UNSUNG heroes from across Worcester were honoured at a prestigious awards evening at the city’s Guildhall.
The Best of Worcester awards were held last Thursday (November 15) and saw members of the community come together to celebrate those who give a little extra to boost their local areas.
Former city mayor Coun Alan Amos once again was part of the organising team for the event which was on a similar theme to an evening he hosted during his year as Worcester’s civic head in 2015.
Backed by the Rev Andy Todd from St Stephen’s Church, former Mayor Coun Steve Mackay and fellow organiser Keith Slater the awards saw deserving local people honoured in five categories.
For the first time this year, musical performance were included in the ceremony and including sensational solos from nine-year-old Rachel Crookall of Northwick Manor Primary School on the harp and Emily Mustoe from Christopher Whitehead Language College accompanied by Nicholas Freestone.
Further solo performances from Sapphire Wilkinson, again from Christopher Whitehead, and Shannon Tilley of Tudor Grange Academy followed before the talented youngsters were honoured with awards from the Rev Todd.
Volunteers from Maggs Day Centre walked away with the team/organisation which has gone the extra mile award ahead of the work by Snoezelen and the Worcester City Neighbourhood Teams (Riverside and Cityside)
Observer editor Rob George was on hand to present the award and remained on stage to present the honour to a member of school staff who had made such a significant contribution to the development of young lives such as a school governor, reading buddy, mentor, traffic crossing volunteer, sports coach or long standing member of staff.
Retired teacher Frank Zota from Blessed Edward Oldcorne Catholic College walked away with the top prize from a shortlist which also included Wendy Burgess from Christopher Whitehead Language College and Helen Zhini of St George’s CE Primary School.
A further awards to local business or individuals who have gone the extra mile to enrich the local community was presented to Community Connectors by Chief Insp Stephanie Brighton from a shortlist including Sports Partnership Herefordshire and Worcestershire and Worcester Martial Arts Instructor Team.
Chief Insp Brighton was also on hand to present the honour to an individual who has gone above and beyond the call of duty to teenager Marshall Mills from a group of nominations which included Margaret Mandrell from St Stephen’s Church and Dennis Little
“It’s right that we should thank young people for all the good things they do, rather than always reading about the bad things,” said Coun Amos.
“The people of Worcester are very generous in the time they give to others. This is a good news story all round and is the kind that we should broadcast rather than those ones full of moans and complaints.”
“So much of what people do is about attitude. These nominations show just how much goodness there is out there.”
