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Mayor Celebrates 'Unsung Heroes' of Poole

Winners of the 'Poole Achievement Award' 2009 were celebrated at a ceremony hosted by the Mayor of Poole, Cllr Charles Meachin, on Friday January 22.

Commemorative Poole Pottery plates were presented to the six award winners - Georgina Aggett, Joan Percy, Tony Watts, Bearwood Community Centre Association and volunteers from Forest Holme Hospice and Alderney West Youth Club - at the dinner and dance event held at the Lighthouse, Poole's Centre for the Arts.

The Poole Achievement Awards recognises individuals and groups who have given total commitment to their community and cause, made a difference to the everyday life of others and been exemplary in their achievements.

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Charles Meachin, said: "These awards are an opportunity to salute our unsung heroes and recognise the invaluable service so willingly given by a host of volunteers and voluntary organisations. These volunteers selflessly and with commitment make their special contribution to the life of our town, and I was delighted to have been a part of this very special occasion."

Nominations are submitted for individuals, organisations, or groups deserving of an award in recognition of their effort, service, dedication or achievement to making Poole a better place in which to live or work.

For more information about the awards or to make a nomination, please contact Pauline Gill at Borough of Poole on 01202 633043 or email p.gill@poole.gov.uk

Biographies of the six award winners follow:

GEORGINA AGGETT

Georgina has led the way in encouraging young people to get involved in the planning and delivery of housing services in Poole.

As the first Youth Representative on the Housing Consultative Panel for arms length management organisation Poole Housing Partnership, she is a wonderful example to other young people. Showing great maturity and judgement in this role, Georgina ensures the needs and aspirations of young people are fully taken into account.

Georgina is also a member of Poole's Youth Task Group, an active member of Poole Youth Forum where she has helped with youth open days and setting up their website.

JOAN PERCY

Joan Percy, a retired teacher and youth leader, has been contributing to the community for 15 years.

As a volunteer community panel member of the Bournemouth and Poole Young Offenders Team, chairman of Lilliput and Lower Parkstone Neighbourhood Watch Group and vice-chairman of the County's Association of Dorset Watches, Joan is always looking for new initiatives, funding and ways to help the community.

With her dedication and support to the local community, Joan has helped arrange community events, raised awareness of sensitive issues such as domestic violence and child safety in the internet, and gained funding for 'Trickster the Musical', a musical theatre production about the dangers of misleading prize draws and unscrupulous traders.

TONY WATTS

Tony Watts is an ambassador for Anglo-French links and his 33 years involvement with the Poole/Cherbourg Twinning Association has fostered economic, educational and tourism projects.

A former county councillor, Tony has also been a Justice of Peace and a member of the Education Committee. He continues to support Poole Youth Service and Dorset Youth Orchestra, as well as the Normandy Veterans where he helps organise and oversees any transport and accommodation for special commemorative events.

Tony has made a huge contribution over the years to Poole and continues to help reinforce the relationship with twin town Cherbourg, France.

BEARWOOD COMMUNITY CENTRE ASSOCIATION (BCCA)

The BCCA's volunteers have demonstrated through their enthusiasm and dedication what can be achieved by and for the community with the reinstatement of a valuable local facility.

Through council grants, Lotto and local funding, the management committee, made up of 12 local residents, was able to invest £100,000 into the complete renovation and refurbishment of Bearwood Community Centre, which now offers facilities and activities to over 500 people, from toddlers to the over 55s, every week.

The association regained charity status in 2007 and successfully negotiated a 35-year lease on the building with Borough of Poole.

VOLUNTEERS OF FOREST HOLME HOSPICE

The team of volunteers at Forest Holme provide an invaluable service to the smooth running of the unit, helping to cover reception and help out on the wards.

Some have been volunteering for many years and have become the public face of the hospice. Greeting people as they arrive for appointments, admittance or visiting friends/relatives, they help provide a calm and approachable welcome to people during a difficult time.

Volunteers also provide a sympathetic ear to patients and their relatives, make refreshments, carry out errands and flower arranging, as well as reading to patients from time to time.

ALDERNEY WEST YOUTH CLUB VOLUNTEERS

Alderney West Youth Club provides a valuable service to local young people and has proved hugely successful thanks to the hard work and dedication of five volunteers.

Bob Peachy, Sue Long, Paul Curtis, Carol Sherwood and Angela Armon started with very little experience, but with some professional help and training, they have built the club into a pleasant and fun place for young people to meet.

Their involvement has helped motivate other residents to volunteer and they are now seeking whether an expansion of the club to include younger children is possible.

The club now offers a wide range of activities, advice and support for the young people using the facility, some of which may be vulnerable or disadvantaged.