Hucknall salutes its shining stars at Pride awards

Apprentice candidate David Stevenson joined a host of special guests at the event, which was co-hosted by organiser Lachlan Morrison and Myrrah Hibbert.

Councillor Morrison said: “Tonight’s event shows that Hucknall has a wealth of talent and people who are committed to improve our town.

“All of the winners and nominees deserve all the praise in the world, they work hard, dedicate themselves and never ask for any thanks.

“They do it because it’s the right thing to do, and I think that’s fantastic.

Myrrah said: “I know the value that young people give to our society. They don’t get the recognition they deserve.

“I think its wonderful that we have so many young people who want to take care of others and be something.”
Special mention was made of the four men who helped lift the car from the youngster who was injured on Nabbs Lane.

The unsung hero awards were won by Issy Pike, a volunteer at Nottingham Mencap, and Paul Dellaway, a volunteer at the National School, and presented by the leader of Ashfield council coun Cheryl Butler.

The oustanding student and the most improved student awards were presented by Apprentice star David Stevenson, respectively, to Luke Bettridge for his musical talent and Jenna Price, who has ‘exceeded expectations and is on track for a great future.’

But when David dropped a trophy during the presentation, a voice shouted out: “You’re fired!”

Coun David Griffiths presented volunteer awards to Liam Bearne - a corporal in the Air Cadets and also a member of the St Johns Ambulance; Abbie Plaskitt - who volunteers at Rainbows; Kate Turner - a school governor who is involved with the Dolphins Swimming Club and Leen Mills nursery; Kim Challand - a fund-raiser who helps bring school children to the UK from Chernobyl and a key member of the Inner Wheel (Rotary).

The sports awards were presented by David Reed, manager of Tesco to Tahya Fells - a 2nd Dan Blackbelt at taekwondo; Sian Bettridge - an ice-skater who will be competing in the British Championships this year; Isaac Payne - an award-winning golfer; Freya Christie - who reached the girls doubles semi-final at Winbledon where she played on Court 1.

The community champion awards were presented by Janet Archer, of Specsavers. Kayleigh Manning works three days a week after school helping young people with autism; Kaitlyn McLean fundraises to help with her ice skating club and gives blood; David Stapleton spends 11 months of the year preparing for Christmas within the Hucknall community.

The event raised raise over £400 for United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), a charity that helps any child in danger, both overseas and within the UK, and money is still coming in.

Organiser want to thank all who attended, the John Godber Centre, A2B taxis, Specsavers and Tescos for their generous contributions.

The awards scheme was inaugurated in 2008 in memory of Coun Nellie Smedley, a long-serving Hucknall Labour member of Notts County Council, who died in September 2002 at the age of 84.

Friday’s event was dedicated to the memory of the late Coun Ken and Janice Knight, and Nellie’s sister, Louie Bean, who has also died.