THE WINNERS IN FULL ARE:
■ Overall impact on the community individual, sponsored by Novus: John Anderson.
John is a true community hero, from combating criminal activity as an Angling Trust voluntary bailiff; spearheading change as parish council chairman, he also founded local homeless charity Burton HOPE and Tutbury Market.
He said: “It is very exciting to have been chosen. It is a great feeling to be chosen and recognised.”
■ Overall impact on the community organisation, sponsored by Prestec: Mcdonald’s, Branston. Staff dedicate themselves to a series of local projects – transforming an overgrown community garden; fence painting; collecting litter; and weeding, and even assisting with The Big Paddle Clean Up along the River Trent.
Sarah Mcclean said: “I am absolutely delighted for them. In the work they do, these projects are completely outside of what they do every day.”
■ Community project, sponsored by Savills UK Affordable Housing: Burton Soup Kitchen. Burton Soup Kitchen is staffed by volunteers to help provide a calm space and hot food for families or individuals who are struggling and would otherwise go without.
Mick Cramp said: “It is marvellous. We are overwhelmed. It is all about the team who do the work.”
■ Impact on young people individual or organisation, sponsored by Gem Solutions Ltd and CCSS fire and security: The Young Ones. This group provides celebration and emergency gift boxes for local underprivileged children and teenagers, individually designed according to age, gender and any specific requirements. Sheila Meacham said: “We are very honoured. We are a very small group of a similar age who just wants the children to have a happy life.”
■ Impact on environment and sustainability: Sustainable Building Services Rachel Thompson and Sow & Grow.
Sow & Grow’s Little Saplings group encourages children to learn about the environment, wildlife and the importance of recycling.
Rachel Thompson said: “It is wonderful. We have so many wonderful people in our group. It is not just for me, it is for the community.”
■ Young people making an impact, sponsored by A4S Cloud Solutions: Abbot Beyne Sixth form students.
Abbot Beyne School Sixth Form students have been visiting tenants of Elizabeth Court for chats, scrabble and crafts.
Jo Brassington said: “We are so happy for them. This is something they look forward to. It is so heartwarming to see.” Maddie Mawer.
At just 12-years-old, Maddie has become a wellloved young volunteer for the Sow & Grow project in Uttoxeter, helping to run and care for the Little Saplings group on site.
Mother, Faye Mawer, said: “I am very proud of her. This is something that is very therapeutic.”
■ Volunteer of the year., sponsored by PH Jones:
Amy Lowe.
Amy set up Tea and Tots in 2022 to help end loneliness in parents.
She supports people with anxiety and depression and makes sure that all children are fed a healthy snack.
She said: “I am ecstatic. It is about giving back to the community.”
■ Special achievement: Shane Waters.
Described as a ‘one man band’, Shane is the founder of Burton Inclusive Performing Arts (BIPA) supporting its members between 30 and 70+ years old, with many suffering from physical health issues/disabilities.
Shane said: “I am really surprised. A lot of members have special educational needs. This is something out of their normal comfort zone.” Steve Shelley.
As a longstanding volunteer at the Kingfisher Community Garden, Steve is responsible for growing an abundance of fruits and vegetables which are then sent to be used at locations that provide free hot meals for families throughout the week.
“It is fantastic. It has really surprised me. I love coming and I couldn’t live without it,” said Steve. Wellbeing Walks.
Wellbeing Walks are regular walks which are free and open to all, though aimed particularly at people who are presently doing little or no exercise, and usually last about an hour.
Sue Priest said: “It is absolutely wonderful. It is so important to people living on their own to enable them to socialise, as well as all the health benefits.”
■ Lifetime achievement: Long-time Trent & Dove volunteer Maureen Smithard has shown great courage and perseverance through her time volunteering, particularly as she has been on her own personal journey, living with cancer.