Inspiring duo among awards
BUSINESSES, organisations and schools were recognised for their outstanding contributions to the community at an awards ceremony.
The Ashcroft Civic Hall in Whitworth was packed out last month with excited guests waiting for the results of The Whitworth Business and Community Awards 2023, which saw more than 240 nominations.
The Mayor of Whitworth Councillor Mike Royds and his wife the Mayoress Glen Royds organised the ceremony to recognise the vital role local businesses and voluntary groups play in the community. They were so impressed with the nominations, they added two Mayor’s Special Awards.
One was awarded to Angela Forster and Kathleen Proctor from Whitworth who run Stronger Together Carers Group.
Councillor Royds said: “Angela and Kathleen are truly inspirational to the community and offer support, guidance and advice for many that are unsure of where to seek advice and where or who to turn to.
“These two ladies are both full time unpaid carers which is challenging and exhausting enough, but they ensure that others are put first.”
A woman, who has asked to remain anonymous and runs The Poppy & Me Project, received the other award.
Not only has she done work in the community, but she has also served her country, spending 12 years in the Royal Military Police, which saw her serve two tours in Afghanistan.
Councillor Royds said: “Although she has now left the forces, she is still an active reservist, still ready to serve her country.
“Earlier this year she had an idea to enhance the memorial gardens with a display of metal poppies, with the help of Councillor Chorlton, an approach was
made to BCH to see if they could manufacture metal poppies for attachment to the railings of the memorial gardens.
“BCH on hearing her idea and the reasons behind it, wholehearted got behind the project and are producing the poppies at no cost, so I think a big round of applause to BCH.”
The total raised from the event was £600, which was shared between the Mayor’s
Charity and Save Whitworth Pool. The pool also received a direct donation of £200.
The winners of The Whitworth Business and Community Awards 2023:
●●Small Business Award SMALL WORLD NURSERY
●●Sole Trader Award SEASONS FLORIST
●●Single Shop Award HEALEY DELI
●●Large Business Award
FINLAY JUDE
●●Business serving Whitworth from close by Award HEALEY DELL TEA ROOMS
●●School Project Award TONACLIFFE FOREST SCHOOL
●●Group Activities Award SAMBA DANCE & FITNESS
●●Voluntary Organisations Award THE
LIGHTHOUSE FOODSHARE