Ashfield celebrates the best of district’s success

The Ashfield District Council event honoured unsung heroes, high achievers and caring volunteers who have all worked hard over the last year to make Ashfield a better place to live and work.

Amongst the groups to be honoured were Kirkby fundraiser Brian Dykes, who has worked tirelessly to raise money for the armed forces, including helping with parachute jump events.

Lee Hayes was named community champion for Sutton in recognition of his work to improve the town.

Amongst the thankless tasks carried out by Lee are carrying out errands for the elderly and vulnerable, clearing paths, undertaking household repairs and being an unofficial taxi to the doctor or hospital.

Lee has also worked as a volunteer to help at Brierley Forest and Rookery Park by mowing grass and generally helping to keep the areas tidy.

Brightwake Ltd, who are based on the Lowmoor Business Park, were named business of the year for Kirkby.

The firm currently enjoys an enviable reputation for delivering solutions to manufacturing and production businesses covering areas as varied as medicine, cosmetic and aviation.

In addition they also have significant business with commercial and industrial firms.

The firm moved to Kirkby in 1983 from Nottingham and currently employs 200 people.

Coun Linford Gibbons, Ashfield District Council chairman and event host, said: “They honour the people who really are the Best of Ashfield – those who work tirelessly to support others and keep our communities vibrant.

“I am really proud to have been able to make these presentations this evening – they are all so well deserved.”

The full list of winners were:

Ashfield Business of the Year

Romo Ltd, Kirkby-in-Ashfield

Hucknall Business of the Year

Wood Lane Timber Merchants Ltd

Sutton Business of the Year

Lindhurst Innovation Engineers Ltd

Rural Business of the Year

Pauline’s Pantry

Kirkby Business of the Year

Brightwake

Community Group – Hucknall

Hucknall & District Voluntary Sector Partnership (Under One Roof)

Community Group – Sutton

Sutton Living Memory Group

Community Group – Kirkby

LEO Club

Community Group – Rural

Jacksdale & Westwood Pensionerss

Community Champion - Hucknall

Brenda Shelbourne

Community Champion - Sutton

Lee Hayes

Community Champion - Kirkby

Brian Dykes

Community Champion – Rural

Lynne Stamp