Andover demonstrates ‘the big society’
13th October 2011
Esther Rantzen rounded off another wonderful evening of celebration by telling a full capacity crowd that the town’s Pride of Andover Awards demonstrated that ‘the big society’ was already alive and well and living in Andover!
The 2011 Awards highlighted another group of inspirational citizens of Andover whose stories of caring, volunteering, dedication and courage were both entertaining and humbling.
No one receiving an award seemed to think that anything they do is out of the ordinary and this was evident from the very first moment of the evening. Laura Summerfield was nominated by her daughter for all the love and support she has given several members and generations of her family during very difficult times. An emotional Laura met Esther saying she couldn’t understand why she deserved an award. To deflect the tears Esther launched into the audience, found the family members, climbed in beside them and turned tears into laughter!
There were twenty-six awards in thirteen categories, with winners from six to ninety-two years of age.
Luke Davis, aged six was runner up in the Fundraiser of the Year category. He has raised £7,500 for the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Air Ambulance - and he’s never been in a helicopter!
Local headmaster Tom Donohoe was a popular winner of the Fundraiser category. His award recognised the amazing feat of running twenty marathons in twenty days! Why? To raise funds, and motivate others to raise funds, for a new music and drama room at Anton Junior School. Tom was delighted to report that the new curriculum area is now officially open and being enjoyed by the whole school.
Highly commended in the Young Persons Award, Daniel Hiscock, is a volunteer for Hampshire Search and Rescue. He is on call 24/7 to go out and search for missing people who are often suicidal.
Community Champion went to Dawn Hayden, an Enham resident, who is wheelchair bound. Her disabilities do not stop her volunteering at Neighbourcare, Andover VIPs and the Andover War Memorial Hospital every week. That’s an example to us all.
Esther was struggling for stage space when the twenty-strong leadership of local youth group Fusion collected their Andover Vision Special Award. Run completely by volunteers, this dynamic group support up to one hundred club members week in week out. They have fun, educate, advise and inspire the youngsters, and sometimes their families too. Smaller groups benefit from short holidays, training trips and offsite activities. They really are making a difference to Andover.
The Mayor’s Award for Outstanding Contribution added a distinct tinge of sadness to the evening. Mayor Cllr Zilliah Brooks joined Esther Rantzen on stage to honour Colin Dart and Sheila Frances for founding and operating the Wessex Gardens Andover Cancer Trust more than thirty years ago. Sadly, shortly after neighbour Andy Marks nominated the friends, Sheila died. Colin received the award on behalf of the dedicated friends who have raised £87,000 for their cause.
Other winners included Howard Golding, Natasha Burkwood, Deborah Proudfoot, Terry Trevett, John and Sue Parker, Nick Woodford, Ken Ball, Charles Gray, Nigel Baxendale, Joan Trubridge, David Windebank, Hayley Smith and Maureen Faill.
The final Heart of Gold (Pride of Andover) Award went to Joan Beal who was nominated by Portway Junior Headteacher, Tim Deery. Joan has been a school governor for twenty years and volunteers at the school on a weekly basis. When she is not in school Joan can be found volunteering at Marnel Infant School. On the other hand, for the past forty years, you may find Joan supporting patients at Winchester Hospital or maybe at The Countess of Brecknock. If Joan still can’t be found she is probably en route to hospital in her volunteer driver role.
Tim said: ‘How she fits everything in we do not know - but Andover is very lucky to have her. I cannot think of anyone who is more deserving of an Award’.
We couldn’t agree more!
