Photo
Courtesy of Christine Jones, Yeovil Express
The Gold Star Awards are organised by South Somerset District
Council and aim to recognise and reward the hard
work that volunteers working with young people put in.
The Gold Star Awards took place at the Octagon Theatre on
Tuesday 25 October. Before the awards were presented there were
amazing performances from Orchard Gymnastics Display Team, The
Dance Factory, Yeovil Music Centre, Unique Faith and Castaways.
The judges had a difficult time deciding on the eventual
winners of the six categories. The winners are listed
below:
|
Female Volunteer of the Year
|
|
Sarah Cooke (Keinton Mandeville) Sarah
has arranged many activities for her community including night
hikes, rounders and hockey evenings as well numerous fund raising
activities such as litter picks and an Annual Forces March. She has
also helped with the development of a toddler play area and is
instrumental in the Multi Use Games Area project in her community.
She is a genuine credit to her village.
|
 |
|
Male Volunteer of the Year
|
|
Matthew Follain (South West Black Belt
Academy) Matthew received an impressive number of
nominations. He puts 100% commitment into helping the community and
he helps children from unstable backgrounds to find a safe place to
feel they belong - as part of a group within martial arts. This man
loves to encourage young people to give back to others through his
charity fundraisers. He also helps a group of special needs
students from Ilminster by giving them free tuition every week to
help them with co-ordination and social skills as well as fitness
and self defence.
|
 |
|
Voluntary Service of the Year
|
|
lchester Youth Council The winners of this
award have been an integral part of their local community. They
have organised activities such as bulb planting, cream teas for
older residents, a movie night, a Christmas lights competition and
summer holiday activities to name but a few. They are an example of
how young people can change the perception that many people have
about them.
|
 |
|
Voluntary Group of the Year
|
|
Martock Youth Council Each member of this
group donates in excess of 100 hours each of their own time to help
support the work of their Youth Centre's drop in sessions, evening
sessions and also their school holiday activity programme. The
nomination form for this group states, "They volunteer at community
events and work tirelessly in connection with older residents
and younger members of the community. Without their commitment,
enthusiasm, determination, vibrant ideas and passion our centre
would not be the success story that it is today."
|
 |
|
Lifetime Achievement Award
|
|
Dave Edmunds (Yeovil Amateur Boxing Club) This
person has made a positive contribution to hundreds of young people
over the past 50 years. He has channelled the aggression of young
people into the gym rather than the street. The nomination
form submitted by a young man called Elliot Buckling
said:
"I believe this person deserves this award as he is the most
honourable man I know. He puts in the work and I think this award
would be the best way to show that we, as a town, appreciate the
hours and 50+ years he has put in to raise talent. In his seventies
this man still runs 10 miles every Sunday and keeps the pads on in
the boxing gym. His coaching achievements in the world of
boxing include; a Schoolboy Golden Gloves Champion, a Junior ABA
Champion and an ABA Champion."
|
 |
|
Young Volunteer of the
Year
|
|
Josh Aldridge (Ham Hill
Volunteer)Josh first worked with the Countryside
team at Ham Hill five years ago as a junior ranger. He has
continued to volunteer every Friday and some Wednesdays during his
studies at Fairmead School and, later, at Yeovil College. He is now
undertaking a course in Countryside Management at Kingston
Maurward. Five years is quite a commitment especially for a young
man with learning difficulties. He has on two separate occasions
been a bone marrow donor for his sister as well.
|
 |
|