The awards were delivered and coordinated by Warwickshire CAVA and supported by Warwickshire County Council (WCC), Stratford District Council (SDC) and Warwick District Council (WDC).
There were 67 nominations for the awards which were judged by a panel ahead of the awards.
On the evening awards were presented against the following categories for groups and individuals: Community Impact, Health and Wellbeing, Environment, Creative and Heritage, Leisure and Sport, Young volunteers, Unsung hero and Long Service.
Attendees heard incredible stories of how volunteering meets community needs, fills gaps in services, enables us to connect and support one another, be fit, healthy and creative. The stories also explored how volunteering enhances wellbeing for all – it creates friendship and camaraderie. It enables individuals to use their inner resources, to turn difficulties into strengths and as the expression goes ‘to be the change you want to see in the world’.
Highlights on the evening were a bagpipe medley by Mr Joe Moore and a poem written by volunteer Will Roe. Warwickshire Vision Support CEO Keith Earle and fundraiser Martyn Parker spoke about their Queens Awards for Voluntary Service recognition.
The award ceremony was opened by Councillor Gill Cleeve, Mayor of Stratford Upon Avon and Councillor Mark Cargill, Chairman of SDC, who shared a few words on volunteering and the difference it can make. Awards to winners and special recognition certificates were presented by Councillor Mark Cargill, Chairman of SDC, Councillor Parminder Singh Birdi, Mayor of Warwick with Councillor Nick Wilkins, Mayor of Leamington closing proceedings.
This year’s awards saw nominations from all sectors, and the panel were moved by all of the stories that they heard. The shortlisting wasn’t easy, with so many great nominations to choose from, and the panel had a very difficult job.
Awards were presented to Individual, group and special recognition.
The winners were:
Community Impact:
- Joanne Wheelwright Horne – Individual Winner
- Evelyn’s Gift – Group Winner
Individual Special Recognition
- Margaret Moore, Leamington Night Shelter
- Councillor David Saul, Cubbington Parish Council
Group Special Recognition
- Alcester Town Council – Computer Group
- Stratford upon Avon Foodbank
Health and Wellbeing
- Gillian Grason-Smith, Omega, the National Association for End of Life Care (Carers4Carers), Kineton – Individual Winner
- Warwickshire and Solihull Blood Bikes – Individual Winner (received on behalf of WSBB by Fiona Spiers, CAVA Funding and Group Development Officer)
Individual Special Recognition
- Rachel Carlisle, SOS Silence of Suicide
- Trevor Russel, Stour Health and Wellbeing Partnership
- Diana Spires, Warwickshire & Solihull Community & Voluntary Action
Group Special Recognition
- Parenting Project Volunteers
- New Hope Counselling
Environment
- Dougie Cristo – Individual Winner (received on behalf of Dougie by Ollie Shiell, CAVA Funding and Group Development Officer)
- Alcester Repair Cafe – Group Winner
Individual Special Recognition
- Susan Deeley
Group Special Recognition
- Offchurch Churchyard Group
Creativity & Heritage
- Christine Redhead, Escape Arts – Individual Winner
- The Costume Collective – Aunty Jens Productions – Group Winner
- Ginny Lee, Leamington Lawn Tennis & Squash Club – Individual Winner
- Hornets Mixed Ability Rugby Team Coaches – Group Winner
Young Volunteer (Age 14-25)
- Daniel Southern, Citizens Advice South Warwickshire – Individual Winner
- Warwick Volunteers Warwick University – Group Winner
Unsung Hero
- Karen Mitchell, Chase Meadow Community Centre – Individual Winner
- Warwickshire Vision Support Volunteers – Group Winner
Individual Special Recognition
- Heather Scott, SOS Silence of Suicide
- Margaret Blizzard, Marine Society and Sea Cadets
- Peggy King, ILEAP Charity
- Angelique Campbell, Citizens Advice South Warwickshire
Group Special Recognition
- Warwickshire and Solihull Blood Bikes
Long Service Award (Over 10 years)
- Eunice Wennberg – Individual Winner (received on behalf of Eunice by Ruth Warner, CAVA Project Coordinator)
- Friends of Shakespeare Hospice – Group Winner
Individual Special Recognition
Angela Dunkley, 3rd Southam Brownies
Mike Love
this year, we are already planning next year’s event,
and how we can celebrate even more volunteers!
