The wait is finally over, and the winners of the inaugural Civic Awards have been revealed.
The Worshipful the Mayor of the Borough of North East Lincolnshire, Councillor David Hasthorpe, welcomed nominees, sponsors and special guests to the award ceremony which took place on Friday 11 March at Grimsby Town Hall.
People could nominate individuals, community groups or organisations for award categories, focusing on the community, environment, sport, and business.
As the evening progressed, the pride of the Mayor was evident as the spotlight was shone on those whose work was having a positive impact upon communities across North East Lincolnshire.
“I am just thrilled, so thrilled. We have a full house here, people from all corners of our borough and we are here to celebrate their fantastic efforts. They are all winners and together make a real difference to those around them,” he said.
The evening was compered by Richard Askam, with myenergi being the main sponsor of the awards.
“At myenergi, we are local people, running a local business and in turn we want to recognise local people, running local businesses, helping local causes and developing local talent,” said Kate Tyrell, corporate events and relationships manager at myenergi.
“Celebrating individual achievements, environmental initiatives, and community kindness in an everchanging landscape is how we can encourage ourselves to do better, aim higher and celebrate each other’s success. Therefore, we are proud to partner with the Mayor of North East Lincolnshire for the inaugural Civic Awards and we very much look forward to seeing all the positive examples our local community have to share.”
Opening the evening, Richard reflected on the date of the awards ceremony. 11 March is Great Grimsby Charter Day, when in 1201 King John witnessed the signing of the very first Borough Charter.
“It is appropriate that we are here tonight to celebrate all these people, who are making Grimsby greater today,” he said.
The Mayor’s Award for Outstanding Achievement went to Sam Delaney, the director of Creative Start CIC. Sam established his organisation when he moved to Grimsby – using creativity to offer support for people to effect their own personal change.
“Winning this is such a massive thing. When I moved here, I wanted to continue work I had started elsewhere, and I knew it was the right thing to do. Grimsby has been so good to me allowing me to do the work that I am so passionate about,” said Sam.
The awards were given to the following:
Community Together – sponsored by Grimsby Fish Merchants Association – was for individuals, community groups or organisations involved in bringing communities together through a local project or community event or who have excelled within their communities. The winner must demonstrate how they have used others’ potential and strength to help people help themselves and others.
The joint winners for this category were:
- Jack Hennessy-Smith for his work with the Imm-spiration Skate Park at Homestead Park, Immingham.
- Sunflowers Children’s Action Group. This small volunteer group was launched in 2019 to support children between 3-16-years-old suffering from life-limiting or life-threatening illnesses and their families. Lily-Mae Hutton, who is blind and has cerebral palsy, collected the award on behalf of the group, with her dad Tony Hutton.
Young Achiever – sponsored by YMCA Humber – celebrates an inspirational person, under 21, who has made an outstanding contribution by volunteering with the community – demonstrating leadership, dedication, and enthusiasm.
The winner of this category is:
- George Kavanagh. Now 17, George has been a fantastic ambassador for St Andrew’s Hospice since the death of his father nine years ago. His dad had been cared for there and it has been George’s mission ever since to put the organisation at the forefront of people’s minds: “When I receive recognition like this, it helps highlight the work of the Hospice even more, I am not just a fundraiser but an advocate for the work done there,” he said.
Creative Excellence – sponsored by Healing Manor – was for those who have helped raise the profile of arts in the borough, helping to make things happen and giving our communities the chance to express themselves creatively.
The joint winners for this category were:
- Katie Watson. When most people get home from work and put their feet up, Katie is out the door again and volunteering at least three times a week with Immingham’s RAFAC (Royal Air Force Air Cadets). It is Katie’s dedication that is behind the success of the organisation’s band, which is a familiar presence at numerous parades: “I am delighted to win this award and so enjoy the fact that in my own way, I am able to have a positive impact on the lives of the teenagers I work with,” said Katie.
- The Culture House. The organisation aims to strengthen Grimsby’s cultural offer, providing more chances to get involved in culture and creativity in the town. Its founder, Charlotte Bowen, said: “This award is not just for our organisation, but for all those in the town who are a part of what we do, whether they participate in creative activity or come along to watch and enjoy. We’re very proud to serve Grimsby and enhance quality of life through arts and culture.”
Environmental Achievement – sponsored by Tiru (formerly Dalkia Wastenergy) – was for an individual or group that has worked to celebrate, improve, and protect the environment in which they live and who voluntarily strive to improve the outdoor environment for their communities.
The joint winners for this category were:
- James Elliott. James is known to many as ‘The Canoe Cleaner’ as he takes to the waters of the River Freshney to clean out the rubbish. His work has received national attention with appearances on BBC’s One Show. “Pats on the back mean the world, whether it’s an award like this, an appreciative bottle of wine from a member of the community or just a simple thank you,” said James.
- Grimsby & Immingham Community Recycling Centres. Matty Harlow collected the award on behalf of the centres. They were nominated for putting “so much effort to make recycling fun while also raising thousands of pounds for local charities and good causes with their bric-a-brac and bike sales”. The staff always make the tips a great place to visit, giving the sites a makeover out of recycled materials. As well as supporting their usual charities, they have supplied 17 life-saving defibrillators to local groups since July.
Youth Environmental – sponsored by Tiru (formerly Dalkia Wastenergy) – was for an individual under 21, or a youth-led community group or organisation that has worked to protect our local environment, striving to enhance our local outdoor spaces.
The winner of this category is:
- Henry Nicholson. Henry is just eight-years-old but is already putting many adults to shame! When he noticed that litter was blowing into his school playground in Laceby, he asked if he could set up a club to start clearing it up. “I just noticed it coming from the road and wanted to do something. Winning this is great,” said Henry, who was at the awards with his proud mum Heidi.
Healthy Living – sponsored by Ish Fish – was for an individual or community group that has improved the health and wellbeing of people or communities in North East Lincolnshire, be it physical, mental, emotional, or social.
The joint winners for this category were:
- Joanne Wright. Joanne is the founder of the Sunflowers Children’s Action Group. Not able to attend on the night, she sent this message of thanks: “Everyone at our small group works extremely hard and these awards are for us all, but more importantly for the children and their families. Seeing them smile and laugh when we put on events and activities makes all we do worthwhile.”
- BeGreatFitness – Bailey Greetham-Clark. Bailey, now 19, overcame anxiety by taking up sport and boxing as a younger teenager. He was inspired to help others in the same way and established his organisation. He works across the community knowing that the events of the last two years have seen many young people isolated: “We don’t do what we do for any kind of recognition but winning this means the absolute world,” he said.
Sporting Achievement – sponsored by the Humberside Police & Crime Commissioner – was for a person, group or organisation that has helped create a lasting sporting legacy, encouraged participation, and promoted sport.
The joint winners for this category were:
- Kyle Oakes. Kyle’s efforts are an inspiration to us all. He battles against the restrictions that Cerebral Palsy put on him, overcoming them all to run marathons, raising money for organisations such as St Andrew’s Hospice. “I just didn’t expect to win and what a great evening this is, it has brought everyone together and is inspirational.”
- Tape2Tape. Directors Nicola and Neil Pattison are the driving force behind the Ørsted Great Grimsby 10k and are passionate about the use of running and activity to bring communities together. “We were just thrilled to be nominated and would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has supported us to ensure the continued success of our events. We look forward to seeing everyone again at our 10k in June.” You can sign up to the race here: www.greatgrimsby10k.com.
Business in the Community – sponsored by E Factor Group Ltd – recognises the businesses that have invested in North East Lincolnshire’s communities through sponsorship or other forms of support to make it a better place to work, play and stay.
The joint winners for this category were:
- Willie Weir. Willie runs the County Hotel in Immingham. With a strong sense of community pride, he has supported the installation for 15 defibrillators across the town. Meanwhile, his hotel has supported lorry drivers who were delayed in the town due to Brexit, and during the pandemic, he operated meals on wheels for the elderly. “It is wonderful to receive this recognition, but of course none of us do what we do for that reason, we want to help,” he said.
- Grimsby Garden Centre. Centre representative Joanne Keen collected the award on before of the NAViGO-run facility that supports people to get back into employment. All profits are pumped back into mental health and wellbeing services in the local community. “We are so proud to win this, it is real recognition for what we are doing at the centre and the work we want to continue to grow,” she said.
No nominations were received for the Youth Sporting Achievement Award, which was sponsored by Forrester Boyd Wealth Management.
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