The people who go the extra mile to help others were honoured at the inaugural Pride of South Holland Awards ceremony.
Hundreds gathered at Spalding’s South Holland Centre to see certificates and trophies presented to winners in eight categories, ranging from Young Achiever to Senior Citizen of the Year.
The awards were launched this year by The Spalding and South Holland Voice with Tulip Radio and Spalding and District Area Chamber.
The awards were sponsored by South Holland District Council and categories were sponsored by local businesses, representatives of which spoke of their pride and delight at being able to support awards for those who give so much to others within the district.
The overall winner, chosen from the winners of the other eight categories was Pat Baxter, of Bakkavor staff shop, who works so tirelessly on fundraising efforts for local good causes.
The event was hosted by Jan Whitbourn and Chris Carter, of Tulip Radio, with the help of Coronation Street star Antony Cotton, who presented certificates and had the audience in stitches with his witty remarks and one-liners.
The event also was an opportunity to present prizes for Tulip Radio’s Spalding in Bloom canvas competition, which saw more than 60 groups create decorated boards, and the winners of the Spalding logo competition run in the Spalding Voice by town centre manager Dennis Hannant.
Speaking on stage at the event, district council deputy leader Nick Worth said: “It is the council’s number one priority to have pride in South Holland, so we are delighted to have sponsored these awards.
“The district has a lot to be proud of and I’m very proud of it – it’s a tight knit community with a lot going on that we can all be proud of and I hope these awards will happen for many years to come.”
And Antony Cotton added: “Having these Pride awards is an important reminder there is such a thing as society and community – it’s about learning to live with each other and making the world a better place.”
THE WINNERS
Caring Neighbour, sponsored by We’ll Let Your House – winner Jean Andrews; commended Jane Hickford, Maurice Cudd.
Bloomer of the Year, sponsored by Bakkavor Group Ltd – winner Angela Newton; commended Graham Rudkin, Roxanne and Dave Freezor.
Young Achiever, sponsored by EMG Motor Group – winner Josh Baldwin; commended Jordan Howlett, Harvey Wright.
Community Project, sponsored by Coun Angela Newton – winner Pat Baxter; commended Dr Azmeena Nathu, Janet Prescott.
Senior Citizen, sponsored by Calthrops LLP – winner Maureen Scantlebury; commended Muriel Good and Jim Bright.
Charity Worker, sponsored by Hughes Electrical – winner Mary Cooper; commended Muriel Good, Barbara Satherley.
Community Hero, sponsored by Bakkavor Group Ltd – winner Iris Landen; commended Graham Dark, Chris Schofield.
Lifetime Achievement, sponsored by FESA UK – winner Andrew Inkley; commended Judith Dodd, Ann Tilbury.
Overall winner, sponsored by Majestic Bingo – Pat Baxter.
