The Mayor of Poole has presented seven local residents with a Community Champion Award, recognising their outstanding efforts to help improve the lives of others or the town itself.
The awards, of which there are three levels of achievement – blue, silver and gold, were designed to recognise the small things that may go unnoticed but make a big difference to other people or the whole community.
The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Ann Stribley, presented two blue awards, one silver and four gold awards to members of the community who were nominated by friends, neighbours and co-workers, at three private functions held at the Civic Centre between 24 June and 7 July 2015.
Each were awarded a dolphin lapel pin and a certificate to mark the occasion in the presence of close friends and family in the Mayor’s Parlour.
Mayor of Poole, Cllr Ann Stribley, said, “I am delighted that more than a decade on this scheme continues to recognise those people within our community who strive to make a difference to others’ lives and make Poole such a wonderful place to live, work and visit. It is a real honour to have met such dedicated and selfless people and thank them on behalf of the community for their efforts.”
Nominations can be made by anyone who feels an individual or group should be recognised for their good work in the community. Please visit poole.gov.uk/communitychampions for more information or to make a nomination.
The winners and why they were nominated:
Margaret Arnold, Gold: Margaret was nominated for her extensive voluntary work with the Poppy Appeal, including recruiting street collectors, allocating collection points and being the main organiser for the Poole area which saw a record £34,000 collected last year.
Dennis Broadhurst, Gold: Dennis has been the President of the Poole branch of the Royal British Legion for more than a decade and was nominated for his “dedication” to his duties which among many things include ensuring the welfare of members, ex-serviceman and their families.
Mark Phillips, Gold: As Center Manager at Parkstone United Reform Church, Mark was nominated for his continued contribution to the community but specifically the “above and beyond” help he and his team gave in providing Buckholme Towers School and Nursery a temporary home at the church after its fire in 2013.
Beryl Trebger, Gold: Beryl grew up in Hamworthy and returned 11 years ago. She is a familiar figure in Hamworthy Park which she walks around every morning, sometimes twice a day, to collect dropped litter and regularly takes part in other environment related voluntary work.
Pam Coxon, Silver: Pam has worked voluntarily with Bridging Communities for six years in addition to numerous other roles she undertakes in regularly supporting friends and neighbours, as well as caring for her granddaughter. She also devoted over two years to helping a young family by teaching them how to cook, budgeting and parenting skills.
Carol Brignell, Blue: In addition to her the Friends of Oakdale Junior School work, Carol was nominated for the “positive and beneficial” impact her volunteering within the school has on the children’s learning and school experience, including the supervision of five after school clubs, supporting parents ordering uniforms, reading and the introduction of a daily fruit cart.
Sue Downes, Blue: As treasurer of Hamworthy Liberal Club for the past two years Sue has been instrumental in the club’s running and organisation as well as helping to turn it into a real community asset, housing not only the social club but a number of other clubs and associations.
