North Herts volunteers celebrated at Chair’s Volunteer Achievement Awards

PR Date: Monday, 2 March 2020 - 1:15pm

Winners of the annual Chair’s Volunteer Achievement Awards gathered at Hitchin Town Hall on 28 February to receive their much-deserved awards.

The awards, run by North Hertfordshire District Council (NHDC), celebrate volunteers in North Herts who give up their time to help others and make a real difference to the lives of local people and community groups.

The winners were nominated by members of the public and chosen by a judging panel comprising of Cllr Jean Green – Chair of NHDC, Nick Gill – former Editor of The Comet and Royston Crow, Anne Taylor – Membership Coordinator at North Herts CVS and Jack Wells – Construction Manager at Wilmott Dixon.

Each winner was presented with a glass trophy, flowers and a gift voucher. The awards were organised and hosted by NHDC and sponsored by Willmott Dixon, with The Comet as media partner.

Cllr Jean Green, NHDC’s Chair said: “We are honoured to be able to recognise these individuals who really go the extra mile to help others in the district. They represent the true essence of community spirit and give their time and skills for free to assist local people.  We wish each award winner the very best with their volunteering work in the future.”

Simon Ramage, Director at Willmott Dixon said: “We are delighted to continue to support the Chair’s Volunteer Achievement Awards, which highlights the fantastic contribution that so many individuals are making in our local community. Congratulations to all of the well-deserved winners!”

 The winners of this year’s awards are as follows:

Anthony Balls, winner of the Caring Award which recognises acts of kindness in the local community. Anthony is a volunteer driver who dedicates his time to the Community Transport Scheme, helping to take residents to hospital or doctor appointments. In 2019 he carried out 328 trips as a driver, helping many less able and vulnerable people across North Herts and Stevenage.
 

Carole and Victor Rhind, winners of the Dedication Award which recognises long service in voluntary or community work. Carole and Victor started volunteering with the Scouts in 1972. Since then they have taken on roles including Leaders of Cubs, Scouts and Beavers, as well as volunteering as Adult Training Advisors and Training Assessors at these organisations. Victor is now Assistant District Commissioner for the Royston District Beaver Section and Carole is the District Commissioner for the Royston District.

Phil Charsley, winner of the Green Award for helping to keep North Herts clean, safe and green. Phil was a founding member and Chairman of the Friends of Baldock Green Spaces 15 years ago and retired earlier this year. He has volunteered tirelessly to help Ivel Springs and Weston Hills Local Nature Reserves thrive in Baldock so many can enjoy them for years to come.

Lindsay Davidson, winner of the Judges Special Recognition Award. Lindsay volunteers for a diverse number of causes within the local community including serving as a Town Councillor, Mayor, fundraising for charities, Chairman of the Royston Volunteer Centre Management Committee, Royston Food Bank and assisting with Silver Sunday. She also volunteers at Make Lunch – a project helping children to have healthy meals during school holidays and Homestart, is a trustee of Coombes Community Centre and initiated the Community Network which she still runs . Lindsay has been involved in Royston in Bloom, Naturally Royston, has helped to redesign the Royston Railway Station Garden and has assisted with litter picks in the town.

Rajah Thai Singh Rayat, winner of the Sporting Achievement Award which recognises a major contribution to sporting life. Rajah is severely Autistic and has ADHD. Rajah has managed to change his life by committing himself to intense training sessions of 10 hours per week of roller hockey, which he has now been playing for five years. He has now been selected to play for England’s under 13’s in Portugal and has been featured playing roller hockey with Blue Peter presenters for their show.

Jack Howie, winner of the Young Star Award which recognises a young person who makes a difference in their local community or who has overcome challenges to reach their goal and achieve a personal ambition. Jack lost his father in 2014 and shortly after, began attending the Stand-By-Me bereavement support group to help him cope. His grief was compounded by the loss of his Uncle the following year and he struggled to deal with these close bereavements, including finding it difficult at school. The Stand-By-Me group helped him come to terms with his loss and he now volunteers for the charity, mentors young people who are experiencing bereavement, and he became one of the first Stand-By-Me Young Ambassadors.

For more information about the awards go to: www.north-herts.gov.uk/home/community/chairmans-volunteer-achievement-awards

Pictured, from left to right:

Bottom Row – Lindsay Davidson winner of Judges Choice Award, Rajah Thai Singh Rayat winner of the Sporting Award, Chair of NHDC Cllr Jean Green, Victor and Carole Rhind winners of the Dedication Award.

Top Row – Jack Howie winner of the Young Star Award, Jack Wells Construction Manager at Willmott Dixon, Anthony Balls winner of the Caring Awards and Steven Roberts Senior Project Surveyor at Willmott Dixon.