Pride of Andover Group

Pride of Andover praise award winners on it’s 10th Anniversary and Thank Dame Esther Ranzten who presents awards for the last time

Pride of Andover
Monday 17th Oct 2016, saw the 10th anniversary celebrations held at The Lights for Pride of Andover. It was a fabulous evening with lots of emotional stories especially as it was Dame Esther Rantzen’s last time of hosting the event.

Chairman Karen Hamilton said:

Congratulations to all the winners, Andover has an array of amazing people who give up their free time for helping others in one way or another, Andover is proud to have you. It will be a great loss to lose Esther as she has been an incredible ambassador from the start, putting all the nominees at ease and sharing lots of comedy moments. Esther is a true community role model, she has donated her fee from the start to her charities showing where her dedication lies. I am proud of my team who, in the background, work tremendously hard to make this amazing event happen each year and finally a massive thank you to all our sponsors and volunteers without them we could not achieve what we do.

So a big thank you to: • David Mellors Family Jewellers (Main Sponsor) • MLG Magazines (Andover Gazette) • New Street Dental Care • The Commercial Centre • Simplyhealth • The Basingstoke Foot Clinic • The Breeze • Stannah • Andover IT • Sue Morris Photography • Tip Top Balloons • Gallaghers Florists • Creatist Design • 1 (Andover) Flight, Army Cadet Force • Alan Mead Catering. • The Lights • AM Cars

Mo Sweeney – Winner – Sue Sheppard Award       poa

Mo has been working in the community for 20 years since his medical discharge from the army. Volunteering for many charities and organisations in Andover, too many to mention here, he has also founded youth projects including Fusion and Rewired. His work has also led to the co-founding of Veterans in Action of which he is a welfare officer. Andover radio is another project coming back to the town thanks to Mo. A skydiving business he set up in 2007 aims to raise money for charity and groups. A Veteran in Action, a PTSD survivor, a champion of local causes and an extremely caring man, Mo really is one in a million.

 

Anna Fowles – Winner – Teacher of the Year Award  poa1

A year six teacher at St Johns Baptist School, Anna motivates, inspires and supports all of her pupils to achieve their very best. Her passion is evident throughout the school encouraging students in the choir, plays, trips and their school work. Pupils believe they can achieve anything because Anna believes in them – it is magical to see.

 

 

 

Callum McGuire – Winner – Young Person of the Year Award  poa2

Callum’s hard work and commitment to the youth council is astounding. Having embraced and overcome his reservations for public speaking, Callum has addressed large crowds at A-Fest. He is active in all projects and attends and contributes to all meetings. His enthusiasm shines through when speaking to young people letting them know they have a voice. He is a pleasure to work with and is a true ambassador for the council.

 

Donna McCormack – Winner – Services Award     poa3

To all her colleagues Donna is Andover Hospital. She wants the best for the people of Andover, making sure their hospital is part of the community. Donna wears many hats, or should that be uniforms, whatever needs doing, Donna will do it. The responsibilities she willingly accepts and the ownership she takes for the hospital is a credit to her. Donna is a very special member of the team and a true linchpin of the hospital community.

 

Darren Molley – winner – Inspiring Others Award    poa4

Darren has used his free time to start a martial arts group for adults and children with learning difficulties. He runs monthly groups as well as 121 sessions at his home. He helps build confidence, in a safe, fun, atmosphere for an often overlooked section of the community all for free. Darren is making a lot of his students’ dreams come true.

 

 

 

 

Elizabeth Hall – Winner – Mayor’s Award and Spirit of Andover Award poa5

After her son was born with Down Syndrome many years ago, Elizabeth was inspired to set up a support group for people with disabilities and their families. This group went on to become Andover and District Mencap which celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2014. Her vast experience and knowledge has helped many families improve their lives. Without the drive and determination Elizabeth has selflessly given Andover would not have the wonderful services today.

 

 

4 Toons – Winner – Heart of Gold Award        poa6

For over four years the Four Toons have been entertaining people at care homes, retirement homes and senior clubs and in the street all to raise money for charity. From dressing up and telling jokes to singing and playing music, the group go to all the homes in Andover and surrounding areas bringing joy to all the residents. Through interaction and music the Four Toons’ light hearted songs and cheerful banter are welcomed everywhere they go.

 

Janet Loader – Winner – Citizenship Award      poa7

Janet is an amazing and caring person, volunteering at many events at Knights Enham Church, two children’s groups and has served for 48 years at St John Ambulance. Outside of her volunteer duties, Janet also visits people in hospital, makes regular visits to a care home to keep residents company and even supports people recently discharged from hospital, cooking, cleaning and taking care of their home. Janet is a wonderful, caring person with time for everyone.

Well Done to all the Winners from the team at MLG Magazines LTD

Photo Credit: Sue Morris Photography


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