Community heroes hailed at annual volunteer awards night
A celebration of all things altruistic was the focus of this year’s Pocklington Community Volunteers Awards ceremony.
The event, which celebrated the role of volunteers across Pocklington and the local area, was held at Pocklington Arts Centre (PAC).
This year the ceremony was attended by His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of the East Riding, James Dick OBE, who presented the Volunteer Team Award. There are more than 75 groups in and around Pocklington that exist to serve the community run purely by volunteers.
The evening was opened by The Mayor of Pocklington, Councillor Roly Cronshaw, who said that the event had been organised to allow the community to recognise the extreme hard work and great achievements of so many volunteers.
He said that although volunteers don’t get paid, this does not mean that they are worthless – they are actually priceless! Just because they do their work for free, it does not mean that they are lacking in skills.
A awards spokesperson said: “We are extremely lucky in Pocklington to have so many people who give up their time to help and support others with 75 groups serving the community.
"The roles that these incredible volunteers fulfil vary tremendously across our community, and a lot of activities and events would not be available if it wasn’t for these amazing people.
"The amazing work these volunteers do was celebrated at the third Pocklington Community Volunteer Awards Ceremony, which took place in the Arts Centre.
"The event organised by Pocklington Rugby in the Community in collaboration with Pocklington Town Council and East Riding Council, saw more than 80 people come together for the celebration, which this year was sponsored by Hamers Solicitors.
Paul Worthy, partner and head of the company’s commercial department, presented the awards along with Ruth Hodgson.
Andy Bowden, chair of Pocklington Rugby in the Community, thanked the Lord Lieutenant for attending the Awards and his continued support for the area. He also thanked Paul Worthy and Hamers Solicitors LLP for their generous sponsorship of this year’s Awards. Introducing the nominees in each award.
Mr Bowden said: “Our community benefits enormously from the work of all our wonderful volunteers. We are pleased to recognise some of these people and groups this evening but every one of our volunteers are winners tonight and throughout the year.”
The Lord Lieutenant speaking at the end of the ceremony, remembered that, on his accession, King Charles lll laid out some of his priorities. They included ‘the environment’ and ‘youth’, but two were ‘community’ and ‘volunteering’.
Mr Dick remarked that there could be no better example of a community fulfilling both of these than in the evening’s presentation, and that these awards were in recognition of this.
Louise Partridge, community volunteer coordinator, said: “Reading all the nominations made me proud to be part of a community that does and gives so much for others. Each and every volunteer in our town is amazing!”
Following the ceremony, there was a buffet (thanks to Pane e Vino) and live music from Charlie Daykin and Lexi Rae.
If reading this has inspired you to help your community, please get in touch with Louise Partridge, Community Volunteer Coordinator, email: office@pockritc.com
Award Winners
The Young Volunteer Award was presented to Syd Newman from YPC.
The Sports and Active Volunteer Award went to Angela and Georgia Jones, coordinators at Fitmums and Friends.
The Community Volunteer Award was awarded to Richard Bryon, Pocklington Town Council.
The Volunteer Trustee Award went to Janet Brader, Friends of Pocklington Arts Centre.
Behind the Scenes volunteer Award was presented to Carole and Keith Rutherford, The People’s Pantry.
The Environmental Award was jointly won by Julia Donaghue for leading the Green Buddies at the Madhyamaka Centre and Gemma Beadnell for her inception of the Pocklington Community Garden.
The Volunteer Team Award was presented to Pocklington Rugby in the Community.
A special recognition award was given to Ruth Jackson for all her support to Pocklington during Covid; for managing the volunteers at the vaccine clinics; for being part of the steering group that gained funding for the Community Volunteer Coordinator; and for her endless support of all community events.
A special mention was given to Chris French who secures all the funding and sponsorship for Pocklington Tennis Club and Pocklington Rugby Club that makes them the amazing facilities that they are.