The evening highlighted the vital work carried out by individual people, organisations and local businesses.
Trent & Dove say actress and comedian Sally Phillips was left amazed by the inspiring stories showcased at the affordable housing company’s 19th annual Community Impact Awards ceremony.
Phillips, best known for her work on Bridget Jones’ Diary, Miranda and Smack the Pony, hosted the May event, which was entirely funded by generous local businesses.
The evening highlighted the vital work carried out by individual people, organisations and local businesses, and shone a spotlight on the projects which are “Transforming Homes, Lives and Communities” across East Staffordshire, South Derbyshire and North West Leicestershire.
More than 200 guests, invited to the awards ceremony held at Burton’s Pirelli Stadium, were given the full ‘Oscars’ treatment befitting their status as outstanding members in their communities.
Guests were welcomed by Derby Rock Choir, as well as a string quartet and magic tricks by Eddie Young.
Not for the first time, Trent & Dove received a high number of entries for the awards, and more than 70 individuals, organisations and local businesses were nominated across 10 categories.
Ursula Bennion, who is the organisation’s CEO, was “delighted to be joined by Sally Phillips, who said she was privileged to be in the company of such inspiring people and projects”.
It was a fantastic evening, and we were honoured to hear hugely compelling and inspirational stories of people, organisations and local businesses who are doing wonderful things in our area.
South Derbyshire charity Me&Dee, won a total of three awards, with its founder, Maria Hanson, from South Derbyshire, walking away with the Special Recognition award. Despite her own serious illness, she has selflessly devoted 50,000 volunteer hours over 19 years to support families facing short and uncertain futures due to a life-limiting or terminal diagnosis.
Lynne Buckley took home Volunteer of the Year for her work with Me&Dee’s Hope Factory, a small unit housing items used to support those with life-limiting and terminal conditions. Lynne is also a full-time carer for her daughter.
Me&Dee’s junior ambassador, nine-year-old Zack Bowles, was awarded Community Champion (under 18) for his endless help in peer support sessions, and marshalling for present drops to local hospitals at Christmas and Easter. He is also an invaluable member of the team caring for Taylor, whose legs and fingers were amputated after developing meningococcal septicemia as a baby.
The BAC O’Connor Centre, providing support and guidance to recovering addicts in Burton, also received a special recognition award for its outstanding dedication to supporting the community and changing the lives of those around it.
And Scarlett Richardson, 12, received a highly commended award in the Under 18 category for her fundraising to support countless charities.
Other awards went to Jackie Geraghty (Neighbour of the Year), from Etwall; Sue Bullock (Gardener of the Year), for transforming Newton Road Park into a wildlife haven; Debbie Clark (Community Champion over 18), from Uttoxeter, and; Andy Ramsey (Protecting the Planet), who runs a monthly Repair Café, in Woodville.
Burton Unity was recognised as the Best Community Project, and Alexandra Road was named ‘Best Street/Community of the Year’ for its many activities over the year.
Swadlincote-based Miles for Smiles was also named Charitable Organisation of the Year for its work delivering life-changing support to individuals with life-limiting conditions and disabilities.
Ursula celebrated all these people and groups as those “who define what community really means”.