrate the charities and local residents who go above and beyond to help others. A huge congratulations to all of the winners of this year’s awards and thank you for the tireless work that you do.
“This event is a powerful reminder of the need for us to support one another and connect with our local community. We can achieve so much when we work together.”
The Community Awards partners are:
- The B&NES Third Sector Group (3SG)
- B&NES Avon Local Council Association
- Black and Ethnic Minority Senior Citizen Association (BEMSCA)
- Everyone Health
- The Student Community Partnership (SCP)
