Special 50th anniversary category marks return of Charnwood Community Heroes

Published: Fri 7th June, 2024

Charnwood Community Heroes is returning for 2024 to celebrate the wonderful work of residents across the borough.

Nominations are now open for the awards which recognise those that go above and beyond in the community.

The awards are being run by Charnwood Borough Council which is making them extra special this year to help celebrate the borough’s 50th anniversary.

There will be a special Community Heroes category to mark the 50 year milestone and the Council is aiming to make the awards ceremony a day to remember.

Charnwood Community Heroes is an opportunity to thank people who have carried out a good deed – no matter how small or large.

Residents have until Wednesday, July 31st to nominate their chosen hero.

Charnwood Community Heroes is being kindly sponsored by Serco, idverde and 1284.

The Council will be hosting an awards ceremony at the end of September at Burleigh Court in Loughborough. Local radio station, Fosse 107 will be supporting the event with presenter Mark Rowley as host.

Peter Oliver, director of housing and wellbeing at Charnwood Borough Council, said: “I am pleased to see Charnwood Community Heroes being launched for 2024 as it is always a great opportunity to hear about and celebrate the fantastic community work that is taking place across the borough.

“This year we are also celebrating 50 years of Charnwood and that’s why we want to make this year’s awards extra special. We have a specific category to mark an outstanding contribution and the whole awards are a chance to thank those that have done so much in our borough across those years.

Nicola Clarke, community engagement officer at idverde, said: “Charnwood Community Heroes is a fantastic event and we are proud to support it to celebrate all of those who do so much in the borough.”

George Oliver, managing director of 1284, a Loughborough-based communications strategy consultancy, said: “This is our third year supporting Charnwood Community Heroes. As a Charnwood business and resident, we see the impact volunteers and community groups have in the borough and this is a great way of showing our appreciation.”

Jo Mortimer, contracts manager at Serco, said: “There are so many people in Charnwood who go above and beyond in the community and Serco is proud to support this event to recognise our local heroes.”

There are six categories to nominate your heroes in plus the Harry Cook award which will be presented in memory of the Loughborough in Bloom stalwart.

  1. Young Hero – sponsored by Serco
  2. Inspiring Others – sponsored by idverde
  3. Green Hero – sponsored by Serco
  4. Beyond the Call of Duty
  5. Brilliant Board/Trustee Member – sponsored by 1284
  6. Outstanding Contribution to mark 50 years of Charnwood

The Harry Cook award will be handed out during the awards ceremony to a hero who has been recognised by the Cook family for their work in the community.

Harry, along with his wife Pat, was heavily involved in Loughborough in Bloom and their floral home not only featured on the bloom judging route but also on BBC Gardener’s World. Harry sadly died in 2018 and Pat is now the chair of the Loughborough in Bloom Board.

People can nominate their Charnwood Community Heroes now by visitng the Charnwood Community Heroes webpage.