Erewash Mayor honours caring citizens
Community-minded residents and groups were honoured for their contribution to society at this year’s Erewash Mayor’s Awards.
Seven caring residents and representatives of eight local groups were presented with their awards by the Mayor of Erewash, Councillor Chris Corbett, at a ceremony in the Council Chamber at Long Eaton Town Hall last night (Wednesday 13 February).
The awards recognise groups or individuals who carry out vital work in their community without expecting anything in return. Erewash Borough Council’s judging panel looked at nominations, made by local residents, for evidence of special qualities and service beyond simply being a ‘good neighbour’ when picking out the award winners.
Councillor Chris Corbett, the Mayor of Erewash, says:
“Presenting these awards was one of the highlights of my year in office. It was a pleasure for me to recognise all the recipients and an honour to personally congratulate and thank them for all that they do for this borough.
“I have seen at first hand the work of the countless people in this borough who work so selflessly to help others in so many ways. It has been a privilege to be able to present awards to some of those residents and organisations.”
The successful recipients of a Mayor’s Award for the 2018/19 civic year are:
Residents
Mrs Sylvia Woodhouse, Long Eaton
For the past 25 years, Sylvia has run the weekly family morning at Long Eaton’s Trinity Methodist Church where children and their carers meet to enjoy play time and refreshments. Children play with playdough, construction sets and blocks as well as making a variety of crafts. Sylvia also arranges and provides food for a Christmas party.
Mrs Elaine Chapman, Draycott
Elaine is involved with the Draycott in Bloom group and is an organiser of ‘Tea with Friends’, a monthly get together for single people who live alone. She visits disabled and elderly neighbours on a daily basis.
Mr Ray Jepson, Breaston
Mr Jepson has been a volunteer with the Erewash Volunteers Centre for 15 years. He is a befriender who visits lonely residents, a shopper for those who can’t get out and a sitter to allow carers to have a break. He also volunteers with Treetops Hospice, the Long Eaton Talking Newspaper and the Nottingham Buddy Association.
Mrs Wyn Townsend, Long Eaton
Wyn is 88 years old but is an active volunteer with Erewash Volunteers Centre. She volunteers as a befriender and shopper and has recently completed training courses to become a dementia friend and a hand-holder for end of life care.
Hugo Harvey, aged 9 years, of Long Eaton
Hugo didn’t ask for presents at Christmas, instead saying he wanted to help other people who were struggling over the festive period. He made up hampers of food and toys for people in need and also donated 250 chocolate bars to two homeless charities. Hugo also spent a day singing to residents in various care homes.
Mr Philip Lees, Long Eaton
Since the age of eight, Philip has been involved in the scouting movement and has served as District Commissioner for the Long Eaton area on two occasions. Among his achievements has been to deliver adult training and safeguarding to adults.
Mr Brian Moon, Ilkeston
Brian is a volunteer at Erewash Museum and helps out with a variety of tasks on a daily basis. He helps to set up, co-ordinate and supervise the Erewash Beach, which attracts thousands of visitors.
Groups
Ilkeston Parents for Play
This group of young parents work to improve children’s play areas in the Ilkeston area. They have made a significant contribution to improvement projects, including Rutland Recreation Ground and the forthcoming Barling Drive play area – raising funds through various activities.
1st Sawley (Pegasus) Cub Pack
The four long-standing leaders of this cub pack are Mark and Mandy Stafford, Andy Rydzyk and Michelle Carver, who run weekly meetings for the children and numerous additional events such as camps, water sport activities and visits to local places of interest.
Friends of Victoria Park, Ilkeston
The friends group has helped Erewash Borough Council in a variety of events over the last few years. Last year they arranged a stunning remembrance display featuring thousands of knitted poppies which transformed the Park into a memorial to mark the centenary of the end of the First World War. The event raised over £7,000 for the Royal British Legion.
CCTV System volunteers of Ilkeston and Long Eaton
Erewash Borough Council has a number of CCTV cameras located in key areas around the borough for safety and detection of crime and anti-social behaviour. They are monitored at various times during the week and weekends by volunteers, who give their own time to cover the system and help protect visitors and businesses to the towns.
Action4Cotmanhay
This group has worked hard over the last four years to get the old Bennerley School building open again for community use. The venue, now called the Vernon Community Suite, is an excellent hub for residents to use and members undertake the security and cleaning of the building.
Borrowash in Bloom
This community group has carried out numerous projects including fundraising, bulb planting, commemorating the centenary of the end of WW1 and creating flower displays – all aimed at improving the local environment for residents and visitors.
Friends of Forbes Hole Local Nature Reserve, Long Eaton
The group has organised volunteer work parties to improve the site every Monday for the last two years. Work has included woodland thinning, bramble removal, maintaining wildflower meadows, tree planting and creating homes for wildlife.
Ilkeston Winter Shelter
An idea to organise a shelter for local homeless people, primarily over the cold festive season, was put into action at the end of last year. A plea on social media attracted numerous volunteers and the Shelter attracted support from residents and businesses.
