Local community heroes honoured at first ever Pride of County ward Awards

I had a wonderful time at the Isla Gladstone, sharing the celebrations for the good people of County ward and their many achievements. The official detail follows, but what it doesn't say is that Cllr Gerard Woodhouse was himself recognised and appreciated, as so many residents came up on to the stage to praise him. I have copied a few photos to give you a flavour of the evening.

 Photo: Gerard receives a trophy from Cllr Ann O'Byrne, Steve Rotheram MP and Maria Eagle MP

Young people, carers, volunteers and small businesses in County that have gone above and beyond to make a difference in the local community have had their achievements recognised at the first ever Proud of County Awards. 

The awards, which were presented at a celebratory event at the Isla Gladstone in Stanley Park on Friday 7^th October, were developed and led by Councillor Gerard Woodhouse, with support from Beautiful North partners including Liverpool Housing Trust and Plus Dane Group.

They aimed to reward the achievements, dedication and commitment of many members of the local community that work tirelessly to help make County a better place and build community spirit.

Councillor Gerard Woodhouse, said:

“The Proud of County Awards are a valuable opportunity for us to recognise the people in our community that work hard and give us hours and hours of their own time to help others and deliver improvements in our area.

“We have an outstanding community spirit in County and so much to be proud of, and this event was a great way to showcase the achievements of just some of the hard working individuals and businesses that make our local community what it is. I would like to thank all those that provided their support to make the event such a success.”

The Proud of County Awards winners are:

Heart of Gold Award – Lorna Haynes from St Lukes Court, which was awarded in recognition of the time and commitment she has dedicated to supporting residents and going beyond the call of duty.

Effective Partnership Working Award – The Walton Youth project’s DARE steering group – a group of 14-19 year olds that have pent the last 18 months developing their skills and giving up their free time to help shape the services available to young people in the area.

Outstanding Community Spirit – Jackie Cadden, a local resident who has been involved in community life for many decades. The award recognised her tireless achievements including setting up and delivering an intergenerational soup club, running the local Sunday school in Walton for 25 years, her active involvement in many forums including the women’s forum at Merseytravel, a trustee of two charities and her role as Chair of a local osteoporosis support group.

Young Volunteer of the Year – Colin Wilson, for commitment to helping run the local youth group and helping and supporting local organisations when running fun days and summer holiday programmes.

Volunteer of the Year – Dee Preston, for her time dedicated to the local resident association and her active role in improving the environment in County, who was nominated for always putting the needs of others before her own.

Small Local Business of the YearRyan Manville – Sports Alive. Ryan worked as a volunteer and sports coach for young people before setting up his own community enterprise which works to help fellow youth workers and young people develop their range of skills and activities.

Outstanding Community Involvement – Barbara English, who has dedicated 30 years to volunteering ranging from delivering large scale dancing events to spending hours putting together costumes for shows, taking children in County to competitions and putting on fundays.

Carer of the Year – Tony Flynn, who has overcome difficult and trying times whilst continuing to care for his family and look after his two young boys.

Young Citizen of the Year – Stephen Taylor, who was recognised as being an ambassador for young people who volunteer, committing himself 100% to his project and community. Stephen plays a key role in delivering junior youth nights, dance groups and dads and lads groups for Walton Youth Project.

Councillors Special Award – Eileen Alldritt, who has worked at Florence Court for 25 years and retires next year, for her work in helping everyone in the local community and not just those in sheltered accommodation.

Young Carer of the Year – This award was given to a young person who has taken on a role within her family as a support to her younger siblings due to her mother’s health conditions. Not only does she take on her family role but she even fits in time to help others, volunteering at her local youth project an giving her own time to help run and deliver summer programmes for local children.