SHINING STARS REAP REWARDS - Herefordshire Volunteers of the Year Awards 2007
It was a night to remember. A glittering ceremony to reward Herefordshire’s remarkable volunteers, including winners aged from 13 to 80 years of age!
The Herefordshire Volunteers of the Year Awards, organised by Herefordshire Voluntary Action, in partnership with allpay.net, returned for 2007, and attracted more than 60 nominations.
The search began in April for people who have selflessly and tirelessly given their time, free, to numerous causes in the County.
And the winners were:
Volunteer Team of the Year Sponsored by BarclaysOpen Gate Social Club, Hereford
Friday evening social club for around 100 adults with learning difficulties run by a truly inspiring team of 12 people since 1980.
Young Volunteer Team of the Year Sponsored by BarclaysLeominster Flower Pot Kids
12 boys and girls keeping Leominster tidy and attractive with hanging baskets and free gardening services to older residents.
Inspirational Volunteer of the Year Sponsored by allpay.netJoint winners
Geoff Hodges - Self trained carpenter who makes items for disabled people in Hereford despite being blind himself. He lives in Bath Street, Hereford.
Pauline Ovenden – Despite a personal battle with M.E. she has changed perceptions of the illness and co-founded the Hereford M.E. Group over 20 years ago. She lives in Leominster.
Carolyn Lucking
A Mother Teresa combined with Doctor Dolittle was how one judge described this Hereford lady who received four nominations from neighbours in Vaga Street, Hereford.
Fundraiser Sponsored by M&M DirectDavid Ravenscroft
A dedicated fundraiser who, for many years, has raised thousands of pounds for Ross Sea Cadets unit, of which he is Chairman. Also working with other Ross charities such as the Lions Club and community transport. He lives at Chase Park in Ross.
Special Award – Outstanding Lifetime Achievement Sponsored by allpay.netMegan Bennett
Her consistent commitment to the voluntary sector as an inspiring trustee and leader for over 60 years, Megan Bennett, aged 80 this year, could not go unrecognized. She lives in Victoria Road, Ledbury.
Tony Killeen, managing director of allpay.net, commented:
"allpay first got involved with this event two years ago. We were hugely touched by what we saw from the individuals the first time we took part. Some of the volunteers had been doing charity work for over sixty years and they had never had a slap on the back to say well done. I was very touched by that, and I am so pleased this year that allpay sponsored the awards again. It is absolutely fantastic that people give up so much of their time and it is not until you actually go to an event like this that you really see what goes on."
Angela Legg, Volunteering Services Manager, offers an insight into the awards:
"There are thousands and thousands of people volunteering in Herefordshire and these awards provide an opportunity to celebrate their fantastic contribution to the county."
"We were keen to encourage nominations for people who do not necessarily think of themselves as ‘volunteers’ and would describe what they do as ‘just helping out’."
"We had a fantastic response and it was a very difficult job choosing the winners. In fact, so much so that we introduced the Outstanding Lifetime Achievement Award for a most amazing woman, Megan Bennett."
The awards were presented at a gala dinner at the Three Counties Hotel on July 19th and were hosted by allpay.net.
The judging panel comprised impartial representatives from BBC Hereford and Worcester Radio, Herefordshire Partnership and the sponsors – allpay.net and Barclays bank Hereford. The Hereford Journal and Leominster based MandM Direct also sponsored awards.
Full list of the winners
Volunteer Team of the Year Sponsored by Barclays
- Open Gate Social Club
- Hereford Association for the Blind
- Age Concern Ross on Wye District
Highly Commended Brockhampton Cricket Club
Young Volunteer Team of the Year Sponsored by Barclays
- Leominster Flower Pot Kids
- Raymond Cole (from Hoarwithy Road, Hererford)
- Teme Valley Youth Project
- Laura Dufort
- Andrew Evans
- Neil Goulding
- Sam Bruce
- Michael Pierzynowski
Joint winners
Geoff Hodges (from Bath Street, Hereford)
Pauline Ovenden (Hereford Terrace, Leominster)
- Carolyn Lucking (Vaga Street, Hereford)
- Olive Morgan (Almeley)
- Ann Preece (Portland Street, Weobley)
David Ravenscroft (Chase Park, Ross-on-Wye)
Special Award – Outstanding Lifetime Achievement Sponsored by allpay.netMegan Bennett (Victoria Road, Ledbury)
