Making a Difference in Richmondshire Awards (MADIRA)

Once again we are running an award scheme to celebrate the best that Richmondshire has to offer - and we need your help. 

The renamed Making a Difference in Richmondshire Awards aim to recognise the dedicated people who make the District a better place in which to live and work.

We want to highlight - and celebrate - the exceptional contribution to life in Richmondshire made by countless residents, young and old.

But to do that, we need you to tell us about any worthy recipents that you might know of.  Many may work behind the scenes, out of the limelight - but this is a great chance to say "thank you" publicly, so we are keen to receive as many nominations as possible.

The 2011/12 Making a Difference in Richmondshire Awards took place at St. Francis Xavier School, Darlington Road, Richmond on Wednesday 18 April 2012 at 7.00 pm

Awards were presented in seven categories on the evening, due to a lack of nominations the categories of Young Volunteer of the Year and Young Carer of the Year were withdrawn.

In the categories that were awarded several nominations were received and it was very difficult for the Shortlisting Panel to make the selections in each as all would have been worthy winners. 

Awards were presented as follows: 

Adult Volunteer of the Year went to Ralph Porter for his perseverance and dedication in setting up Reeth and District Athletic Club and Development Fund which has raised over £650,000 and seen the Reeth area provided with sporting facilities fitting for the 21st Century.

Commended in the category of Adult Volunteer of the Year was Geoff Robson and Stanley Roocroft was Highly Commended.

Adult Carer of the Year went to Rose Wilkin who has been the principle carer for her severly disabled sister Violet, for the last 40 years whilst raising her own family, helping elderly residents in her home village of Brompton-on-Swale and helping with the church flowers.

Highly Commended in the category of Adult Carer of the Year was Colin Bates.

Community Group of the Year went to The Swaledale Festival which, despite receiving national and international recognition remains a local organisation contributing to Richmondshire’s sustainability, prosperity and wellbeing and brings thousands of visitors for businesses.

Commended in the category of Community Group of the Year were Richmondshire Citizens Advice Bureau and Carlton Community Pub Management Committee were Highly Commended.

Sustainable Project of the Year went to The Little White Bus which has a volunteer team of seven drivers and operates a service tailored to the needs of the community, which allows local people to continue using services in towns and cities, by running a Monday to Saturday service between Hawes and Garsdale station.

Commended in the category Sustainable Project of the Year were Alix Warland and Martin Crowson of Welcome to Leyburn Tourist Information. 

Green Project of the Year went to River Bain Hydro, a community owned small-scale hydro project that promotes environmental projects in the area and reduces the community's carbon emissions.

Commended in the category Green Project of the Year were the Power Girls Plus from St. John's Community Centre and the Newton-le-Willows Climate Change Group were Highly Commended.

The Business of the Year category was particularly difficult and was shared between The Showcase Gallery and Mithril Ales.  The gallery is dedicated to exhibiting new work from artists based in Yorkshire and the North East while Mithril Ales, opened by Peter Fenwick in an old stables near his home after years of brewing in his kitchen, supplies a number of free houses in the Richmond and Darlington area.  

Employee of the Year went to Trevor Morris who has been instrumental in the development of The Beacon a new supported housing facility at Catterick for homeless single ex-service leavers and those at risk of becoming homeless.

Commended in the category Employee of the Year was Hilda Ellis, Richmond Tourist Information Centre and Highly Commended was Peter Shaw, Yorkshire Ambulance Service.

The winners of the seven categories pictured with Councillor Jill McMullon, Chairman of Richmondshire District Council who presented them with the awards

For details of the criteria for each award please click here.

To view photographs from the evening please click here.

For further information please contact Sarah Jenkins, Democratic Services Officer (Member Support) on 01748 827090.

 

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