Banbury Guardian Community Awards
The Big Night
BANBURYSHIRE’S unsung heroes were lured out of the shadows and into the limelight to have their achievements recognised through the Banbury Guardian Community Awards.
Rye Hill Golf Club was the venue for the glitzy presentation night.
About 160 guests gathered to celebrate the selfless efforts of those who enrich
our community in a variety of ways.
Among them was John Hirons, who scooped two awards for Best Teacher and Rural Community Project of the Year.
He was recognised for the work he has done at the Warriner School Farm in Bloxham, from where he recently retired after 13 years.
In announcing the award, MC Barry Wood quoted one of Mr Hirons’s pupils who was among those who put him forward.
The nomination read: "I nominate this person because they are kind and gave me a chance to keep out of trouble and has helped me build a future for myself when nobody else would.”
Other words used to describe Mr Hirons included 'amazing teaching qualities,' unassuming,' 'dedicated,' 'persistent,' 'uniquely talented' and 'inspirational.'
Mr Hirons said: “This has been an amazing experience; it is very humbling to be at an awards event and an incredible feeling to win twice.”
The delight of winners was evident as they approached the stage to collect their awards from the evening’s special guest and speaker Rona Cant. She made the presentations along with the various category sponsors.
Jo Dynan was recognised with the title Fine Lady of Banbury for her
involvement in numerous projects including the Oxfordshire Cheshire
Home Appeal.
She said: “It is a real honour to be called the Fine Lady of Banbury
and it makes me feel like my efforts are appreciated.”
For one winner, his commitment to helping others could not be cast aside for a moment of glory.
Jimmy Prew of Chipping Norton won the title of Volunteer Worker of the Year for spending his time supporting older people with their daily chores and helping to run social events in his community.
He was unable to collect the award because he was busy hosting a regular
bingo night.
Fundraisers of the Year Peter and Margaret Whittle were unable to claim their
accolade in person because of health problems.
The Whittles have raised more than £74,000 over 13 years for Katharine House Hospice by selling handmade needlework craft and wooden toys at their annual Cottage Crafts sale.
Other winners included the Hook Norton Care Group, which offers company, food and entertainment to older people on a weekly basis. It took the title of Community Group of the Year.
Banbury and District Canoe Club took the Paul Bithell Memorial Award for being the nomination to receive the most reader votes.
Main sponsor of the awards project was Cherwell District Council. Chairman Cllr John Harper, who was among the VIP guests, emphasised the importance of honouring achievement.
He said: “The Banbury Guardian should be congratulated for putting on such a wonderful evening. There are a lot of people who work hard in their community with little recognition and this an opportunity for others to say thank you.”
A raffle, auction and donations from the 150 guests raised more than £1,000 for the Banbury Guardian Home from Home Appeal.