THE inspired and the inspiring, the young and old – were feted for their contribution to the community at Burnley’s Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Awards.
Burnley’s annual community awards, held at the Burnley Mechanics Theatre, celebrated the achievements of individuals, sporting and faith groups, schools and social groups for making a difference in the town.
The winners were:
COMMUNITY CHAMPION: Alan Scholes. Alan, a retired Barden High teacher, who helped organise the recent Jubilee celebrations where he lives; helped set up a local choir; and is part of a “meals on feet” service, offering free monthly teas to people in the village.
YOUNG PERSON INVOLVED IN A UNIFORMED ORGANISATION: Charlotte Brigden. Charlotte, a Cadet Warrant Officer with the ATC. She flew solo for the first time a few months ago, and is responsible for training and supporting younger members. Charlotte is also a leader at a local Scout group working with Beavers, Cubs and Scouts most Thursdays.
YOUNG PERSON MAKING A CONTRIBUTION TO THEIR COMMUNITY:Thomas Boothman. Thomas, a volunteer with the charity SCOPE. He is also a member of Blackpool Pleasure Beach’s Junior Board, which gives him an opportunity to meet directors and offer ideas to improve the facility.
CONTRIBUTION TO SPORT: Daneshouse FC. Founded 10 years ago in the aftermath of the disturbances. Their coach said: “When we started, we didn’t even know how to put a net up. In our first season, we conceded about 200 goals and scored three. Now we have a football academy with 10 teams in each age group – and we can put a net up in a few seconds now!”
GOOD RELATIONS: Changing Futures. This project brought young people together from Sir John Thursby Community College and Blessed Trinity Roman Catholic College. There have been workshops exploring prejudice and discrimination. The students learned to value diversity, cohesion and the benefits of working together. They made a DVD, and a learning pack, which has been used in other schools in Burnley.
BUSINESS WITH COMMUNITY LINKS: 2BR. They attend and support numerous charity events such as the Pendleside Hospice Midnight Walk, and Race for Life in Towneley Park. The small team regularly give up their own free time to serve the needs and interests of local people.
THE MAYOR OF BURNLEY’S SPECIAL AWARD: Eddie and Mary Cliff. The Mayor said: “Eddie is a former Burnley Football Club full back, a volunteer with the Street Pastors which he helped set up, a man very active in the good work done through his church, and someone who supports young people through work experience in his business.
“Mary is a former teacher and was chaplain at Burnley College, using her faith as a basis for inspiring and supporting young people, and has organised countless activities for children and young people, who have benefited from that over the years.
“They were chosen for the award both for their own work, and because they represent the way volunteers across Burnley and Padiham do so much to make their community and the borough a better place.”
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