Pride of Shropshire awards
The Pride of Shropshire Awards are designed to celebrate the very best of what goes on in our area.
The Pride of Shropshire Awards are designed to celebrate the very best of what goes on in our area.
The awards, a joint venture between the Shropshire Star, Shropshire Partnership and Market Drayton dairy giant Müller, highlight the achievements of people who work quietly behind the scenes – but make a real difference to the success and wellbeing of Shropshire.
To see this year's contenders, click on the link at the bottom of this page
Over the past few weeks, we've been inviting Shropshire Star readers to submit their nominations for this year's nine awards: Learner, Entrepreneur, Courage, Good Neighbour, Volunteer, Community Project, Healthy Life, Carer, and Environmental Project.
Today, we present the three finalists in each category. The winner of each category will be announced at a gala dinner at Shrewsbury's Prostar stadium on June 18, hosted by BBC Radio Shropshire's Eric Smith. An overall 2009 Pride of Shropshire champion will also be crowned.
Last year's inaugural awards proved a huge success, with our postbag overflowing with inspirational stories of heroism, determination and bravery, and choosing eventual finalists and winners proved a tough task. The judges say they have had a similarly difficult struggle again this year.
The 2009 Pride of Shropshire Awards are backed by a host of big-name companies, including Lanyon Bowdler Solicitors, Denso, Shropshire Housing Group, Coverage Care, the e-Innovation Centre, The Wrekin Housing Trust, and Telford College of Arts and Technology.
For the Shropshire Partnership, the awards fit perfectly with its vision to "significantly improve the quality of life for Shropshire people by working together". Its work focuses primarily on children and young people, health and wellbeing of older people, and creating, safer, stronger and sustainable communities.
As a community-driven newspaper, the Shropshire Star is also proud to be playing a pivotal role in a scheme which highlights how our beautiful county brings out the best in its people, setting an example which other parts of the country could follow.
Organisers want to say a big thank-you to everyone who took the time to put forward a nomination this year.
Dont miss our full coverage of the Pride of Shropshire finals on June 19, with news of the winners, plus pictures and reaction. Well also be posting a video from the awards night on shropshirestar.com
The Volunteer Award
CRITERIA: Someone who, in a personal capacity, volunteers on a regular basis to undertake work or activities of their own accord. They may care for animals that need help. They may do shopping, run errands, clean around the house or tidy gardens, or simply keep someone company.
Val Hanover
Val Hanover, from Oswestry, has dedicated a significant part of her life to working with disabled people.
She earned national acclaim a little over two years ago when she picked up an "unsung hero" award in the BBC Sports Personality of the Year competition for her fundraising work and her unstinting efforts in organising the North Shropshire Special Olympic Club.
Val spent 40 years working with people with learning disabilities and three decades as a key player with the Special Olympic organisation. She was appointed secretary of the West Midlands Special Olympics in 1980, with the first national games held in 1982.
Val also played a key role in the successful campaign to save Oswestry and Shropshire Citizen's Advocacy, to support people with learning disabilities.
Betty Nicholls of Whittington, who put her name forward, said: "She is a true ambassador of sport, and a real champion of people with learning disabilities. Her name is synonymous with the Special Olympics, and no-one deserves to win this Pride of Shropshire award for their work as a volunteer more than Val."
Paul Seabury
When Paul, from High Ercall, joined the Sea Cadets at the age of 12, he began a lifelong love affair with the organisation which continues to this very day.
He has worked his way through the ranks to become Officer in Charge of the Telford unit, which has grown into one of the largest in the area, meeting at its base in Wellington Road, Donnington.
Petty Officer Kevin Hoyles, one of Paul's colleagues, said: "Telford Sea Cadets would struggle to find another OIC with this level of dedication. The time Paul puts in, organising the unit nights, weekends away and competitions, is all done in his own time.
"Paul also has to fit in a full-time job and a son, and yet never lets Telford Sea Cadets down.
"The youngsters of Telford can learn a lot from this man, and it is all done with passion, determination and encouragement – which is why the youngsters we have, stay."
Reginald Steventon and Nancy Wood
Close friends Nancy and Reginald, from Bomere Heath, refuse to let age slow them down. Nancy will be 80 this year, and Reg turned 90 at the end of March, but they still get up at the crack of dawn on many mornings to travel to far-flung corners of Shropshire.
Why? To set up car boot sales, raising cash for the Severn Hospice. Nancy also helps out one day a week at the hospice shop in Wem, as well as occasionally aiding the team at the hospice warehouse to sort through the latest batches of goods for sale.
Betty Willis, of Heath Farm, Shrewsbury, who put their names forward, said: "They have raised over £30,000 during the past 20 years since the hospice opened.
"Nan and Reg travel to people's houses to pick up goods for sale for this great cause, and Reg mends any which are broken or need attention. He also makes bird tables to sell.
"It is people like Nan and Reg who help keep the hospice running. I admire what they are both doing very much."
The Courage Award
CRITERIA: Someone who, in a personal or community capacity, has overcome adversity. Someone who has had the courage to face their fears or do something new. They may have made their community a safer place by their actions, done something courageous for someone else, or made a selfless act, putting other people first.
Adam Edwards and Christopher Morris
Adam and Christopher, from Windsor Road in Oswestry, hit the headlines in the Shropshire Star in November last year when they led elderly residents to safety from their homes following a suspected arson attack.
Near neighbour Helen Silver described them as "young heroes".
She said: "They thought quickly and not about the danger to themselves, even ruining their clothes trying to stamp out the fire. Smoke kills quickly, and therefore their actions surely helped stop and fatalities from occurring. I have heard nothing about the incident since, and feel these brave young men deserve some recognition for their action."
The pair, who are both plumbers, sprang into action after spotting two wheelie bins, which had been placed at either end of the hallway in Windridge Court on Llwyn Road, on fire.
Leading firefighter Robin Evans said: "They led a number of elderly people to safety because smoke was pouring into the hallway of the flats. They are heroes. It was a very unselfish act, risking themselves to do a particularly dangerous rescue."
James Hatherley
Young James Hatherley, from Ketley in Telford, received nominations from all over the world. But it is his father Brian who sums up better than anyone the reason he is in the running for the courage award.
"Two years ago my whole world collapsed around me. At the age of three, James was diagnosed with leukaemia. From day one, James showed so much strength and determination to beat this disease that he has inspired me and our family to raise over £5,000 for the children's cancer unit at Shrewsbury hospital.
"This money has been put to good use by the hospital, buying a new piece of equipment and also buying new toys and games."
Helped by his father, James has a page on social networking site Myspace, which has touched the hearts of thousands. His supporters include a United States Navy fighter pilot who has had James' name signwritten on to one of his planes.
Brian says: "James always has a smile of his face and takes everything in his stride. He is excelling at school and is a very popular person among his friends. Quite simply, he is my pride and joy."
Cameron Dhir
Proud parents Caroline and Sann Dhir, from Madeley in Telford, believe the actions of their 11-year-old son Cameron helped to save a family member's life.
It happened on February 16 this year, when Caroline left Cameron with his grandmother for the day. While just the two of them were in the house, his grandmother had a stroke.
Cameron said: "My nan came into the lounge, sat on a chair, and started to raise her arms and began to shake and make jerking movements. She started to slither down the chair, still shaking her body and now making strange noises with her mouth."
Remembering the TV commercial highlighting the early signs of a stroke, Cameron recognised the symptoms and immediately dialled 999. The operator talked Cameron through the measures needed to treat his grandmother while an ambulance crew was on its way. He then jumped in a car with a neighbour to guide them on the seven-mile journey to his mother's workplace.
Caroline said her mother was now out of hospital and on the road to recovery.
"We are so proud of Cameron, who reacted promptly in an emergency situation and effectively saved a life. A true hero."
Entrepreneur Award
CRITERIA: Someone who is successful in business, with an innovative approach. They may have diversified into new areas of work, or shown creative use of new technologies. Their business makes a contribution to the local economy and ideally has raised the profile of Shropshire, either regionally or nationally.
David Riley
After a distinguished career in the Shropshire fire service, David Riley from Wellington ventured out on his own to start a family retail company called Heritage Pine.
The shop bought in pine furniture and accessories, and David soon branched out into manufacturing his own pine products, employing a team of craftsmen at his Eyton workshop and buying a large three-storey premises in Castle Foregate, Shrewsbury, which his family still proudly run today.
The business model has changed over the years as demand for pine furniture has waned, and the company now also imports European oak and a separate Stafford shop has been franchised under the Heritage brand.
David's quest for new ideas has taken him as far afield as China. During one visit, he spotted two young people hitting a tennis ball on a piece of elastic in the streets.
Twelve months later, he had used the idea as a springboard for a new company called Rebound Sports, providing a quality tennis package with a carbon racket, and ball secured on an elastic band. It has been endorsed by British tennis star Greg Rusedski and is stocked by many top superstores.
Three years ago, David was also instrumental in reforming Wellington Chamber of Commerce, which in its first year gained 110 new members.
John Franklyn
From an initial investment of just £45, John Franklyn of Donnington in Telford, has worked hard to start a business from scratch, during what is a difficult trading climate.
Since 2006, his company – offering affordable gardening services to disabled people, senior citizens, and those in receipt of benefit – has blossomed.
He now employs 15 full-time staff, a further five part-timers, plus seasonal workers, and has just started a campaign to recruit another 20 people.
In the month of March alone, he took on an extra 100 customers in and around the Telford area.
"He is regularly praised for his hard work, but most of all his trustworthiness," said Pamela Houghton of Donnington, who put John's name forward.
John was also awarded a Telford Champion trophy last year in recognition of his voluntary work in the community, his help given to homeless families and the securing of a Telford housing summit.
Pamela added: "John Franklyn has touched so many lives in a wide variety of positive ways."
Colette Williams
Friends of Colette Williams refer to her as "a little ball of dynamite".
The young businesswoman, a former Grove School pupil who lives in Oakfield Road, Market Drayton, works full-time for NRG Direct Mail in Shrewsbury.
A regular on the networking scene, she and two other experienced businesswomen recently joined forces to set up the LBC, the Lively Business Club, giving up-and-coming entrepreneurs in Shropshire the chance to network, share best practice, and hopefully do business with one another.
The motivation for the idea was to bring traders in north Shropshire together in a bid to combat the effects of the credit crunch and revive the district's market towns.
And it seems to have filled a niche in the market. More than 60 small business owners attended the successful launch of the event in March at the Tern Hill Hall Hotel, which is now meeting fortnightly, alternating between morning and evening get-togethers.
Colette is the club's treasurer. Diane Williams, who put her name forward, said: "This young lady has so much to offer Shropshire. She is proud of her roots and wishes to put something back into the community."
Environmental Project Award
CRITERIA: A family which has made a difference to the environment in their home or local community. They may have introduced a recycling scheme, cleaned up a messy area, or cleared footpaths. They may have been champions for climate change, bio-diversity, preservation of key species or conservation of local historical buildings.
Shropshire Master Composters
Reducing waste to landfill is a key priority in the fight against climate change – and the Shropshire Master Composters group in Shrewsbury, is playing a big part.
Members such as Val Oldaker (pictured) are part of a network of around 60 "master composters"created by Shropshire Council.
Between them, they have given around 2,000 hours of their time over the past year, organising publicity, events, and guided tours of composting facilities, as well as setting up community composting schemes, going into schools to give talks, and spreading the word.
James Thompson, of the Shropshire Waste Partnership which is championing the scheme, said: "Volunteers come from all walks of life. Some are expert gardeners, some are teachers, some are committed environmentalists. Whatever their reason, they are all agreed that composting organic material is fun, healthy, sociable and good for the environment – and you get an end product for your garden too."
He added: "The group really deserves some recognition for the massive amount of work they have done which contributes to lifelong learning, expanding human capital, sustainable development, landfill diversion and community development."
Ketley Bank Community Garden
Liz Willoughby (pictured with pupils Nicole Pitts and Melanie Bowyer), is based at the Queenswood School in Ketley Bank, Telford, and has been nominated as a result of her involvement with the Ketley Bank Community Garden.
Last summer, a public consultation was held to discuss proposals to renovate disused land which had become the target of fly-tipping, vandalism and illegal rubbish dumping.
Representatives from The Wrekin Housing Trust, Queenswood School and the local police asked residents for their ideas and feedback on whether it could be turned into a new community garden.
Year-six children from the school then got involved, submitting designs which went on to win an "Improving Local Facilities and the Environment" prize in the Telford & Wrekin Children and Young People's Active Involvement Awards.
The final design was then passed over to the contractors to turn the vision into a reality, and the volunteers are now starting to see the fruits of their labours.
The Carrot and Carp Project
When an area known as Arthans Pond in Overton Road, St Martins, was put up for sale, the local authorities sprung into action.
Through support from the parish council and a grant from Oswestry Borough Council, the pond and some neighbouring land was purchased with a view to transforming it into an amenity for local residents.
It was leased to St Martins Centre, and local fishermen were invited to form a committee. The result: St Martins Angling Club was formed, and the decision was taken to turn the area into both a fishing site, and allotments.
A new car park has been built, there is already a waiting list for the allotments, and at the far end a balancing pool and natural area has been left to wildlife, so wetland birds and other animals can thrive.
"The way this has been developed is a shining example in times where we are losing green space," said Sue Schofield of St Martins (pictured with fellow trustee Neil Graham), who nominated it for a Pride of Shropshire award.
"The parish should be applauded for taking the initiative in providing the people with an environmental asset and a recreational amenity in perpetuity."
The Learner Award
CRITERIA: Someone who has learned new skills or knowledge and used them in day-to-day life. An achiever who may have overcome obstacles to progress. They may have gained recognised qualifications that have helped them to gain a new job, or use newly-acquired skills to help others in the community.
Teina McGarry
When Teina McGarry first went for her interview, to become a volunteer for family support service Home-Start, she was unsure whether she would be up to the task of working with people who were experiencing difficulties.
"I have no qualifications," she told her co-ordinator Delia Beckett, who remembered how she lacked confidence in herself and her ability to support others.
What a difference three years makes.
Teina, based at Home-Start's Whitchurch offices, signed on to a preparation training course for new volunteers, a 40-hour programme, and has since gone on to support two families experiencing difficulties, as well as attending ongoing development programmes.
Delia said: "Last year I asked Teina if she would be interested in completing an NVQ in Advice and Guidance. Although she was a little apprehensive to begin with, she finally agreed. I was delighted when I was able to phone her to say that she had gained her qualification.
"I am so proud of Teina and the hard work she has put into these achievements. I have watched as Teina has increased her self-confidence and has made a difference to our organisation."
Zoe Robinson
Zoe, from Ladycroft in Wellington, is a shining example of someone who has worked hard to overcome her learning difficulties, refusing to let them hold her back from achieving her ambitions in life.
In the past two years, friends and colleagues say they have watched her become more self assured and she is now working in the café at Telford College of Arts and Technology one morning a week.
Zoe is currently on the first year of an "access to work" course, which involves setting up a café in the local community, for the benefit of its residents.
Pam Mundy, from TCAT's campus in Haybridge Road, Wellington, says she has shown a great deal of care and understanding towards her fellow students.
"Zoe lives with her partner and manages her own home. I feel she is worthy of the nomination due to the effort and determination she has shown in her day-to-day life," Mrs Mundy said.
Julie Keefe
Julie, from Coalbrookdale, started at Telford College of Arts and Technology in 2000 with what staff described as "low self-esteem and confidence".
She struggled through her school life, concentrating her efforts on sports and competitive activities to take her mind off the academic sessions she found so difficult.
It wasn't until Julie was assessed at college, where she initially enrolled on an RSA Text Processing course in the hope of meeting new people, that she became aware her struggles were due to dyslexia.
College spokesman Karen Parkinson said: "Passing the text processing course inspired Julie to go further and enrol on several part-time beauty courses, which she successfully achieved, and enrol on the Level 3 Diploma in Holistic Therapies.
"Although Julie struggled with the in-depth anatomy and physiology side, she again passed the course. Julie then went on to achieve NVQ Level 1 and 2 in Hairdressing."
In addition to coping with dyslexia, Julie has also had to juggle the challenges of being a single parent to four children. Her 12-year-old son has been diagnosed with autism and ADHD.
Karen added: "Julie has made lots of new friends at college, which has played a big part in her life, giving her the skills to be proud of."
Good Neighbour Award
CRITERIA: Someone who has proved to be an asset to their immediate neighbourhood or to their neighbours. This may be through good deeds done on a regular basis, or it may be just someone who brightens a neighbour's day.
Mary Steadman
At the age of nearly 90, Mary Steadman is compared by friends with Mary Poppins . . . "practically perfect in every way".
Neighbours in Wenlock Road, Shrewsbury, describe her as an "amazing" lady. When she's not helping out as a volunteer in the Red Cross charity shop or tending to her beautiful garden, she is offering a friendly word of advice or support to her fellow friends and neighbours.
"Mary always greets you with a smile. She is kind, helpful and just brightens up the day when I see her," said Karen Mitchell, who put her name forward for the Good Neighbour prize.
"She will always find the time for you. In fact, no-one could ask for a better neighbour – in fact, she could be described like Mary Poppins . . . 'practically perfect in every way'.
"Mary is a pleasure to have as a neighbour – she is so kind, generous and patient, especially with my daughter who at eight can sometimes by a bit overpowering. But Mary always finds time for her.
"Sometimes it's hard to believe Mary will be 90 this year. She is just marvellous, always busy doing something."
Val Davey
Val Davey is described by those who know her as "an extremely kind and caring lady" who dedicates much of her time to ensuring that the lives of residents in Lindale Court, Copthorne, Shrewsbury, are enhanced.
She organises trips for her fellow residents at the sheltered dwelling scheme, as well as meals, and social gatherings on site such as buffets and entertainment. She also runs a fortnightly bingo session.
"Any activities or outings proposed by residents are soon acted upon, and we are on our way," said neighbour Pamela Lloyd.
"No matter how many personal commitments she may have, she never turns down anyone who needs a friendly chat or any advice.
"She has helped us raise large amounts for local charities over the past few years."
Mrs Davey also runs a Darby & Joan club in the Shrewsbury area with over 50 members – even arranging annual holidays for many of them.
Dave Tipton
Dave, from Bridge Road in Wellington, Telford, is one of the founders and organisers of a group called "Listen and Care".
It does just what its name suggests – acting as a drop-in centre to give people who either have, or are recovering from, mental health problems a chance to talk in a friendly place and share their views and concerns.
Dave has run the club for several years, and is described by his colleagues as a "jack of all trades and master of all".
He has fought tirelessly for survivors of mental illness troubles, and ploughed many hours into fundraising for the cause.
Sue McGowan, who nominated him for a Pride of Shropshire award, said: "Dave has continued to run the club even though he was a carer to his family. His three children have all had major problems with their health and for the past few years of her life his wife had to have kidney dialysis. She then developed cancer and died late last year.
"Through all of this, Dave has not been a well man, but still kept supporting Listen And Care."
She described him as "a man who could support the world and their wives, whilst supporting a family with multiple health problems . . . all whilst battling with major health problems of his own."
Healthy Life Award
CRITERIA: Someone who has improved people's health and quality of life. They may have organised sports or recreational activities in their community, support a club, organise a walking group, dance class or healthy eating club. They may be a champion of health issues, healthy lifestyles and exercise, in their own time.
Jim Mostyn
In addition to being head of games at Wrekin College, Jim runs circuit training, core stability sessions, and indoor rowing classes through his own business.
But in the view of those who nominated him, it's the good-humoured yet purposeful atmosphere which he creates in his classes which set him apart from the crowd.
"Everyone is trying to achieve their personal best," says one of his fans, Lesley Drew of Wellington.
"It means people come to one class, and then stay for years in some cases, so that he has a real impact on their fitness."
Jim's clients vary enormously in both age and fitness levels – as young as 11, as old as 77 – and come from a wide area for their hour's session.
As if all this wasn't enough, Jim and his wife Sally, from Neachley, near Shifnal, have also set themselves the challenge of raising cash for a four-wheel-drive ambulance for a rural hospital in Malawi.
Lesley says: "Jim Mostyn is an ambitious man – but his ambitions are for other people. He wants people to be healthy and fit, and enjoy the lives they have. He is a champion for health."
Sven Worrow
Sven is involved with the "Changing Tracks" alcohol project, based at Belmont in Shrewsbury, and was nominated by Nick Fisher from the council.
The innovative project, hosted by The Hive Media Centre, is working with young people who are abusing alcohol.
Nick explained: "Sven and his artistic team work with young people at risk to raise their self esteem, reduce their drinking and improve health."
The Hive is a not-for-profit organisation that actively encourages young people to volunteer for their projects, and many of its staff have been recruited from the pool of volunteers.
Nick said: "This project is breaking new ground and rewriting how we work with young people to improve their health and wellbeing."
Bob and Pixie Adams
Bob and Pixie, who live at Pontesbury Hill, near Shrewsbury, have recognised the need for people to stay active in their more mature years, and come up with the perfect way to achieve it.
They cheerfully give up their spare time for others, running a series of short-mat bowling sessions for older people at Longden Village Hall, on Wednesday afternoons.
On a typical day, between 10 and 20 people turn out to enjoy a mixture of gentle exercise, and a chance to meet other like-minded folk to chat over a cup of tea.
Alan Dowley, from Hanwood, who put Bob and Pixie's names forward, said: "They do this work entirely voluntarily, and have been doing so for many years.
"A large number of people have benefited from their good works over the years. We all feel they deserve to be recognised."
Carer Award
CRITERIA: Someone who looks after or helps others, whether family members at home, in their community, or in their day-to-day career. They may care for animals that need help. They may do the shopping for people, run errands, clean around the house, tidy gardens, or just keep someone company.
Rachel Shaw
Rachel Shaw is an inspirational 16-year-old from Oswestry, who is currently studying for her A-Levels at Walford and North Shropshire College.
She is also a British Red Cross Young Carer, part of a Shropshire-based group, the only one of its kind in the UK, which meets every month, and she chairs the Red Cross Young Carers Youth Forum.
Like thousands of other young people, she is a young person who has found herself having to either physically or emotionally care for a member of the family, at home.
"We talk about plans, and the health package we aim to implement," Rachel says.
"Our aim is to educate doctors and health professionals in how to treat young carers in a more adult manner.
"It's good to spread awareness about young carers," added Rachel, who did a 15-minute presentation in March at the Red Cross National Assembly in Manchester, in front of 800 people.
Rachel is a shining example of a young carer who takes an active role in supporting her counterparts. Referring to their regular meetings, she says: "It gives us the chance to breathe, and be kids again."
Philip Ray
Philip Ray, from Wellington, has been nominated by his brother Shaun.
The 16-year-old is currently studying for GCSE exams at Charlton School, while earning some extra pocket money at Catherine's Bakery Stall at Wellington Market on a Saturday.
Shaun says: "Since Philip was seven years old, he has assisted his great aunt Nancy, who is now 93. He helps her with her garden, takes her to the shops, takes her to the hairdressers and has generally been some much-needed company for her at home."
Philip also broadcasts an internet radio shows, for which he does not get paid, and gives up his free time to help organise events at school.
"Nothing ever seems too much trouble for my brother," Shaun says.
"He is always cheerful, he spends time with my daughter, playing with her – he never says he hasn't got time. Philip is so polite and well mannered and a true credit to our mother."
Sarah Thomas
"She is the most amazing, helpful and compassionate person I have ever met." That's how Allie Morgan describes Sarah Thomas.
Sarah, from Copthorne in Shrewsbury, gives up a significant proportion of her spare time caring for her mother, Carole, who has suffered from Multiple Sclerosis for 28 years.
Allie, from Bicton Heath, nominated best friend Sarah for this year's Pride of Shropshire carer award, saying: "Sarah is the youngest member of the MS Society, which she has been with since she was ten years old.
"Sarah does an amazing job looking after her mother, and I really admire her. She is one of my best friends, and I think that she has done really well to cope with all of the pressures of being a young carer. I think that she really deserves this award."
Sarah holds the record as the youngest ever finalist in the Shropshire Star's Star Woman of the Year competition.
Her dedication has seen her win young carer awards and she also plays a vital role on the committee of Shrewsbury's MS branch, particularly in fundraising.
Community Group Award
CRITERIA: Open to any voluntary community group or voluntary organisation which has come together and made a real difference to the quality of people's everyday lives. This could include environmental projects like litter picking, organising a fun day, or helping vulnerable people - the old, the very young, or people with problems.
Seedlings Toddler Group
Seedlings is a mothers and toddlers group based at Crowmoor Baptist Church in Shrewsbury, which meets weekly on Thursday mornings.
Maggie Randle from Belvidere nominated the group, saying: "It is a warm, comforting sanctuary for us mums. We are always greeted at the door – and have the door held open for us! – and are all known by name.
"These wonderful people will come and chat with us whilst our children play, and are genuinely interested in our lives. The toys and activities are all clean and bright, and set out for us when we arrive."
She added: "At Christmas the helpers organised a lovely party, our children met Father Christmas and were given a present. For all this we pay £1 a week –no profit there!
"The ladies and gentlemen who run Seedlings always have a smile for us and our children. They are wonderful and have made such a difference to our children's lives – they have shown that some people are just good, without receiving financial reward."
Lawley Green Space Group
The Lawley Green Space group in Telford was formed by a group of local residents, including Mark Eccleston who wanted to create a better sense of community through the development of environmental and wildlife projects on their estate.
They took responsibility for a two-acre plot which was set aside when the houses were built. It was mainly grassed, with a few young trees around the edge, but was hardly used by any of the residents.
The group initially started out by planting an orchard of 15 fruit trees, 100 hedging trees and 300 wildflowers. This was all done with the help of residents, the local pre-school group, and the Lawley primary school.
The next project was the creation of a "cottage garden-style" flowerbed, which has proved a great success, with many residents donating plants from their own gardens to help make it bright and colourful.
Log benches are among the most recent additions, making it a popular place in which to sit, and the project has spawned a regular newsletter, and led to a host of community social events including a teddy bears' picnic, bonfire party, and carols around the Christmas tree.
Whittington Castle Preservation Trust
Colin Robinson is the chairman of Whittington Castle Preservation Trust, which has acquired a 99-year lease to manage the castle sitting in the centre of the north-west Shropshire village.
The Trust obtained, and managed, a £1.5 million project to repair and restore Whittington Castle with the assistance of a £950,000 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund.
It is the only castle in the UK which is owned and run by a local community, and Sue Ellis, who manages the site, says: "I feel that the Trust deserves some acknowledgement for this project.
"This small band of volunteers have worked tirelessly over the years to do something about an iconic Shropshire historic site which was in danger of disappearing for ever."
Whittington Castle Preservation Trust is a community-based charitable trust, formed in December 1998 because of fears for the future of the site. As a result of its work, an effective conservation plan for the castle has been developed.
Sue added: "The project aims to create a better awareness of environmental and cultural assets amongst the resident and visiting community."
