Unsung heroes celebrated at night for champions
COMMUNITY champions from across Rutland have been recognised at a special event hosted by the LordLieutenant of Rutland.
Rutland’s Community Champions Celebration took place at Kendrew Barracks in Cottesmore on Thursday, paying tribute to individuals, groups and organisations that have made a positive difference to the lives of local people.
Hosted by Lord-Lieutenant Dr Sarah Furness, in partnership Rutland County Council Chairman Councillor Kenneth Bool, it was held to thank the unsung heroes who go to great lengths to support their communities but whose efforts often go unnoticed.
Among those recognised at the special celebratory event were:
■■Lynne Cooper, Karen Lemon, Liz Cumming, Rosalind Nicoll, Vickie Goddard, Kate Hamilton, Judith Spiers and Lizzie Newel – the ladies responsible for bringing the Rutland’s First World War Poppy Project to life at Oakham Castle.
■■Mark and Tracey Taylor – organisers of the hugely successful monthly Veterans Breakfast at The Grainstore in Oakham, which brings together veterans of all ages and backgrounds.
■■Citizens Advice Rutand, which works with other organisations to offer help and support and has secured more than £1 million grants and financial assistance for the County.
■■Ann Williams, who has worked tirelessly to set up Resilient Rutland – a project to support the positive mental health and resilience among young people in Rutland.
■■For Rutland In Rutland – a charity with more than 100 volunteers. Led by Elizabeth Mills and Trish Ruddle, For Rutland funds specialist advisers who support people with life-limiting conditions.
■■Organisers of the commemorative First World War community play The Rutlanders Return, including Joy Everitt and Arts for Rutland.
Speaking at the event, Dr Sarah Furness said: “Rutland has a strong and well-established culture of altruism, doing our best for others and volunteering. It is because of this ethos and the large number of people who give up their time to work for the good of our communities that we wanted to hold this celebration – to recognise the invaluable contributions being made day in, day out and to say thank you.
“By working together and helping others we make Rutland what it is – a very special place to live.”
County council chairman Kenneth Bool said: “It has been a pleasure to see so many people come together to pay tribute to Rutland’s community champions. These people work tirelessly to help and support others. So much of the invaluable work that they do is carried out ‘behind the scenes’ and away from the public eye. I’m glad we could take this opportunity to celebrate all that they do.”
The Lord-Lieutenant of Rutland is Her Majesty’s representative within the county. In addition to upholding the dignity of the Crown, the Lieutenancy provides support and encouragement for volunteers and charitable organisations that seek to do good among our local communities.