Volunteering Awards 2007
Volunteers from across Darlington were recognised for their work in the community. On 24th September, Darlington Football Club hosted our Volunteering Awards. Peter Barron , Editor of The Northern Echo was MC for the evening and our guest of honour was paralympic athlete, Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson.
This is the fourth year the awards have been staged, judges all commented on the quality of the nominations and how difficult is was to choose winners. They said “we often ask how do you place a value on the importance of volunteering? “It is impossible. But without those who give up their time and energy to help others the world would be an infinitely poorer place.”
Prizes and certificates were awarded in a number of categories
Individuals 25 years and under: winner, James Dean: Groundwork West Durham and Darlington: nominees: Paige Hall, YMCA: Adam Howe, Duke of Edinburgh Awards.
Individuals 26 years and over: winner , Allan Wilson: Heighington Scout and Cub Pack: nominees, Johan Griffiths, Friends of Geneva Wood: Shelagh Ray, Firthmoor Centre: Julie Britton, Lingfield Community Partnership: Kath Cheadle, Friends of North Park, Rebekah Burgess Weymes, Central Community Partnership: Neil Bright, Gay Advice Darlington: Kathleen Hill, Darlington Institute of Advanced Motorists: Betty Jones, 50 plus Age Concern: Lisa Thompson, Duke of Edinburgh Awards: Neil Sykes, Radio Skerne: Tony Ardron, Mind: Laurence Macnally, Darlington in Bloom: Hilary Slater, St Teresa’s Hospice: Kenneth Simpson, Nubeck Nursery: Margaret Grey, St Teresa’s Hospice: June Wilson, CVS: Deborah Robson, DAAT: Angela Steerment, 50 plus Age Concern: Michael Smith, Radio Skerne: Geoffrey Currey, Radio Skerne: Anne Reynolds, WRVS: Ernie Hills, WRVS: Shirley Bond, Darlington CAB.
Employer Supported Volunteering Award: Sponsored by Darlington Borough Council: winner, Darlington Building Society
The Eric Lodge Award for Outstanding Commitment to Volunteering: Sponsored by First Stop Darlington: winner, Norma Town, CVS, CAB, 700 Club, Talking Newspapers, prison visitor, Guide Dogs for the Blind; nominees: Betty Knowles, Hurworth Grange Senior Citizens’ Club: Geoffrey Crute, Tees Valley Community Foundation: Edwina Flowers, Branksome Residents’ Association: Julie Patton, Firthmoor Community: Shelagh Blanchard, CAB: David Pratt, CVS: Joyce Spanswick, Tees Valley and Durham Area Management Committee: Susan Degnan, Family Help; Paul Dempsey, Mind: Ron Henderson, Hurworth Grange Senior Citizens’ Club: John Griffiths, Friends of Geneva Wood.
Team Awards: work which improves the quality of life for individuals and/or the community: Sponsored by Unity Trust Bank: winner, St Teresa’s Hospice, Family Support and Bereavement Team: other nominees, FEL Credit Union: Cruse Bereavement: Darlington PPI Forum: GOLD: Hurworth Grange Senior Citizens’ Club:
Work which demonstrates the benefits of partnership working: Sponsored by Groundwork West Durham and Darlington; winner Darlington and District Talking Newspapers: other nominees Darlington Neighbourhood Watch Association GOLD, FEL Credit Union, Heighington Litter Group
Work which encourages people to develop a healthy lifestyle: Sponsored by Northumbrian Water: winner DISC – with the DASS Project: other nominees
Cruse Bereavement Care:
Work which engages people in the visual or performing arts for community benefit: Anonymous sponsorship – winner Darlington Community Carnival: for Carnival Art Works
Work which promotes the learning and development of new skills: Sponsored by Darlington Libraries; winner: Groundwork West Durham and Darlington:
Group of ‘at risk of exclusion’ young people involved in gardening project: other nominees: DISC
Work which promotes social integration: Sponsored by Wilkinson Hardware Stores; winner: First Stop Darlington, other nominees Groundwork West Durham and Darlington, Darlington and District Talking Newspaper, DISC, GOLD
Work which encourages career and/or lifestyle development in young people: Sponsored by Anderson Gollan Associates; winner, Friends of North Park: other nominees; DSUF, First Stop For Youth, Groundwork West Durham and Darlington
Overall winner for Volunteer of the Year was awarded to James Deane (winner of the 25 year and under) 18 year old James from Albert Hill was nominated for the Award by Groundwork West Durham and Darlington. He has supported young people in the Albert Hill area and helped them make changes to its environmental quality. As James is not much older than some of the group members, he serves only to inspire these young people to change their ways. He is a true role model. James attends Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College, said “I am absolutely ecstatic. I had no idea I was going to get any award.”
