Time to say thanks to those who make our lives better
Last updated 16:08, Wednesday, 13 August 2008
THE search is on for community stars to shine in the Cumbria Community Awards, officially launched this week.
Anyone who knows of an unsung hero or heroine who deserves recognition for their community spirit can nominate now by filling in a simple form, which is also available online.
The awards categories aim to consider all of the different people, groups and organisations who make a real difference to the lives of others.
The YOUNG VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR award is for a young person who has made a real difference to the life or lives of other people.
The VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR award is for an individual who has had a real impact on the lives of others.
The SAFER COMMUNITY award is for a group or a project that makes people feel safer in their community.
The STRONGER COMMUNITIES award aims to recognise the way that people pull together – perhaps by developing a community plan for everyone to have their say over what their community needs.
The COMMUNITY BUSINESS award celebrates not-for-profit businesses working with paid staff, volunteers or both.
The ACTIVE OLDER PEOPLE award aims to recognise a group or project values the skills and knowledge of our older Cumbrian residents.
The LEARNING – YOUNG PEOPLE award celebrates projects or groups with learning at their heart that make a positive difference to the lives of young people.
The LEARNING – ADULTS award also celebrates projects or groups with learning at their heart. For example a project set up to help parents have more confidence to help their children with their homework.
The ACTIVE COMMUNITIES award not for profit groups and organisations that improve the quality of life for individuals and the wider community. Examples could be a healthy eating project set up to help people learn about shopping and cooking on a budget.
The CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE award celebrates those groups or individuals who give their time and commitment to those young people to gain skills and experiences.
The GREENER COMMUNITIES award aims to recognise groups or projects that encourage others to make the best use of our natural environment and think about our resources.
The CHAIRMAN’S AWARD aims to celebrate groups or projects that help bring people from different backgrounds together.
For more information about the Cumbria Community Awards and an online nomination form go to: www.whitehaven-news.co.uk/communityawards.
Forms can also be downloaded from the Cumbria County Council website at www.cumbria.gov.uk/communityinformation/cca.
They can be posted out on request by calling 01228 612201.
Nominations close on September 30.
SISTERS-IN -LAW Joan and Betty go together like pie and peas – and it’s great news for the community of Moorclose that they do.
The double act won last year’s volunteer of the year award for their tireless work to make the Moorclose Community Centre the hub it has become.
This year, Joan Humes and Betty Armstrong have agreed to help Cumbria County Council find other community stars by sitting on the Cumbria Community Awards judging panel.
Legendary in the Workington estate for their pie and pea suppers, knit and natter sessions and bingo evenings, Joan and Betty have brought countless people together in the facility they helped to create.
Fifteen years ago, Moorclose School was going to knock down the building as it was no longer needed.
Residents formed a committee to save it and to develop it for the community.
Joan and Betty were the driving force and remain the centre’s main volunteers.
As judges, Betty and Joan will be looking out for individuals and community groups that put their all into their work.
Betty said: “If you can handle a bit of stress and have a bit of a laugh and just get on with the job, you’re a great volunteer.”
Being happy to muck in with any task is also crucial according to Betty, whose years at the centre have seen her go from wiggling her hips at belly dancing lessons to getting elbow deep in dirty dishes.
“We even hauled bricks away on sheets when they were doing out the rooms,” she said.
Joan said that resourcefulness is key quality in a good volunteer, with many of the centre’s furnishings having been begged from closing shops and pubs.
Betty added: “We’ll be looking for anything that people have put their heart and soul into.”
