IT WAS a great night for Droitwich at Wychavon’s annual Community Recognition Awards after four of the eight accolades went to residents from the Spa.
The awards are aimed at finding those residents who go the extra mile and make outstanding contributions to their communities and provide a chance to reward them for their efforts.
There were more than 40 nominations in the eight categories from various voluntary and charitable groups from across the district.
Beth Whitsey was named Young Volunteer of the Year, arts champion Peter Hawkins scooped the Arts Recognition Award, Phoebe Chan was judged to be the district’s Sporting Hero and Sylvia and Arthur Whittaker were given a Lifetime Achievement award.
Here is some of what was said in the citations about each of the Droitwich winners.
Beth, a committed Fortis Living Teen Champion, is involved in inter-generational work, being a firm favourite with the older people.
As well as happing out within the community, at school she delivers a guided reading scheme for year five students, despite only being in year seven herself. She is always smiling, has an infectious personality and encourages others to follow her example of volunteering.
Peter promotes a variety of art and crafts in his role as the chairman of the Droitwich Arts Network (DAN). He does an incredible amount of work for the artists and the community on a voluntary basis, involving schools and the public through events. His energy and enthusiasm has got many projects off the ground, while his organisations and leadership skills have enabled projects become a reality and thrive within their local community. The amount he has achieved whilst running DAN is ‘awe-inspiring’.
Phoebe fought at many Taekwondo competitions during 2014 including several British Championships, winning medals at all of them. She achieved the Schools Competitor of the Year Award in 2014 and will compete for England in the Kickboxing World Championships. Phoebe is an example to other girls and ladies who feel martial arts is very male orientated. She actively promotes a healthy lifestyle and sets a good example to younger and older members of Droitwich Taewkwondo. After recently developing her tuition skills she has recently started teaching segments of the class.
Sylvia and Arthur have raised significant amounts of money for St Richard’s Hospice. Sylvia has volunteered for 19 years in a number of roles, including in the day hospice, supporting patients and fund-raising. Arthur joined the team as a volunteer driver in 2002. Together they have made a real difference to the lives of those who visit St Richard’s Hospice.
This award follows on from a lifetime achievement award given to them by the hospice, featured in last week’s Standard.
Hannah Peacop, Wychavon’s community development assistant, said choosing the winners was a difficult task.
“It’s amazing to see just how committed the nominees and the winners in particular are to their communities and they are all worthy of this recognition.”
Lynne Duffy, Wychavon chairman said Peopleton Village Hall was a fitting venue for what was a very inspirational event.
“Each nominee has an inspirational story to tell and they have done their communities and the Wychavon area proud.”
