Local heroes honoured at Gateshead Awards
In a heartwarming ceremony featuring inspirational nominations and performances, Gateshead community heroes have been celebrated for their remarkable contributions to our local communities.
Hosted by the Mayor of Gateshead, Councillor Freda Geddes, the Gateshead Awards recognised seven individuals and six community organisations.
Speaking at the event to over 230 guests, she said:
"It's an honour for me to be around so many people who do so much for Gateshead, so on behalf of everyone here at Gateshead Council and our sponsors this evening, thank you. Your dedication and commitment improves the lives of local people and makes Gateshead a better place to live, work and visit."
Among the winners was Maya Baggaley, Young Achiever of the Year, who inspires many as a carer to her young sister, volunteer for Downs Syndrome North East and her local gymnastic group whilst running her own sewing business. Maya also helps Gateshead West Uniform, who were successful in winning the Tackling Climate Change Award. The scheme has prevented two tons of uniform from going to landfill and enables people to buy uniform on a pay-as-you-feel basis, helping those who struggle to afford buying new.
Another organisation recognised was Pelaw Bowling Club, who won Sports Club of the Year, having revitalised the pavilion site and developed activities for the local community including an environmental classroom and bowling competition for local schools.
The evening ended with an award that recognises those who have served their community for over 20 years - the Lifetime Achievement Award. Nominations were so strong that the shortlisting panel had selected four, incredibly worthy, winners:
- Joanne White (also known as Jo Milne) who has been an ambassador for Deaf children, having had millions watch the video of her hearing for the first time and has led numerous campaigns not just locally but nationally.
- Bill Purvis is a respected school governor of Winlaton West Primary School and Parkhead Primary Schools. He was influential in turning Winlaton West Primary School from an under performing establishment, to one of the most forward thinking schools in west Gateshead.
- Norma Bolton is the heart of Kibblesworth village, leading a team of volunteers to run a wonderful community centre for everyone to enjoy. There are so many special events for the local community to enjoy, and that's mostly down to Norma, providing a lifeline to the people of the village.
- Barbara Heslop is one of the many popular faces at Chopwell Community Centre. Dedicating her time to all of the events that are held within the community centre, she's improved the mental health and isolation of people in the local area making sure that everyone feels welcome.
Other winners on the night were:
Irene Simm - Volunteer of the Year - volunteers for a number of organisations, including FACT, Embells and Hebburn Helps, to help her community in many ways,
Michelle Anderson - Carer of the Year - cares for her two autistic children, despite also experiencing ill health and makes time, daily, to visit her Mum's friend who has dementia.
Age UK Gen Exercise - Business in the Community - run a range of activities and groups to inspire fitness and community spirit for people of all ages.
North East Youth Forum - Voluntary Organisation of the Year - makes a positive difference to the lives of young people running sessions in the community and projects aimed at building skills, such as employability, life skills, first aid, leadership and communication.
Caedmon Choir - Music Group of the Year - perform and support many charity events, hold workshops and have supported local charities raising money and donating gifts.
Gateshead Armed Forces Veterans Association - Armed Forces in the Community - support the council in each military event held, offering support, guidance and expertise in the military field ensuring events are a fitting tribute to those being remembered.
This was the 17th annual Gateshead Awards and was organised with the support of Crossling Plumbing, Gateshead College, Gateshead Football Club, Komatsu, Metrocentre and Northgate Vehicle Hire.
In a heartwarming ceremony featuring inspirational nominations and performances, Gateshead community heroes have been celebrated for their remarkable contributions to our local communities.
Hosted by the Mayor of Gateshead, Councillor Freda Geddes, the Gateshead Awards recognised seven individuals and six community organisations.
Speaking at the event to over 230 guests, she said:
"It's an honour for me to be around so many people who do so much for Gateshead, so on behalf of everyone here at Gateshead Council and our sponsors this evening, thank you. Your dedication and commitment improves the lives of local people and makes Gateshead a better place to live, work and visit."
Among the winners was Maya Baggaley, Young Achiever of the Year, who inspires many as a carer to her young sister, volunteer for Downs Syndrome North East and her local gymnastic group whilst running her own sewing business. Maya also helps Gateshead West Uniform, who were successful in winning the Tackling Climate Change Award. The scheme has prevented two tons of uniform from going to landfill and enables people to buy uniform on a pay-as-you-feel basis, helping those who struggle to afford buying new.
Another organisation recognised was Pelaw Bowling Club, who won Sports Club of the Year, having revitalised the pavilion site and developed activities for the local community including an environmental classroom and bowling competition for local schools.
The evening ended with an award that recognises those who have served their community for over 20 years - the Lifetime Achievement Award. Nominations were so strong that the shortlisting panel had selected four, incredibly worthy, winners:
- Joanne White (also known as Jo Milne) who has been an ambassador for Deaf children, having had millions watch the video of her hearing for the first time and has led numerous campaigns not just locally but nationally.
- Bill Purvis is a respected school governor of Winlaton West Primary School and Parkhead Primary Schools. He was influential in turning Winlaton West Primary School from an under performing establishment, to one of the most forward thinking schools in west Gateshead.
- Norma Bolton is the heart of Kibblesworth village, leading a team of volunteers to run a wonderful community centre for everyone to enjoy. There are so many special events for the local community to enjoy, and that's mostly down to Norma, providing a lifeline to the people of the village.
- Barbara Heslop is one of the many popular faces at Chopwell Community Centre. Dedicating her time to all of the events that are held within the community centre, she's improved the mental health and isolation of people in the local area making sure that everyone feels welcome.
Other winners on the night were:
Irene Simm - Volunteer of the Year - volunteers for a number of organisations, including FACT, Embells and Hebburn Helps, to help her community in many ways,
Michelle Anderson - Carer of the Year - cares for her two autistic children, despite also experiencing ill health and makes time, daily, to visit her Mum's friend who has dementia.
Age UK Gen Exercise - Business in the Community - run a range of activities and groups to inspire fitness and community spirit for people of all ages.
North East Youth Forum - Voluntary Organisation of the Year - makes a positive difference to the lives of young people running sessions in the community and projects aimed at building skills, such as employability, life skills, first aid, leadership and communication.
Caedmon Choir - Music Group of the Year - perform and support many charity events, hold workshops and have supported local charities raising money and donating gifts.
Gateshead Armed Forces Veterans Association - Armed Forces in the Community - support the council in each military event held, offering support, guidance and expertise in the military field ensuring events are a fitting tribute to those being remembered.
This was the 17th annual Gateshead Awards and was organised with the support of Crossling Plumbing, Gateshead College, Gateshead Football Club, Komatsu, Metrocentre and Northgate Vehicle Hire.
