09/01/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/01/2024 01:41
Residents and groups in Rushcliffe are being asked to acknowledge their unsung community, sporting, business and health heroes in the Borough Council's community accolades, the Celebrating Rushcliffe Awards.
The annual awards evening will celebrate the Borough's wonderful volunteers, businesses, clubs, organisations, environmentalists, sports clubs and athletes and the best of its health and wellbeing and food and drink sectors.
Also in partnership with media partner West Bridgford Wire, it will be an opportunity to reflect on so many groups and individuals who play essential roles in Rushcliffe communities, bringing out the best in people and enterprise.
Nominations for the 10 awards are now open until Sunday October 6 and can be submitted online at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CRAs2024 or by calling 0115 914 8555, Monday to Friday 10am to 3pm.
Winners will be announced and celebrated in a ceremony in the Borough later this year.
Rushcliffe Borough Council's Deputy Leader Cllr Abby Brennan said: "The Celebrating Rushcliffe Awards will again highlight some of our outstanding individuals and organisations here in the Borough who are the heartbeat of what makes Rushcliffe a great place to live, with great sport and a great lifestyle.
"If you are inspired by someone who is making a difference, help celebrate and shine a light on them! Our young person or group of the year award is a perfect opportunity to recognise someone who is an excellent role model for other young people to emulate.
"Or why not after such a brilliant summer of sport nominate your sporting heroes from the last 12 months.
"All shortlisted nominees will be invited to our wonderful annual awards evening at Rushcliffe Arena where the winners will be announced and celebrated. It really is a special night of the year focussing on people who achieve and give so much to Rushcliffe.
"Make sure you nominate your heroes before the closing date on October 6!"
The award categories are:
Volunteer of the Year
An individual or group who gives countless hours and dedication to a Rushcliffe community voluntarily giving up their own time. This may be within a sports club, community group, charity or other organisation.
Business of the Year
Recognising a business in the Borough that supports the local community. This could be through employing local people and apprentices, growing their business, providing work experience or putting profit back into the Rushcliffe economy.
Please nominate any food and drink businesses such as cafes and restaurants in the Food and Drink Establishment of the Year not Business of the Year category.
Young Person/Group of the Year
An individual or group to watch out for in the future for being an excellent role model for other young people to emulate. This could be an individual or group volunteering or making a difference in their community, or a junior sports team who have excelled over the year. This category is open to any individual or group under the age of 25.
Community Group of the Year
Recognising a community club, organisation or group who may have achieved success and are helping create a sense of place, epitomising what makes Rushcliffe great by coming together to improve their local area.
Sportsperson of the Year
An individual who has achieved great success in their chosen sport, made a significant impact in their sport or in their club or team, been a role model for others and raised the profile of their sport or made considerable improvement in their performances and achievements.
Sports Club of the Year
Acknowledging a community sports club who has achieved success in their sport through diversity, competition or overcoming barriers to enable people to participate. You are encouraged to highlight achievements and club initiatives that have helped increase membership or the development of a new section.
Food and Drink Establishment of the Year
Recognising a food and drink business who provides quality, provenance, and presentation as well as being the best place for a cuppa, sandwich, pint, pizza, or pie.
Health and Wellbeing Project of the Year
Recognising a new project which improves the health and wellbeing of the local community. This could be an initiative that reduces health inequalities such as combating social isolation and loneliness, increasing physical activity, improving access to green and blue spaces or affordable healthy food and education.
Environmental Group or Project of the Year
Acknowledging individuals, organisations or projects that have an impact in making Rushcliffe a 'greener' place. This could include promoting nature conservation, reducing waste, improving energy efficiency, water conservation or improving quality of life for the people of the Borough. Nominations are accepted for individuals, organisations or projects that have an impact in Rushcliffe, making Rushcliffe a 'greener' place.
The Pride of Rushcliffe Award
A dedicated individual or organisation who makes others proud to live in Rushcliffe and who has been a figure tirelessly serving their community or a local cause. This could be an inspirational sportsperson, public figure or an individual from a community or voluntary group who leads by example to make the borough a better place to live and work.
Pat Gamble, Editor of West Bridgford Wire added: "The previous awards have highlighted just how many incredible unsung heroes we have in our communities that do things for no expectation of reward or are hugely successful or innovative.
"These individuals and organisations deserve recognition in the Celebrating Rushcliffe Awards so get involved and tell us about your community heroes who should receive an accolade for all they do."
Last year's awards concluded with the most prestigious accolade, the Pride of Rushcliffe Award which last year was won by Nicola Brindley who champions J9 and Tara's Angels, training businesses and organisations in the Borough for free in her own time, creating a network of safe access spaces for survivors of domestic abuse.