Appeal to ‘blow the trumpet’ for unsung heroes

DEVON broadcasting legend Judi Spiers has urged residents across the county to ‘blow the trumpets’ for the region’s unsung heroes.

The former Pebble Mill at One, BBC Radio Devon and Gus Honneybun’s right hand woman will be presenting the Devon Community Honours at RHS Garden Rosemoor, Torrington on Thursday, December 6 from 3pm until 6pm with transport provided from four pick-up points for our special guests.

The awards recognise and thank the people of Devon who devote so much of their time and effort in making the region such a wonderful place to live.

“We want to hear from you about anyone you know in your community who does something for somebody else,” Judi said. “Traditionally they don’t like to blow their own trumpet, so we’re asking you to blow them for them.

“It can be a good neighbour, a carer, a young or older hero; just somebody who makes you turn around and think, what a fantastic person, and what a great thing they do.

“We’ll be asking them, and you to join us for a beautiful afternoon tea at RHS Rosemoor Gardens and being close to Christmas you’ll be able to see the fabulous illuminations, or I believe they call it the glowing. It will be a wonderful wonderful day.

“So often in the papers we read about this celebrity, and that celebrity who gets awards for this and that. Then you look at your own community and realise there are some fantastic unsung heroes who never get the recognition they deserve. Now is the chance to give those people that recognition, blow the trumpet for them and make sure they get the attention that they deserve.”

Judi added that not only is it about recognition, but that you can also raise awareness of your cause.

She said: “A few years ago I was presenting some community awards and an organisation won it for the work that they do with youngsters other people have given up on.

“When I was talking to the blokes and women that organise this particular organisation they told me they didn’t do it for the awards and that it wasn’t what mattered. I told them it does, because in the audience there could be people who need their help or they could be people who have a few quid to invest, or have something to help them with.

“This is a great way of getting recognition, not just for the people who need it but the people who can help you with it, so take your moment.”

This year’s categories are Good Neighbour, Voluntary and Community Sector Champion, Environment Champion, Caring Communities Champion, Community Hero (18+), Young Heroes (u-18), Volunteer of the Year, Devon Carer, Armed Forces and Emergency Services Honour, Devon Mentor and DevonLive Special Recognition Honour.

The 2018 Outstanding Achievement Honour – Sponsored by the Devon County Council – will be decided from the honours list.

For more details and to nominate go to http://devonhonours.co.uk/

You have until October 11 to enter your nominations, so don’t delay!