Incredible local achievements have been recognised at this year’s Pride of Gedling Awards.
The annual awards, held at the Civic Centre in Arnold, celebrate local people and businesses that have gone above and beyond for the community.
Over 190 nominations were received and the winners were finally announced at this year’s ceremony that took place last night (9)
Suthaharan Raslinghan received the first award of the evening in recognition of his work to make Somersby Convenience the heart of the Woodthorpe community. He organises events at his shop for the local community, organised a delivery service for pensioners during lockdown and has donated cash towards creating a community space in the village for locals to enjoy.
Sally Bates collects, cleans and prepares donated items to raise money for charity through her Sassy’s Bag Facebook page. She helps familieds that are struggling and also helped raise cash to ensure children who lost everything in a house fire had something to open on Christmas day. In recognition for her efforts, Sally was given the Community Heroes Award.
Eight-year-old Leah Lee was handed this year’s Environmental Hero Award. Leah is a member of Kids Against Plastic and has been visiting local schools to give talks about plastic pollution and the effects on our oceans and wildlife.
Amanda Vennell has raised money to buy defibrillators for over 20 local football clubs after becoming deeply saddened when young West Bridgford Colts footballer Dylan Rich collapsed and died on the pitch. Amanda’s actions have meant that should the unimaginable happen again, lives could be saved. She was recognised with the Outstanding Community Project Award.
Woodborough Celtic Youth FC were handed the Inspirational Healthy Lifestyle Award in reward for their efforts to help children from pre0school upwards learn about how sport can be great for your physical and mental wellbeing. Coaches Martin, Paul and Adam give their time for free to host sessions for 60-80 children each week to teach the essential skills for football while making sure it’s fun.
Freddie Vokes is an accomplished pianist and harpist – and is only 13! He has used his talent to raise money for those in Ukraine by organising live streaming concerts – with over 1,000 raised so far to buy urgent medical equipment. Freddie was awarded the Dylan Barker Young Person Award (sponsored by Gedling Eye) for his amazing efforts
The winner of the Overall Pride of Gedling Award 2022 was Tina Simpson for her work at Netherfield Forum St George’s & Loco Centre. Tina has served the community tirelessly for over twenty years. She has helped families struggling with debt, feeds the local elderly population at the St George’s Centre and holds fun events for needy children in the local community. Tina was presented with her award by the Mayor of Gedling Peter Barnes.
The award nominations and winners in full…
Business in the Community Award, sponsored by Keepmoat Homes
Netherfield Kindergarten
WINNER: Somersby’s Convenience Store
Rose’s Pantry
The ‘Dylan Barker’ Young Person of the Year Award sponsored by Gedling Eye and This is Gedling magazine.
Muhammad Ebadullah Malik
Grace Davies
Kaysey Farnsworth
WINNER: Freddie Vokes
The Community Hero(es) Award sponsored by T&S Heating
WINNER: Sally Bates
Drone to Home
Margaret Bowler
Chris Cook Cann
Outstanding Community Project Award sponsored by Jigsaw Homes
WINNER: Amanda Vennell
The ARK, Gedling
Netherfield Forum St George’s & Loco Centre
The Environmental Hero Award sponsored by Wilkins Group
Friends of Moor Pond Woods
Vanessa Astill
Friends of Breck Hill Park
WINNER: Leah Lee
Inspirational Healthy Lifestyles Award sponsored by Gedling Leisure
WINNER: Woodborough Celtic Youth FC
Pressure Point Sports Massage
Katie Roper
Overall Pride of Gedling Award 2022
Tina Simpson
Lets get more Arnold people winning. a lot of work gioes inti making a town the suces it is and they should be rewarded. Arnold is our london our capital