The hard work and dedication of volunteers in Grimsby’s West Marsh was recognised at an awards ceremony at Cue World on Thursday 8th December.
As many as fifty people from within the volunteering community were nominated for one of eight awards. Each nominee received a certificate in recognition of their service. These awards are in recognition of the very hard work that all of the people nominated for these awards have undertaken this year, and in some cases, over many more years
Sponsors of the award were also in attendance and praised for their efforts. They included Salfina haulage and storage firm, DFDS Group, Voluntary Action North East Lincolnshire VANEL, Lincs Inspire and West Marsh Community Centre and Sainsbury’s.
Highly commended certificates were awarded to Citizens Advice Bureau volunteers, Debbie Hill of Helping Hands and Beryl Rack, who received a posthumous nomination for her dedication to her community over a 30 year period. Following a minutes silence, her son Trevor was invited on stage to accept the Judge Award on behalf of his late mother.
Eleven years ago Beryl became a volunteer at Harbour Place, and took along her “zest for life, a ready smile, determination to make life better for others warmth and encouragement for all around her.
Humberside Police Inspector Mel Christie said she gave 2,900 hours of her time to Harbour Place.
In tribute, Inspector Christie said: “Debbie works endlessly in support of local communities and over many years has helped and supported both young and old people by organising community events including, bingo and auctions raising much-needed funding to support many community members.”
Also honoured but unable to attend was 91-year-old Charlie Collins, who joined Age UK after being widowed.
The Winners
The Winner of the Team Award is:
Grimsby & Cleethorpes Dial-a-Ride Volunteers
The Winner of the Young Person Award is:
Connor Robinson
The Winner of the Junior Award is:
Kye Hill
The Winner of the Senior Award is:
Marie Murtagh
The Winner of the Dance Performance Award is:
Holly Lou Lentle
The Winner of the Sport Person Award is:
Corey Robinson
The Winner of the Long Service Award is:
Charlie Collins
The Winner of the Judges Award is:
The late Beryl Rack
VANEL’s Chief Officer, Paula Grant said: “We have recognised everybody and all received nomination certificates. Everyone is a winner because they have put their body and souls into it.”
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