Awards event for volunteers from Mansfield

Mansfield’s Volunteer Awards 2014 took place on Thursday 5th June, and provided an opportunity to recognise the tireless work carried out by volunteers across the district.

The event, which took place at the John Fretwell Centre, in Sookholme, was organised by volunteers with support from Mansfield District Council and the Mansfield Community and Voluntary Service.

Hetty’s worker Craig Knowles was awarded the Emily Dawes Memorial Award for a paid worker in the voluntary sector who’s gone beyond the call of duty.

Royal British Legion volunteer Joe Martin was the winner of the Margaret Wilson Memorial Award, for a volunteer who provides exceptional support to a cause or charity.

15-year-old Mansfield Woodhouse Community Development Group volunteer Emilie Wright was awarded the Young Person’s Award, for a young volunteer under 25 years old who makes a significant impact on a person or community.

Wildlife volunteer Anna Cooke was announced the winner of the Andy Wallace Memorial Award, for a local person who makes an extra-ordinary difference within a community.

The Mansfield Welfare Rights group received the Community Group Award, for a voluntary group which has improved or made a difference to their area or cause.

And Beacon Project volunteer John Coxhead received the Outstanding Volunteer Award, for a group or individual that has gone the extra mile to make a difference to society.

John, who works full time, has volunteered with the homeless project for more than six years, and has set up and runs the organisation’s hot meal on Sunday inactive.

He also promotes the annual Mansfield Big SNORE, which he also stewards.

Mick Beresford, chair of the Mansfield Volunteer Awards steering group, said: “The night was a great way of saying a big thank you to all Mansfield’s wonderful volunteers, who work so hard for their communities. These people really are unsung heroes, who deserve to be recognised.”