South Gloucestershire awards for community champions (From Gazette Series)

South Gloucestershire awards for community champions

2:00pm Monday 15th March 2010 in

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THE unsung heroes of South Gloucestershire have been publicly thanked at an awards ceremony.

A total of 25 people, ranging from a football manager to a Guide leader, were honoured in the annual chairman’s community awards organised by South Gloucestershire Council.

Bob Banister started out as the manager of Wickwar Football Club and went on to become chairman, a role which he has held for the past 10 years. In his nomination form, Bob was described as someone who motivates players of all ages, regardless of their ability and encourages people to take an active role in the club.

Diana Jensen received an award for overseeing Thornbury Arts Festival for the past decade. As deputy artistic director, Diana personally organises all the lunchtime events and runs the box office to make sure that everyone is seated according to their needs or disabilities.

Hilary Wilkins founded the 1st Yate Girls’ Brigade in 1992 when her family moved to Yate. She has been a dedicated leader there ever since and turned the brigade into a thriving company with a membership of 50 girls.

Roy Bishop helped to establish the Friends of Ridge Wood Group, in Yate, in the late 1990s. His commitment and passion for the woodlands was the driving force behind securing the future of the woodland as a local nature reserve for all to enjoy. He recently suffered a stroke but is hoping to return to his voluntary work very soon.

Cllr Shirley Holloway, chairman of South Gloucestershire Council, said: "I have been tremendously impressed by the amazing commitment of all of the nominees for the community awards this year.

"It is truly inspiring to hear their stories and to realise how much voluntary time and effort they have been willing to put into helping others.

"The residents of South Gloucestershire are very grateful to each and every one of them."