UNSUNG heroes from across South Gloucestershire were recognised at a special awards ceremony last week (March 12).

Nearly 30 important community members, were invited to attend the event which recognised their work.

Chairman of South Gloucestershire Council, Cllr Howard Gawler attended along with the lord lieutenant of Gloucestershire Dame Janet Trotter and vice lord lieutenant Robert Bernays, principal and chief executive of South Gloucestershire & Stroud College Kevin Hamblin and vice principal Sara-Jane Watkins.

Throughout the evening award winners from a wide variety of backgrounds were presented with their certificates by Cllr Howard Gawler and Sara-Jane Watkins.

The final round was the Lord Lieutenant’s Special Award, which saw Dame Janet Trotter and Robert Bernays present £100 to Mike Spence for his valued services to Manorbrook Primary School in Thornbury.

The annual awards recognise the outstanding contribution South Gloucestershire residents, who give up their time freely, make to their local communities.

Wheelchair user Mike is an inspirational role model volunteering both as a governor and as a teaching assistant at the school for over 15 years.

Mike was instrumental in founding the Manorbrook Out of School Club, a care facility for the children of working parents and also helped the school achieve its ‘Healthy Schools’ status.

He previously coordinated the netball events for the South Gloucestershire Festival of Youth Sport and volunteered as an assistant coach for the junior county netball squad.


Cllr Howard Gawler, chairman of South Gloucestershire Council, said: “One of the highlights of my term of office as chairman of the council has been meeting people from across our region who selflessly give up their time, with no financial reward, for the good of their communities.

“These awards provide an opportunity for us to recognise the importance volunteers make to local people’s lives and to thank them for their efforts to help ensure South Gloucestershire remains such a great place to live and work.”


Amongst the other people to be recognised were:

  • Andrew Gazard, who has run the Oldbury-on-Severn Youth Club for over 35 years.
  • Liz Howard, founder Hawkesbury garden club and walking club.
  • Richard Shorey, who helps run Thornbury Town Football Club’s junior section.
  • Fred Smith, chairman of Winterbourne Down Carnival.
  • Leeanne (corr) Stone, leader of 1st Pilning Brownies, Rainbows and Guides groups.
  • Barry Turner, former secretary of Oldbury Horticultural Society, secretary of the parish plan and played a leading role in the establishment of the village shop.
  • Anne-Marie Walker, who has volunteered for 15 years with 1st Yate Scout Group.


The event is sponsored by South Gloucestershire & Stroud College and over 400 people have received an award since the scheme started in 2003.

The evening also featured performances by Musical Theatre students from the South West Academy of Dramatic Arts, which is based at the college.