Winners and nominees praised at the Celebrating Rushcliffe Awards

Handelsbanken's Ian Davys and John Gell presented Ruddington Village Market with Business of the Year

10:04 am 20 Dec 2020

Updated: 10:04 am 20 Dec 2020

The winners and shortlisted nominees of this year’s Celebrating Rushcliffe Awards have been praised for their contribution to life in the Borough.

Residents, groups and community heroes took their place in a virtual showcase of the great and good with media partner West Bridgford Wire on December 1, 2 and 4 all of which can be viewed by visiting https://www.youtube.com/user/RushcliffeBC

It celebrated the Borough’s wonderful volunteers, businesses, organisations, environmentalists and the best of its health and wellbeing and food and drink sectors.

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The accolades were capped by Mac Blackman receiving the Pride of Rushcliffe Award for his remarkable 25 years of training and support at Rushcliffe Athletics Club.

Held in awe by his fellow coaches, his nomination highlighted the sheer energy and enthusiasm he continues to bring to coaching sessions twice a week and how he has played a significant role in helping grow the club to over 400 members.

His nomination stated he is an inspiration to others and that Mac “isn’t just a coach at the club, he is Rushcliffe Athletics Club”.

East Leake GP Dr Stephen Shortt also received a Special Recognition Award for his tireless work shaping healthcare to so many across the Borough over three decades.

He said: “The NHS is one of our country’s greatest achievements and those of us who work in it and represent it, are genuinely privileged.

“We are but temporary, stewards. That is, we have been entrusted to look after something extraordinarily special and have a responsibility to leave it in a better condition than we found it.

“I have had a long career and have been a part of many notable achievements. I say a “part” because there is nothing, I have ever done by myself. I have been inspired, motivated, supported and made proud by colleagues, friends and family, and patients.

“Thank you very much for the recognition of our work so far. But we still have much to do to improve and sustain the health and well-being of local people, who are our purpose, and help them to live happier and healthier lives.”

Rushcliffe Borough Council’s Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Community and The Environment Cllr Abby Brennan said: “Congratulations to our winners and to all those who were shortlisted and nominated.

“Mac and Dr Shortt’s stories are just two wonderful examples of the incredible spirit across the Borough from so many who give so much to their community, group or organisation and particularly in what has been such an incredibly tough year for all of us.

“Whether volunteer, business owner or community hero, they are all making a difference to people’s lives and are hugely deserving of this recognition.

“Thank you to everyone who nominated a group or individual, it was wonderful to celebrate their achievements.”

Media partner West Bridgford Wire Editor Pat Gamble joined the congratulations.

He said: “This year has really stuck out as being one to reflect on what people have done for their communities in such hard times and all the winners and nominees are so worthy of recognition.

“There have been countless outstanding and inspirational stories in Rushcliffe since COVID but people have responded so positively whether volunteering or soldiering on safely in their industry or field. Well done to all.”

The awards winners and shortlisted nominees were: