Mid Sussex Applauds our Community Champions
The Mid Sussex Applauds Awards 2021 took place on Sunday 21st of November, highlighting an amazing range of projects and people in our community.
Chairman of Mid Sussex District Council, Councillor Margaret Belsey hosted Mid Sussex Applauds, the community recognition awards, on 21st November at the South of England Showground in Ardingly.
Councillor Belsey commented, “It is fantastic to see so many people from our community, all be it spaced out, being appreciated and rewarded for the amazing work which happens in our district. Being joined by nominators and sponsors in this positive celebratory event makes it a true celebration.”
The 2021 Awards were made in the following eight categories -
Business in the Community Award (sponsored by the Caravan and Motorhome Club)
Winner – Martyn Jupp, Jupp’s Fish and Chip Shop
There have been many kind donations of food and snacks to keep the team of the Clair Hall Vaccination Centre going, but Martyn really has gone above and beyond, donating in excess of 1,200 meals to date - and still counting! It’s especially significant that this comes from a local, sole trader, and it is very much appreciated.
2nd place – Copthorne Pharmacy (Medipharmacy Ltd)
3rd place – Jon Hair Salon
Good Sport Award
Winner – Phillip Coote
Phillip joined East Grinstead Hockey Club in 1989. The club’s ethos is to try and balance performance, grass roots and sport for all, whilst connecting sport, business, education, and community. Phillip has represented all senior men’s sides, winning several national medals along the way.
In a commercial club role since 1994, he has raised almost £1,000,000 in sponsorship.
As well as being Men’s Captain from 2004 to 2010, Philip coached the Under 18 boys to 4 Mercian finals, captained the 2nd XI for 4 years and has most recently become Club Chairman.
2nd place – Jeremy Sandford
3rd place - Crawley Down Gatwick Football Club
Lifetime Achievement Award
Winner – John Foster
John joined Citizens Advice in West Sussex (North, South, East) in 1991 after retiring from his job with the Bank of England where he spent 40 years.
In his role John specialised in Employment and was known for his meticulous approach to cases which helped the clients enormously during what can be quite a nerve-wracking process. From 2003, he joined the County Court Helpdesk in Haywards Heath where he saved many hundreds of people from losing their homes over the years.
The last Judge, Judge Pollard, worked with John before Haywards Heath County Court closed was so impressed with John that he wrote to him personally to thank him when the Court closed.
Citizens Advice in West Sussex (North, South, East) expressed their gratitude for all of John’s hard work over the 30 years he volunteered there saying, “We couldn’t have done as much without him and many people’s lives would not have changed for the better.” John sadly passed away earlier this year and his award was accepted on his behalf by his wife Jill and son Steve.
2nd place – Carey Tighe
3rd place – Heather Warne
Stronger Communities Award (sponsored by CAE)
Winner – Clair Hall Vaccination Volunteers
The wonderful volunteer team at the Clair Hall vaccination centre have turned up - smiling - in all weathers throughout the pandemic and made sure to welcome each patient and help them through the process.
Initially the volunteer team was organised by Lesley and Mike Bright and is now co-ordinated by Joanna Head, who also helps on volunteer shifts. They’ve all done a great service in welcoming and supporting Mid Sussex residents through the vaccination process and even keeping the medical team supplied with teas and coffees! The sheer number and energy of all the team has been massively appreciated.
There are usually between 9 and 13 volunteers for each shift when vaccinations are happening, and 3 shifts on the day.
2nd place – The Kiln Project
3rd place Naomi McBain
Stronger Together Award (sponsored by The Orchards Shopping Centre)
Winner – John Thorpe
John Thorpe has successfully led the community project to build Ansty Village Centre which has been a real collaborative effort between users of the village hall, the sports and social club and cricket club. The new building will host a wide variety of groups and includes a lift and induction loop, giving disability access throughout the centre.
John worked with community groups alongside local Councils to raise the money needed for the project and overcome many challenges along the way.
The project to replace the dilapidated village hall was started more than a decade ago and is now, thanks to John, a great example of what can be achieved by a community working together.
2nd place - Anna Sharkey
3rd place - Maddie Dubois
Young Volunteer of the Year Award (sponsored by Clarion Futures)
Winner – Olly Howland
Olly was a volunteer co-presenter of the weekly Meridian FM Schools Out radio show from 2012 to 2018. He was also a young leader with East Grinstead 8th Scouts from 2018 until the first lockdown in 2020. Olly has also worked as a regular volunteer at the Quarry Café since it opened in 2017, initially helping with the youth cafe then helping with the new Community Fridge. As the Community Fridge grew and was combined with the re-opened Cafe, Olly began volunteering every day. In the last 12 months Olly has contributed over 1,083 hours as a volunteer.
2nd place – Beth Cromie
3rd place – Sabrina Hollister
Take Pride in Mid Sussex Award (sponsored by ID Verde)
Winner – Ken Grocott
Pyecombe Parish Council nominated Ken Grocott for all his work ensuring the Parish is kept clean and tidy. Ken has voluntarily undertaken the upkeep of the grounds at Pyecombe Church which is used by residents for both services and daily reflection. Ken also litter picks throughout the parish keeping the grass verges and pavements clear of litter.
The Parish Council would really like to see Ken recognised for his efforts on behalf of all the residents, which are very much appreciated by everyone.
Joint 2nd place – Katy Burlace (The Remake Store)
Joint 2nd place – Meg King (Scrapless)
Young Achiever Award
Winner – Carla Williams-Wood
When Sussex Clubs for Young People first moved to the Bentswood Hub, Carla went along to assist with the ‘gardening’ of the flower planters in front of the Hub.
Despite Carla facing her own personal challenges she has continued to attend the Bentswood Seniors Youth Club and over the last 12 months has moved gradually from an attendee to a helper. Carla is now signed up as a Young Leader meaning she will be trained up to ‘properly’ assist the Youth Club.
At the Blackland Farm Camp in July she attended as a volunteer young leader and assisted with activities summer program events (all voluntarily) such as the last 2 Skatefests. She also assisted with the sign writing (graffiti style) at the Hub.
She has overcome many personal problems and challenges and has had to grow up very quickly but is now regularly volunteering with Sussex Clubs for Young People and becoming a valued member of staff.
Peer Nominated Award
In this category each nominee is given the chance to vote for their favourite in any of the categories. The winner was – Martyn Jupp, Jupp’s Fish and Chip Shop.
Awards were presented by sponsors and by High Sheriff of West Sussex Neil Hart. Full details of the winners’ stories can be found at www.midsussex.gov.uk/applauds