THE 11TH THURROCK Civic Awards are going to be a little bit different with this year’s Mayor’s Award available for people to vote online.
Mayor, Cllr Tony Fish, has put forward five nominees – organisations and/or people – who have piqued his interest in his time in office.
The five are: Sue Rogers, Maggie Pollock, Faith Matters, the Royal Opera House, and ngage.
Cllr Fish said: “It was difficult to get the list down to five, but in the end I believe these are the people and organisations which make a real difference for the public good here in Thurrock.
“I would urge as many people as possible to go online and cast their vote for their favourite. The winner will be announced at the Civic Awards ceremony on Friday, 21 February.”
Voting can take place online via the council’s website at thurrock.gov.uk/civicawards. The closing date for votes is Friday, 14 February.
There is still time to nominate your own favourite local hero in the other various categories. Nomination forms are available at libraries and also online at the council’s website. The deadline for nominations is 31 January.
Details of the five nominees in the Mayor’s Award are:
Faith Matters: an organisation formed to represent the diverse faith groups of Thurrock with representatives from the Sikh, Hindu, Muslim, Anglican, Catholic and Pentecostal groups on the steering committee.
Those in the organisation are people who care about the local community and believe they can make a difference in people’s lives.
For example Faith Matters was heavily involved in supporting this year’s International Holocaust Day events in Thurrock at both the Memorial Garden and the Thameside.
Sue Rogers: a busy mum who still finds time, as the Deputy District Commissioner for Thurrock Scouting, to deliver a wonderful programme of activities and opportunities for young people that develop independence and confidence that will support them throughout their lives.
Sue has been a District Cub leader for 13 years, as well as being involved in her own cub pack, planning all district events, including camps and trips out.
She has supported the packs and leaders within the borough and spends her days planning and gives up most weekends and evenings to attend pack meetings and events in and out of the borough.
Maggie Pollock: Some might say Maggie Pollock is South Ockendon as her close involvement in innumerable local groups and organisations means she is never far from the centre of the action.
Of late, it is probably Maggie’s work with and support for the South Ockendon Community Forum and the South Ockendon Centre which has kept her “in the news”.
But her remarkable organisational and leadership skills have made Maggie an integral part of South Ockendon life for decades – if you know Ockendon, you know Maggie, it’s as simple as that.
Royal Opera House: Ten years ago, putting the Royal Opera House and Thurrock in the same sentence would have seemed a very unlikely combination – but no longer.
Not only is Thurrock now linked with opera across the world, the Royal Opera House itself has adopted Thurrock and its people, seeking to expand its presence here as well as providing local groups and thousands of our young people with top-quality musical experiences.
An opera about Thurrock, performances on the Covent Garden stage, opera on big screens in the borough, hundreds of singing opportunities, and even a chance to join with professional artists to create original art.
Ngage: is a local community organisation and charity whose primary aim is to support community involvement and engagement in Thurrock, ensuring people are better informed and more involved in decisions that affect them as individuals and their communities.
The organisation established Volunteer Centre Thurrock in 2011, and actively promotes the benefits of volunteering – supporting people in seeking volunteering opportunities within local organisations and charities.
It also produces the On a learning curve training programme on behalf of the Thurrock ACE partnership, which offers free training to individuals and groups to help build confidence and to enhance existing skills.
Kate Miller, General manager (Operations) at intu Lakeside, added: “We are very proud to be headline sponsor for the civic awards. We are always looking to strengthen our links with communities across the borough and supporting this event is just one way in which we can be part of recognising the heroes that give their own time to improve the quality of life of their neighbours and communities.”
The 11th Thurrock Civic Awards will be held on Friday, 21 February and there are 11 awards up for grabs covering all aspects of life in the borough.
Civic life – sponsored by HW Wilson Ltd – a special award celebrating a person for their outstanding contribution and dedication to the borough over their lifetime.
Community together – sponsored by intu Lakeside – this award recognises those involved in bringing diverse communities together through a local project or community event.
Olympic legacy – sponsored by Impulse Leisure – for an individual or club that has contributed to a lasting Olympic legacy in Thurrock by encouraging more participation in sport. It is also to celebrate and thank those who give their time to working behind the scenes at local sports clubs and groups.
Creative excellence – sponsored by High House Production Park – for an individual or organisation that has contributed to raising the profile of the arts in Thurrock, be it visual arts, amateur dramatics or music. This person may be the star of the show or they could work behind the scenes helping to make it happen.
Environmental hero – sponsored by Thurrock Enquirer – for an unsung hero who works to celebrate or protect the environment we live in. It could be someone who champions recycling or is involved with an environmental project in the borough.
Young achiever – sponsored by South Essex College – celebrates an inspirational young person who has made an outstanding contribution in volunteering and to the local community, showing leadership, commitment and enthusiasm. Must be aged 25 years or under.
Business in the community – sponsored by Essex Chamber of Commerce – Thurrock has many outstanding businesses that play a crucial role in economic wellbeing of the borough. This award recognises the businesses that have invested in Thurrock to make it a great place to live and work.
Supporting local communities – sponsored by Mears Ltd – for a community group or organisation that has excelled in supporting local communities to support themselves.
Healthy living – sponsored by Procter & Gamble – for an individual or organisation that has improved their own or the health and wellbeing of their local community.
Mayor’s award – sponsored by Thurrock Council – The Mayor of Thurrock will shortlist five individuals or groups for their outstanding work in the community, which will then be published online in January 2014 and go to a public vote.
Rachel Middleton award – sponsored by Serco – for an individual who has shown extreme personal courage in the face of adversity through illness or disability.
