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An inspiration for Derbyshire
OUTSTANDING people from across the High Peak and Hope Valley have been recognised for their community work.
The Derbyshire County Council Excellence in the Community Awards took place at the Devonshire Dome in Buxton last week, when individuals, groups, businesses, voluntary groups and charities making a difference to the lives of other were honoured.
Presentations were made by Cllr Robin Baldry, chairman of the county council with awards recognising achievements in six categories:
* fundraising for good causes
* volunteering in the community
* protecting Derbyshire's environment
* helping make Derbyshire a safer place to live, work and visit
* improving life by helping create closer, caring and active communities
* promoting Derbyshire through sporting, musical, academic or artistic success.
Cllr Andrew Lewer, leader of Derbyshire County Council, praised the winners at the ceremony:
He said: "By giving them this recognition we hope to highlight many worthy individuals and projects and inspire other people to get involved and play a positive role in their community."
High Peak and Hope Valley winners:
British Red Cross Fire & Emergency Support Service
Derbyshire - IMPROVING LIFE
This dedicated group is part of the British Red Cross charity and volunteers work with vulnerable people who have been affected by fire, flooding or other emergency situations.
Nominator Marianne McLeavy says volunteers willingly get up in the middle of the night when they get a call from Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service so they can go wherever they are needed in the county to offer valuable practical and emotional support.
Derbyshire operations director Catherine Stuart-Jervis said: "It may be something as simple as making someone a cup of tea in the middle of the night but a friendly face can make all the difference after something as devastating as a house fire."
To find out more about the British Red Cross, call Pauline Jenkinson on 01629 593330 or visit www.redcross.org.uk.
Buxton Billerettes
Buxton - FUNDRAISING
The Buxton Billerettes are a troupe of local men who have been raising money for charity for over 35 years. The Billerettes have performed over 930 times at carnivals and other events.
They have helped numerous local and national charities. Nominator Cllr Pam Reddy said that the troupe deserve to be acknowledged for all their hard work.
Joyce Ellis
Birch Vale - IMPROVING LIFE
Joyce formed the Kinder Children's Choirs in 1991. This remarkable organisation of a group of choirs from over 100 children between the ages of 6 and 18 has gained a national and international profile with successes in major competitions, concerts and broadcasts.
Nominator Sir John Bather said that Joyce's hard work has left young people with a love of music that they carry with them forever.
Joyce Chapman
TIDESWELL - FUNDRAISING
When Joyce's family newsagents business was sold she kept a portion of the building so she could launch a charity shop. Launched in 1994, the shop sells various items to help raise money for St John The Baptist Church. To date she has managed to give more than 105,000 to the cause. Nominated for an Excellence in the Community award by Alison Daniels.
Paul Driver
Dronfield - FUNDRAISING
Paul is the main fundraiser for Edale Mountain Rescue Team and is on the committee of the team's support group. He has also taken on the role of the team's base manager and spends hours every week maintaining the base and equipment. Paul was nominated by team member Neil Hayter, who said: "We'd be lost without him."
High Peak Hospice
Chapel-en-le-Frith - IMPROVING LIFE
The team have been nominated by Sheila Stubbs who said: "No words can express how much I have appreciated the social, emotional and practical services the hospice gives to those in need." The hospice provides the only specialist palliative care day care service in the High Peak for people affected by cancer and other life threatening illnesses, their carers and families.
Home-Start High Peak
Buxton - IMPROVING LIFE
Volunteers with Home-Start High Peak provide a vital service to families with young children who are struggling to cope. They offer families support in times of need, perhaps due to bereavement, illness or disability, and give emotional support and practical help where needed. Their main aim is to help give children a better start in life. The volunteers also run a group for young parents and, thanks to these hardworking volunteers, lives are being improved.
Robert Musgrave & Brian Wilson
Hathersage - PROTECTING DERBYSHIRE
Robert and Brian have been instrumental in restoring and saving Hathersage Memorial Hall, which has now been completely refurbished. It is now a well used community building, used by a theatre group, indoor bowls club, Brownies and many more. Their nominator Jane Marsden said that without them, the village would not have such a wonderful facility on its doorstep.
Cath Vernon & Ruth Walker
Chinley - IMPROVING LIFE
Cath and Ruth started a drop-in at the village parish rooms three years ago to provide a friendly meeting place and refreshments for local people on Wednesday and Friday mornings.
Trevor Jones has nominated the pair, who do not charge for the refreshments and take contributions instead which are then donated to local charities. So far they have raised over 2,000.
Trevor Woolford
Buxton - VOLUNTEERING
Petty Officer Trevor Woolford's sterling efforts helping run the Sea Cadet Corps in Buxton prompted Howard Schofield to nominate him.
Howard says Trevor has been an outstanding volunteer with the corps for 29 years, not only carrying out the day to day running of the group but also setting a personal example to the boys and girls. Through his hard work and exemplary behaviour he has become well liked and respected by the many cadets who have gained a great deal from their time with the corps.
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Saturday 04 February 2012
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