For those who go the extra mile
INDIVIDUALS and groups who go the extra mile in the community have been honoured at an awards ceremony.
Charnwood Borough Council held its Don’t Muck Around and Loughborough in Bloom It’s Your Neighbourhood Awards at Burleigh Court.
The Don’t Muck Around awards, sponsored by the Council’s waste contractor Serco, recognised the efforts of people and groups who have been helping the environment.
The Loughborough in Bloom It’s Your Neighbourhood Awards was a chance to showcase the achievements of 37 community groups judged by East Midlands in Bloom.
The evening was hosted by Fosse 107’s Mark Rowley.
Coun Margaret Smidowicz, the council’s lead member for regulatory services, enforcement and licensing, said: “We were really impressed with the quality of entries this year for the Don’t Muck Around awards and it was encouraging that so many people came together on the night to celebrate their achievements.
“We are proud of the borough and its residents are too. These awards rightly recognise the efforts people are putting in to ensure Charnwood is a great place to live and visit.”
Coun Jenny Bokor, the council’s lead member for Loughborough said: “Loughborough in Bloom makes a huge difference to the town and the evening was a wonderful opportunity to thank the people who help make the town a beautiful place, and their passion and enthusiasm is an inspiration.
“I’d just like to say well done and thank you to everyone involved.”
In total 37 groups were recognised for their efforts in the It’s Your Neighbourhood campaign and the awards were handed out by Jeff Bates, chair of East Midlands in Bloom.
After 11 years, Jeff Bates and his wife Irene are retiring from their roles with East Midlands in Bloom and both were presented with gifts by Coun Hilary Fryer and Andy Rush of Loughborough in Bloom.
Loughborough in Bloom also gave a special thank you to Andy Rush, editor of the Loughborough Echo, who, after eight years as chairman of the Bloom board has stepped down..