Babergh's Community Oscars

Yesterday' evening I attended the Babergh Community Awards ceremony at Stoke by Nayland Hotel and Golf Club.  It was a really sparkling event, hosted by BBC Radio Suffolk's Mark Murphy.

I was present, along with Colin Spence,  because we had supported the nomination for an award of John Steele, the Chairman of Great Waldingfield Parish Council  John is pictured here with the Chairman of Babergh, David Wood and Robert Audley, the Chairman of Prolog, who sponsor the event.

The programme for the evening gave details of each recipient's achievements.   In John's case the story centred around his hard work in raising over £160,000 for the refurbishment of Great Waldingfield Village Hall from seven separate funders, and also his management of the whole project.  Tribute was paid to the energy efficient nature of the scheme, and also to John's foresight in making provision for internet access at the hall.  An extract from one of the many letters written in John's support was included, and read  'John has made a substantial contribution towards making Great Waldingfield a more pleasant place to live for its residents, and this deserves recognition'.

It was mentioned that some years ago John was involved with the judging of the nominations.  In this, the 20th year of the inception of the awards, it was particularly fitting therefore that he should be at the receiving end!

Some 25 awards were given in all.  I was pleased to see that in the Under 18 category, two Gainsborough's House volunteers were among the recipients.  Both Izabela Pawlic and Emma Bloys were singled out as community minded sixth formers from Sudbury Upper School who have connections with the House. Izabela has worked with the Art Smart Scheme, and Emma is a regular volunteer.  They are pictured below.