VIDEO: An amazing night of achievement at Sleaford Town Awards 2016

The annual Sleaford Town Awards, organised by the Town Council and Sleaford Standard were hailed as another resounding success with individuals, sports clubs, charities, businesses and organisations being awarded and recognised for their excellence and contributions to their field as well as helping to put the town ‘on the map’.

The guests, winners and award sponsors were welcomed to the new Town Hall in Navigation Yard on Thursday evening by Mayor of Sleaford Coun Garry Titmus and The Standard’s editor Stephen Stray.

Coun Titmus said: “They are the many people who have either striven to succeed at whatever they have set out to achieve or those who have devoted their time and efforts in helping others in the community.”

Stephen Stray said: “We are here to put the spotlight on people who in some way have helped their community or have inspired others to achieve.” He thanked sponsors and readers for voting for the Customer Service Award, won by Gohil’s Pharmacy.

The Sleafordian of the Year Award went to Barbara Jones whose long catalogue of achievements and leading roles in so many of the town’s community organisations is staggering to hear, while her excuse is that she is not keen on boredom! these range from Chairman of Governors of Sleaford Church Lane School to chairman of Sleaford Concert Band and Sleaford Barge Netball Club. She has also been a Town Councillor and a driving force in the Chamber of Commerce as well as a fundraiser for the local hospice movement for 20 years.

Asked by Mr Stray how she finds the time, she said: “I have a very good husband and whatever I do, I am part of a team, it isn’t just me, and that’s probably what Sleaford is very good at.

“For me being a small part in making a difference is important and I am very lucky to be able to do it.”

She looked forward to having a quiet summer with family for a change.

The other winners were:

Young Sleafordian of the Year (sponsored by the Mayor of Sleaford)) Seth Parrot.

Community Award (sponsored by Butlers) Carre’s Grammar School Community Gym.

Charity of the Year (sponsored by the India Garden) Sleaford and District Round Table.

Overcoming Adversity Award (sponsored by Gohil’s Pharmacy) Chris Degnan.

Sports Individual of the Year Award (sponsored by Millers Cafe Bar and Brasserie) William Hopkins.

Sports Coach of the Year Award (sponsored by Ringrose Law) Bill Rayner.

Sports Team/Club of the Year Award (sponsored by Clive Wicks Associates) Sleaford Barge Netball Club.

Teacher of the Year Award (sponsored by Sleaford Muslim Community Association) Julie Pankhurst.

Employer of the Year Award (sponsored by Interflora) Lincolnshire Co-operative.

Business of the Year Award (sponsored by Sleafordian Coaches) SHD Composites.