An evening of celebration took place at the Marriott Hotel in Enderby, when nine people and groups within the District of Blaby were recognised for their hard work.
The finalists and their families joined other special guests and sponsors on Thursday 29 September to enjoy the evening as the unsung heroes of Blaby District were honoured. BBC Radio Leicester’s Ed Stagg hosted the ceremony.
Finalists included 16-year-old Meg Seagrave, three-time British Champion in roller skating, taking top honours in the Compulsory Figure, Freeskating Youth and Combined Youth competitions. Her incredible efforts saw her crowned Young Achiever of the Year.
In the Good Friend/Good Neighbour category, Stoney Stanton-based Gill Leverton-Taylor took the award.
Gill has spent many years selflessly taking care of her neighbours and making their lives better.
In Category B, Fliss Middleton was crowned as Volunteer of the Year. Her many volunteering exploits include organising Company at Christmas, which offers over 30 isolated people a dinner and companionship on Christmas Day.
Glen Parva Community Library became this year’s best Community Group. The volunteers have turned their library around since becoming community led, increasing membership by 272% and becoming a hub for the Glen Parva residents.
Councillor Maggie Wright, Deputy Leader of Blaby District Council, said:
“We are extremely proud to host these awards as they give us a fantastic opportunity to recognise all those who do so much good in Blaby District.
I want to congratulate all the finalists for the selfless and outstanding work they do, as well as thank our incredible sponsors for making the evening possible.”
The awards are funded entirely through the generous sponsorship of Blaby District-based businesses: Main sponsors Casepak, Staging and category sponsor Fosse Shopping Park, along with category sponsors Marriott Leicester, Ford and Slater and Westleigh Partnerships.
Full list of winners and runners up:
- Good Friend/Good Neighbour
Winner: Gill Leverton-Taylor (Stoney Stanton),
Runner-up: Robert Benford (Blaby) - Volunteer of the Year
Winner: Fliss Middleton (Glen Parva),
Runners-up: Stuart Howe (Narborough) & Trevor Hincks (Braunstone Town) - Young Achiever of Year
Winner: Meg Seagrave (Stoney Stanton),
Runners-up: Simran Sangherra (Braunstone Town) - Best Community Group/Community Achievement
Winner: Glen Parva Community-led Library,
Runner Up: Littlethorpe Community Association
For more information visit www.blaby.gov.uk/awards, email public.relations@blaby.gov.uk or call 0116 272 7577.