Residents and groups in Rushcliffe are being asked to acknowledge their unsung community, sporting, business and health heroes in the Borough Council’s community accolades, the Celebrating Rushcliffe Awards.
The annual awards evening will celebrate the Borough’s wonderful volunteers, businesses, clubs, organisations, environmentalists, sports clubs and athletes and the best of its health and wellbeing and food and drink sectors.
Also in partnership with media partner West Bridgford Wire, it will be an opportunity to reflect on so many groups and individuals who play essential roles in Rushcliffe communities, bringing out the best in people and enterprise.
Nominations for the 10 awards are now open until 11pm on Sunday October 15 and can be submitted online at https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/CRAs2023 or by calling 0115 914 8555, Monday to Friday 10am to 4pm.
Winners will be announced and celebrated in a ceremony in the Borough later this year.
Rushcliffe Borough Council’s Deputy Leader Cllr Abby Brennan said: “The Celebrating Rushcliffe Awards will highlight some of the outstanding individuals and organisations who truly play their part in ensuring the Borough is a great place to live, has great sport and a great lifestyle.
“If you are inspired by someone who is making a difference, help celebrate and shine a light on them! Our young person or group of the year award is a perfect opportunity to recognise someone who is an excellent role model for other young people to emulate.
“All shortlisted nominees will be invited to our wonderful annual awards evening where the winners will be announced and celebrated. It really is a one of the highlights of the year focussing on people who achieve and give so much.
“Make sure you nominate your heroes before the closing date on October 15!”
The award categories are:
- Volunteer of the Year
An individual or group who gives countless hours and dedication to a Rushcliffe community.
recognises the countless hours and dedication that volunteers make to the community of Rushclifferecognises the countless hours and dedication that volunteers make to the community of Rushclifferecognises the countless hours and dedication that volunteers make to the community of Rushcliffe
- Business of the Year
recognise a business in Rushcliffe that helps to support the local community. This could be through employing local people, growing their business, employing apprentices/ work experience or putting profit back into the RushcliffeRecognising a business in the Borough that supports the local community. This could be through employing local people and apprentices, growing their business, providing work experience or putting profit back into the Rushcliffe economy.
- Young Person/Group of the Year
An individual or group to watch in the future or being an excellent role model for other young people to emulate.
- Community Group of the Year
Recognising a club, organisation or community group who may have achieved success and are helping create a sense of place, epitomising what makes Rushcliffe great by coming together to improve their local area.
- Sportsperson of the Year
An individual who has achieved great success in their chosen sport, made a significant impact in their sport or in their club or team, been a role model for others and raised the profile of their sport or made considerable improvement in their performances and achievements.
- Sports Club of the Year
Acknowledging a sports club who has achieved success in their sport through diversity, competition or overcoming barriers to enable people to participate. Coaches, officials and volunteer nominations are encouraged to highlight achievements and club initiatives that have helped increase membership or the development of a new section.
- Food and Drink Establishment of the Year
Recognising a fantastic outlet who provide quality, provenance, and presentation as well as being the best place for a cuppa, sandwich, pint, pizza, or pie.
- Health and Wellbeing Award
Celebrating an individual’s or group’s tireless dedication in improving the health and wellbeing of members of their local community.
- Environmental Group or Project of the Year
Acknowledging individuals, organisations or projects that have an impact in making Rushcliffe a ‘greener’ place. This could include promoting nature conservation, reducing waste, improving energy efficiency, water conservation or improving quality of life for the people of the Borough.
- The Pride of Rushcliffe Award
An individual or organisation who makes others proud to live in Rushcliffe. This could be an inspirational sportsperson, public figure or head of a community or voluntary group who leads by example to make the Borough a better place to live and work.
Pat Gamble, Editor of West Bridgford Wire said: “The Celebrating Rushcliffe Awards is always a fantastic evening with a great turnout with people from across the Borough.
“The previous awards have shown there are some incredible unsung heroes in our communities that do things for no expectation of reward.
“It’s great to see some of these wonderful individuals and organisations in the spotlight and gives residents an opportunity to put forward their favourite business or organisation.
“Get involved and tell us about your community heroes!”
Last year’s awards concluded with the most prestigious accolade, the Pride of Rushcliffe Award which last year was won by Stand Against MND charity founder Sam Perkins, who at the time had raised over £170,000 for research into the condition.
Sam added: “Receiving the Pride of Rushcliffe Award was fantastic validation that we’re doing something right.
“To be told that the community feels that proud of you to give you an award is really humbling. It was a lovely evening.”
