Community champions in Mansfield have received a special thank-you from the Executive Mayor Andy Abrahams.
The Mayor, now in the final year of his four-year term before elections next year, hosted the commendation evening on Friday 8 July at the Oakham Suite in Nottingham Road, Mansfield, to say thank you to all the unsung heroes in the district who have helped local people to live happier and healthier lives.
The 120 guests included residents, volunteers and community groups who offered extraordinary amounts of support during the pandemic along with those who had represented the district and achieved their true potential.
Mayor Andy said: “Whilst Covid was spreading through our community, our community champions were spreading love and kindness.
"On Friday I said a personal thank-you to the unsung heroes of Mansfield. This was an opportunity to recognise all those people who have contributed to making Mansfield a cleaner, greener and healthier place to live in recent years.
“We can invest in buildings, develop our economy and change how the place looks, but it is the people of Mansfield who make the place. And this event was the time to celebrate our diversity, our resilience and our sense of community.”
Guests were treated to a buffet reception before being invited onstage to receive their commendation from Mayor Andy.
The evening was brought to a close with a special commendation for the Mansfield District Corps of Drums, who were recognised for their outstanding commitment to the community and representing the district.
The Mayor said: “The Mansfield District Corps of Drums has delivered years of life-enrichment and enjoyment at events and celebrations along with representing the area in competitions. My special commendation to them is in recognition of their outstanding commitment and professionalism.”
NHS leader David Ainsworth, Executive Director of Primary Care at Mansfield and Ashfield Clinical Commissioning Group, was also recognised for his contribution to health services.
He said: "What a fantastic evening - a huge thank you Mansfield District Council and congratulations to all the award winners. I would like to offer a personal thank-you to the Mayor - his passion for the area and in the people of Mansfield is fantastic. I am very humbled in receiving my award."
Award winners
Community and youth
Vibrant Warsop – Maddy Pritchard
Sunbeams - Daniella
St Lawrence’s Church – Shelley Round
Newgate Lane Convenience Store – Mr & Mrs Patel
High Oakham School
All Saints School
Wainwright Primary Academy
Long term commitment to the community
Ladybrook Community Centre – Sharon Reynolds
Ladybrook Neighbourhood Watch – Mary Penford
Maun Refuge Group
Mick Beresford – Royal British Legion
Maun Conservation Group
Mansfield Woodhouse Community Development Group
Linda Gannon
Friends of Warsop Vale
Marion Allen
Mansfield CVS
Mansfield CVS staff and volunteers:
Lesley Watkins
Margaret Reid
Jo Wakefield
Lee Giles
Steven Cooper
Clive Gannon
Yvonne Hudson
Lesley Clay
Caroline Gill
Sue Hall
Stevie Croft
Marilyn Stubbs
Kelly Thackery
Jon Pollard
Vanessa Whitton
Jeanne McCollum
Steve Morris, former CEO of Mansfield CVS Covid Support
Bellamy Road Tenants and Residents Group
Kam Britland
Victoria Tandori
Naaz
Focus Point Community Group
Sports and culture
Nico Leivers (boxer)
Steve Ward (boxer)
Jade Humphries (kickboxer)
Tracey and Brad, organisers of Onefest
Paul and Christine Bacon, for Junior Showtime
Craig French (Frenbot)
Special mentions
David Ainsworth - NHS
Tony Delahunty – Mansfield 103.2FM
Nick Butler - retired police inspector
Joe Martin – Royal British Legion
Royal British Legion Riders
Mansfield District Council refuse service, represented by Barry Snowdon and Phil Holland
Mayor’s Outstanding Achievement Award
Mansfield Corp of Drums: Ryan Clarke, Paul Clarke, Christopher Cudworth, Michael Moody, Gareth Jones, Gemma Jones, Troy Coalwood, David Parnham, Maddison Kirk, Brian Talbot, Linda Bennett, Karl Wright, Reece Buckland, David Dowd, Reece Buckland, Craig Sharpe.