Finalists announced for NK Community Champions Awards 2016

The finalists in the NK Community Champion Awards 2016 have been chosen and told of the esteem placed in them and the voluntary work they have carried out on behalf of the North Kesteven Community.

This year there are 26 individuals, teams, businesses or groups recognised for the difference they make to their local communities. Collectively this accounts for the voluntary endeavours around 250 people.

Every year North Kesteven District Council calls for people living and working in the district to nominate people whose endeavours carried out quietly, tirelessly and selflessly they feel are worthy of recognition.

The quality and diversity of the often life-changing work and neighbourly contributions they represented was clear from the 118 individual nominations, leaving the judges selecting the ones to carry forward as finalists to an awards evening with a difficult task.

Reflecting this, the sponsors have decided to institute a further, special, new award, this year in recognition of one particular episode of community mindedness.

All of the finalists, their guests and nominators are invited to a celebration evening on Thursday, October 20, at Navenby for which additional tickets will be available for sale in support of local good causes.

Coun Marion Brighton, Leader of the District Council, will host the evening in conjunction with compere and BBC Radio Lincolnshire presenter Rod Whiting.

Mrs Brighton said: “We are very proud to run these awards in order to applaud and award some of the many unsung heroes who give so much through their voluntary and charitable endeavours, through their selfless motivation and quiet inspiration. They are a small but heartfelt thank you on behalf of the district for the difference these people make to our district.

“Even those who are not among the 26 finalists are champions in their own right in that their work is recognised and appreciated. 

“I am so often struck that it such quiet, tireless and selfless voluntary work that is the foundation to the District’s flourishing communities and makes such a difference to all of our lives.

“These much deserved nominations remind me of author Victor Hugo’s observation that ‘The great acts of love are done by those who are habitually performing small acts of kindness’. It is those small acts of kindness which make the strong, vibrant communities so distinct to North Kesteven and I thank everyone for their contributions in that regard.”

“Collectively, the 118 nominations made this year reflect on the personal endeavour and contributions of many hundreds of people, all of whom have touched people lives, and that in itself deserves to be celebrated.”

The shortlisted finalists are:

Young Achiever

Kiera Beeson, from Sleaford – for enhanced commitment to raising funds and awareness of Chrons Disease, even whilst recovering from surgery

Christina Creedon, Sleaford – for her care, consideration and commitment in broad ranging ways to raise awareness of autism and stand up to bullies

Lee Crocker, Sleaford – for his determination to engage in a normal school life and participate in sport despite significant physical disabilities.

Community Business

Branston Ltd, Branston – for significant investment in children’s educational resources and local community projects

Elite Fish and Chips, Sleaford – for extensive charity fundraising initiatives

Heckington Pre-school, Heckington – for the way it encourages children and parents to engage in the community and involves local businesses within its core operations

Hill Holt Wood, Norton Disney – for extensive engagement in the provision of community resources and facilities and support of a range of community projects.

Contribution to Sport

Jackie Creedon, Sleaford – for extensive engagement in local sports over 40 years and facilitating clubs in every way from cleaning toilets to organizing fixtures.

Hykeham Sailing Club, North Hykeham – in recognition of club volunteers’ hard work to maintain and run the facility

Angela Morely, Dunston – for dedication and commitment in championing the Special Olympics and enabling broad sports participation.

Contribution to a Better Environment

Chestnut Street CE Primary School, Ruskington – for a deeply-rooted commitment to broaden awareness of environmental issues and energy efficiency

Friends of Mareham Pastures, Sleaford – a small volunteer group which over 13 years has transformed and old tip into a much-valued nature reserve

Pauline Dobson, Sleaford – for leading on a wide-ranging of measures to brighten the town through her artistic and green-fingered efforts.

Contribution to Arts and Culture

John Crouch, North Hykeham – for amazing voluntary contributions towards motivating young musicians through more than 30 years of dedication Joan Dalton, Branston Booths – for her work in increasing creative opportunities across the District and participation in community arts projects

Eddie Double, Sleaford – for his massive contribution to art and culture in the town as Civic Trust chairman, championing public art commissions and promoting the Carre Gallery.

Contribution to Health and Wellbeing

Debbie Jones, Sleaford – for her energetic dedication to the Beyond the Blues mental health wellbeing group

Evergreen, Sleaford – a group of 50-plus volunteers who offer a befriending outreach to elderly, vulnerable and isolated elderly people

Volunteers of CAB Mid Lincolnshire – for the significant and extensive work carried out in helping the most vulnerable to access information, funds and support.

Contribution to Sustainable Transport

Charlie Kinloch, Rockstar, Nortth Hykeham – for his promotion of all sustainable transport options among colleagues.

Community Spirit

Terry Audis, Timberland – for getting stuck into improving community facilities across Timberland and Martin.

Ian Kendrick, Waddington – for an enormous range of expressions of community support ranging from low-key neighburliness to leading health walks

Keven Roberts, South Rauceby – a posthumous nomination recognizing commitment and determination in getting North Hykeham Sailabilty afloat.

Jean Straw, Canwick – primarily for organizing a community coffee morning which alleviates isolation and loneliness

Jenny Wright, Norton Disney – for commitment to a range of village institutions and initiatives over many years

To join the finalists on the night and enjoy a performance by The Lost Property All Stars, tickets can be bought at £10, by contacting the NKDC Communications Team on 01529 414155 or email [email protected]

Proceeds from the night support council chairman John Money’s nominated charity, St Barnabas Hospice.

The NK Community Awards are only possible through the thoughtful nominations made by residents and the generous sponsorship of businesses and organisations: this year – Ringrose Law, Duncan and Toplis, Lindum Group, Your Local Lincs Magazine, DPS Digital, Toyota Listers Lincoln, the Sleaford Renewable Energy Plant and 1Life; with further support from The Lincolnite, Sleaford Standard, BBC Radio Lincolnshire and Flowers by Suzanne.