Red Carpet Event for Unsung Volunteers
Over 300 unsung volunteers from across South Somerset who work with local young people were given the red carpet treatment at an awards evening on Wednesday (10 September.)
After receiving nominations in celebration of their work with young people, the guests were invited to the Octagon Theatre as part of South Somerset District Council’s Second ‘Gold Star’ awards ceremony.
Organised by the district council’s Young People’s Officer, the volunteers were rewarded with a fashion show by twenty children and teenagers from the Westfield area of Yeovil, who wore items made from materials they had recycled over the summer holidays.
The display was followed by a martial arts show, street dance and amateur dramatics from local organisations which benefit from volunteer aid, culminating in a singing performance and a group salute to the volunteer audience.
Jay Lewin, Young Peoples Officer at South Somerset District Council said, “These dedicated volunteers, right across the district, are the people that make the youth clubs and groups possible. Without their time, many of the rural villages would not have the facilities that are so popular with children and teenagers. “The young people themselves were able to say thank you and South Somerset District Council was able to show its recognition, and that’s what the night was all about.”
South Somerset District Council’s Chairman, Cllr Ian Martin presented the awards which included Young Volunteer of the Year, Voluntary Group of the Year, Voluntary Service of the Year, Female and Male Volunteers of the Year, and a Lifetime Achievement Award.
Cllr Sylvia Seal, South Somerset’s Portfolio Holder for Leisure, Culture and Well Being says, “We want to give something back to the people who open up opportunities for our young people. This is about recognising exactly how much they make happen. As a council it’s important to us that communities thrive and that young people have something to do, and these volunteers make this happen.”
WINNER DETAILS
Female Volunteer of the Year - Paula Dowding from Chilthorne Domer
Paula Dowding has created a warm, safe and fun environment for the children of Chilthorne Domer. Now children play skittles regularly and combine fun activities with fundraising for the community. The group has raised much-needed funds to refurbish Chilthorne Domer Recreation Ground Social Club for the whole community to use.
Male Volunteer of the Year - Colin Rolfe of Langdon Close Action Group in Chard
Colin Rolfe took positive action after noticing groups of young people congregating near his home. Instead of complaining, Colin formed an action group consisting of other parents in that neighbourhood and together they have improved the lives of the young people in this area by organising activities and arranging visits to places they might not otherwise get the opportunity to experience.
Young Volunteer of the Year - Robert Faulkner of Thistle Down Farm, Keinton Mandeville
Robert Faulkner, 12 yrs old, was inspired by the Time Out Together Team when they visited his village. Together with Sarah Cooke of Keinton Mandeville Parish Council he has led a group of young people to work towards their ultimate goal of having their own BMX Track, this is taking shape and nearing completion.
Voluntary Group of the Year - Westfield Community Association (Chris and Annie Adcock collected awards)
The Westfield Community Association is a thriving group of local people who have transformed their part of the community.
Together they have run two hugely successful community ‘makeover’ events which involved the entire neighbourhood, cleaning streets, tidying front gardens, trimming each other’s hedges and running children’s events. They have now launched their own website and are making progress at a steady rate.
Voluntary Service of the Year - Somerset Rural Youth Project
Somerset Rural Youth Project is well known for the work it does in dozens of smaller communities throughout South Somerset. The service makes a difference in these communities by engaging with teenagers - listening to them, finding out how they feel about being a member of that community and working with them to give them the skills to improve their lives and the lives of their community.
Lifetime Achievement Award - John Hamlett of Yeovil
John Hamlett has encouraged, advised, developed, and trained hundreds of young people over a massive 50 years. Grandmothers, daughters and granddaughters have spent time with John through his voluntary work. John has volunteered as a swimming coach and teacher for Yeovil District Swimming Club over many years. He also volunteers as a National Referee. His obvious love of sport and young people is evident for all to see.