Charnwood celebrates its community heroes

Published: Mon 30th September, 2024

Charnwood recognised its residents that go above and beyond in the community at an annual awards ceremony.

Charnwood Community Heroes celebrates the work which people have carried out in the borough and thanks them for their tireless efforts.

The awards ceremony was held on Saturday, 28 September at Burleigh Court in Loughborough where over 30 heroes were recognised.

This year’s awards were extra special as a new category was added to mark the 50th anniversary of the borough of Charnwood. 

This year’s event was kindly sponsored by 1284 Ltd, Serco and idverde.

Local radio station, Fosse 107 also supported the awards ceremony with Mark Rowley as host.

The Mayor of Charnwood, Cllr Dr Julie Bradshaw MBE said: “This event has been so special and it was fantastic to speak to and hear the stories of so many volunteers across Charnwood.

“The work that they do is absolutely vital to their communities and it is important that we recognise and celebrate them.

“With the borough turning 50 years old, it was great to mark this occasion with a new category to recognise the outstanding contribution of so many of our residents.”

George Oliver, managing director of 1284 Communications, a Loughborough PR strategy consultancy, said: “We’ve sponsored this event for three years now because we think it’s important to show our appreciation to the volunteers who make the borough where we live and work so great.”

Jo Mortimer, contracts manager at Serco, said: “The work that people do week in, week out in their area can often go unrecognised so it is great that Charnwood Community Heroes continues to celebrate the work of volunteers and residents who help so many and improve lives.”

Nicola Clarke, community engagement officer at idverde, said: “I would like to thank all the heroes celebrated today for the wonderful work they carry out. It was amazing to be at the ceremony and listen to their stories.”

Below is a list of the 2024 Charnwood Community Heroes:

Inspiring others:

  • Helen Wilson
  • Sue Easton
  • Sunila Patel
  • Annebelle Lavelle
  • Louise McCann
  • Carol Airey
  • Trev Fairminer
  • Una Hubbard
  • Bob Newnham

Beyond the Call of Duty 

  • Rana Rajput
  • Sarah Whannell
  • Spencer Atkin
  • Sue Halford
  • Gary Siddons
  • John Sharpe
  • Lorna Hughes

Young Hero

  • Alexander Clamp

Green Hero

  • Janet Dominy
  • Maria Payne
  • Helen Burgess

Brilliant Board/Trustee Member

  • Rita Patel
  • David Sangwine
  • Mo Murray

Charnwood 50th Anniversary Outstanding Contribution

  • Craig Jordan
  • Kath Parker
  • Jill Butler
  • Peter Sayer
  • Ros Hackett
  • Nayan Patel
  • Daphne Beale
  • Joyce Snewin
  • Caroline & Carl Wann
  • Peter Scott
  • Grazyna Drane

The Harry Cook Award is awarded to someone who has made an outstanding contribution to the community. It was chosen by Harry’s family. Harry, along with 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. Pat is the chair of the Loughborough in Bloom Board.

The winner of the Harry Cook Award for 2024 was Joyce Snewin. Joyce was handed the award for her work as a street pastor in Loughborough for the past 15 years.

Charnwood Community Heroes also thanked the work of flood wardens throughout the borough for their tireless volunteering work to help protect residents if flooding should occur.

In January this year, many residents across Charnwood were affected by flooding following Storm Henk.

For photos from the event, please visit the Council’s Flickr album.