2011 Winners - Roll of Honour
The Carer's Award
Winner – Deborah Proudfoot
Muscular dystrophy sufferer Deborah Proudfoot deserves an award for the way that she manages to care for her mother while working part time, says her nominator.
The Wilkinson worker devotes her spare time to looking after her mother, who also suffers from muscular dystrophy.
John Stephen Wellock, who nominated Deborah, said: “The way she battles on every day is an inspiration, as she will not be beaten by muscular dystrophy and will fight each day the effects that it brings.”
Highly Commended – Laura Summerfield
“My hero” is how Laura Summerfield is described by her daughter, Emily. In her nomination, 15 year old Emily told how she and two of her three siblings have all got rare conditions primary hypo-magnesemia and secondary hypo-calcaemia.
Her mum has always taken care of their medical needs but more recently had a lot more on her plate while Emily was in hospital with another serious illness.
Emily said: “My mum is a true inspiration and I think she deserves this as she has been through so much and she takes everything head on and tries to look at the positives”.
Highly Commended – Howard Golding
Howard Golding has been nominated for an award for the many hours he spends caring for his wife, Sherry. Nominated by Sherry, she says he has been her full time carer for the past five years – putting in more than 120 hours a week.
Not only does he ensure his wife has all her medication, gets to her appointments and is clean and happy, but he is also devoted to the couple’s three children. Sherry said about her husband: “He is an inspiration to others and has been a good friend to others in our situation.”
Highly Commended – Natasha Burkwood
A mother who looks after her three children and husband, who all have varying disabilities, has been nominated for a Pride of Andover Award.
Natasha Burkwood was nominated by her husband Karl, who wanted to thank her for her tireless support.
Karl, who has suffered from mental health problems for the past four years, said: “My wife has dedicated her life to looking after my three children, who all have varying disabilities and require care on a 24/7 basis, but not only does she manage to attend all hospital appointments but she still manages to keep on top of everything and meet any challenge head on.”
The Contribution to the Arts Award
Winner – John & Sue Parker
Musicians John and Sue Parker have gone through to the finals for their hard work bringing music to the masses.
The couple have been nominated by Louise Ellison for almost 40 years involvement with the Andover Musical and Operatic Society (AMOS) – now the Andover Musical Theatre Company.
Both John and Sue have performed in musicals in the past and Sue remains president of the society.
Highly Commended - Terry Trevett
Terry has been nominated for a Pride of Andover Award for his voluntary work for the Weyhill Electronic Organ Society. As a not-for-profit organisation, the organ society puts on monthly concerts, with more than 100 taking place since its launch in July 2002.
Terry is club secretary and spends much of his free time promoting the organisation and booking artists, along with raising money through charity concerts.
The Contribution to Sport Award
Winner – Ken Ball
Longstanding stalwart of Longparish Cricket Club, Ken Ball has been nominated for a Pride of Andover Award. The club’s groundsman was nominated by more than 30 people.
He has played in and supported the club for more than 60 years, including working in admin and looking after the grounds.
One nominator, Doreen de Cani, said: “there would be no club today without his efforts over the years.”
Highly Commended - Nick Woodford
The Chairman of Andover Athletic Club has been nominated for his demanding and instrumental role.
Nick Woodford has been put forward by Kevin Paterson for his work raising funds to extend the facilities of the club.
Kevin said: “He has carried out this demanding role and has been hugely influential and instrumental in growing the Andover Athletics Club. It would not be what it is today without him.
“He really is one of the unsung heroes of our town.”
The Fundraiser of the Year Award
Winner - Tom Donohoe
A Headteacher has come through to the finals of the Awards for going the extra mile with his fundraising efforts.
Tom Donohoe was nominated for the Pride of Andover Awards for raising money for Anton Junior School’s music and drama room.
Last year the headteacher completed 20 marathons in 20 days – covering more than 500 miles – to help the school reach its fundraising target of £180,000.
Nominator Dave Carr said: “Tom works tirelessly to raise money for the school and for local communities to use the school facilities.”
However, Tom added that staff should share the recognition: “It was a team effort and couldn’t have been done without everybody.”
Highly Commended - Luke Davis
Six year old fundraiser Luke Davis has been nominated for an Award to recognise his hard work.
Despite his tender age, the youngster has worked tirelessly to raise money for the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance.
Through writing to companies, shaking a collecting tin and holding a stall at his school’s fete, Luke has so far raised £7,500 for the charity.
One of his nominators, Audrey Rogers, said: “It is lovely to see such a young person doing so much good to support a valuable service.”
The Citizenship Award
Winner - Charles Gray
Volunteer rugby coach Charles Gray has been nominated by Dickie Staff, youth academy chairman of Andover Rugby Football Club, for his support over the past 14 seasons.
Charles began coaching when his son joined Cambuslang RFC in 1990 and when he moved to Andover in 1997, taught the under 7s squad.
He referees for the club, as well as at rugby festivals and tournaments across the country.
The Outstanding Volunteer Award
Winner - Nigel Baxendale
“An excellent ambassador for our town,” is how Nigel Baxendale has been described by his nominator.
The Andover Round Table member has been nominated for a Pride of Andover Award by Vikash Vallabh for his involvement in many community events. He has helped organise the Andover Carnival and is involved with the town’s yearly firework displays.
Vikash said about Nigel: “He is forever pressing the causes of Andover charities and makes an excellent ambassador for our town. He is a true unsung hidden hero.”
The Long Term Commitment Award
Winner - David Windeband
A Committee member of the Andover and District branch of the British Heart Foundation, David Windebank has been nominated for his years of commitment.
David who began volunteering with the charity 16 years ago, has served as a vice chairman since 1995 and has helped to raise £230,000.
He has been nominated by Brenda Hardy, who praises his hard work along with caring for his wife through dementia.
Brenda said: “Altogether David is an exceptionally committed person, a wonderfully reliable and devoted volunteer and a very committed husband.”
Highly Commended - Joan Trubridge
This 92 year old, Joan Trubridge – who has lived in Andover for 76 years – helped to found a stroke club, arranging regular holidays for sufferers.
In 1950 Joan was secretary for the Church of England Children’s Society and organised many trips for the orphans.
She was a member of the Andover Choral Society for two decades and a reader for the Talking Newspapers for 15 years.
The Community Champion Award
Winner - Dawn Hayden
An Enham resident who volunteers her time to help others has been nominated for an Award.
Although Dawn Hayden can only get around using a wheelchair, this does not stop her from volunteering two mornings a week at Neighbourcare for the past 10 years.
She also helps for one morning a week at VIP, along with giving her services to Andover War Memorial Hospital.
Mum Brenda Hayden, who nominated her daughter, said: “As long as Dawn keeps well she hopes to do this for many years to come.
“She has had many major illnesses and operations in her life.”
The Young Person's Award
Winner - Hayley Smith
Hayley Smith has had to cope with more than most 15 year olds after the death of her mother earlier this year.
However, this has not stopped her from selflessly giving her time to help others, which is why dad Ian feels his daughter deserves a Pride of Andover Award.
The John Hanson School pupil is a peer listener and captain of Andover Swimming Club’s junior squad, representing the town in many swimming galas.
Hayley cared for her mum during her illness and this June raised £1,400 taking part in the Race for Life.
Ian said: “Hayley has been an inspiration. Not only to me and her two older brothers, but to many people at various levels. “She has put her own loss and hurt to one side so that she can help and encourage others.”
Highly Commended - Daniel Hiscock
Hampshire Search and Rescue volunteer Dan Hiscock has made it to the finals of the Pride of Andover Awards.
The Andoverian spends his spare time volunteering for the charity, which helps Hampshire Police search for vulnerable missing people across the county.
The Spirit of Andover Award
Winner - Maureen Faill
A mainstay of the Andover Carnival has reached the finals of the Awards.
Maureen Faill has been nominated for a Pride of Andover Award by Mark Lazenby.
She has been the treasurer and entertainments office for the carnival for the past four years, ensuring the smooth running of the day itself. She has also helped to stage many charity events along the way.
Mark said: “Maureen was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in early 2010 but this has not stopped her helping others.”
The Andover Vision Special Award
Winner - Sarah Prust & Maurice Sweeney and Fusion Youth Group
The volunteers and Leaders of Fusion Youth Group have been jointly nominated for a Pride of Andover Award.
FUSION is a fantastic voluntary youth support group working in less-than-ideal conditions out of an old warehouse in Andover. They provide an essential service to the Andover Community, offering meetings, sport, fun, practical advice and guidance and friendship to young people in need. Youngsters can drop in to Fusion for support and crucial education about life, including sexual health, drugs, alcohol, finances and employment advice…or simply to meet up with friends. They regularly meet each Friday but, in addition, take their members on off-site activities and training and on residential short breaks. Their leadership scheme encourages young members to take on leadership responsibilities and is growing year on year.
Their nominator said: “The team is made up of people from various backgrounds, from youth workers to lawyers, postmen and young parents. All of whom want to make a difference to the community we live in.”
The Mayor's Award for Outstanding Contribution
Winners - Colin Dart & Sheila Frances
The founders of the Wessex Gardens Andover Cancer Trust have been nominated for a Pride of Andover Award.
Colin Dart and Sheila Frances set up the fundraising group more than 30 years ago.
The group raises money for the Wessex Cancer Trust by organising a street party and barbecue every year, collecting a total of £87,000 over the years.
Andy Marks, who nominated the neighbours, said: “They are a truly selfless and private couple of old friends who have done so much unsung good and thoroughly deserve some recognition.”
Since being nominated, Sheila sadly died on 17 September so Colin collected this on his and Sheila’s behalf.
Heart of Gold (Pride of Andover Award)
Winner - Joan Beal
Community Champion Joan Beal has the backing of Portway School for a Pride of Andover Award.
Headteacher Tim Deery nominated the governor for her 20 years of service to the school, along with the help she gives to pupils on a weekly basis.
Joan also volunteers at Marnel Infant School; Winchester Hospital – where she has supported patients for more than 40 years; and the Countess of Brecknock Hospice.
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.”