Awards honour volunteers who make a difference

Volunteers who have made a difference to the lives of other people in Hinckley & Bosworth have been recognised at a special event held at Hinckley's Concordia Theatre.

The Making a Difference awards were sponsored by Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council and recognised the contribution that volunteers play in strengthening the community and improving the quality of the life for residents.

Councillor Mike Hall, Leader of the Borough Council, said:

Those nominated for an award represented only a small selection of the fantastic work that is done by volunteers and voluntary sector organisations across the borough.

They included people who work hard alongside core services to keep our communities safe and well maintained, to assist residents who may be more vulnerable, and to provide activities and social opportunities that make life more enjoyable.

I am delighted that, as a Borough Council, we are doing something to recognise and give thanks to them, and are committed to continuing to do so.

There were six individual category winners and four group category winners as follows:

The winner of the Individual Helping Hands award was Tracy Underwood, a carer who finds time to support other carers with Time Out for Carers.

The Young Volunteer of the Year was Amber Tilson (20), who supports a group of 30 young people to take part in Red River Youth Theatre and has become a bone marrow donor.

The Good Neighbour award winner was Diane McCartney, who provides support to neighbours through lifts, washing, shopping, meals and hospital visits.

The Personal Development award winner was Joanne McGlynn, who overcame health issues and built skills and confidence through her volunteering at Barwell Community House.

The winner of the Individual Group Contribution award was Ronald Grantham, who established the Mayflower Club in Markfield and puts a lot of time and effort into making it interesting.

The Lifetime Achievement award winner was Gail Horsley, who works tirelessly for the community of Newbold Verdon, is a founder member of Newbold Verdon Friends, organiser of children’s events, knit and knatter, and is currently starting a dementia café.

The Neighbourhood Improvement Group winners were Sheepy Litter Pickers, who undertake the thankless task of picking up litter in their neighbourhood.

The winner of the Helping Hands Group award was Burbage Youth Project, which supports young people to learn practical and life skills through an interest in cars.

Hinckley and District Past and Present won the Best New Project award for increasing involvement in local history through a facebook group and local get-togethers.

The winner of the Group Longstanding Achievement award was the Concordia Theatre for providing high quality live entertainment for Hinckley and surrounding areas since 1969