Civic awards

The 2018 awards ceremony took place at the Civic Hall, Grays on Friday 23 February. Awards were presented in 9 categories.

Our main sponsor for the Civic Awards 2018 was Rockfire Capital Limited.

Mayor's award for Lifetime Achievement

Sponsored by Port of Tilbury

A very special life time achievement award celebrating a person for their outstanding contribution and dedication to the borough over their lifetime.

Nominees were:

• Sue Gray
• Len Orpin
• Philip Taynton – winner
• Damien Walters
• Susan Wilsdon

Phil Taynton has shown exceptional care and empathy for decades. He has taken the trouble to knock on the door and deliver Bulphan's post in person with a smile and a wave. For some elderly residents living alone, he is one of the only people they get to see. He will always have a chat and find out who their friends are if he feels concerned. He is a brilliant community-minded individual, always looking out for people and their homes.

Stronger Together Community award

Sponsored by Stronger Together Partnership

This award recognises an individual, community group or organisation who is involved in bringing together communities through a local project or community event. Or one which has excelled in supporting local communities to support themselves.

Nominees were:

• Qaisar Abbas
• George Abbott
• Loraine Coleman
• Samantha Kahn and Nicola Walker – National Autistic Society, Thurrock – winner
• Prince's Trust

Sam Kahn and Nicky Walker set up the National Autistic Society, Thurrock branch, 2 years ago They work hard to promote autism awareness in Thurrock. The NAS family is a fantastic, caring and supportive environment for parents, carers and their children. They make all families feel welcome from the moment they enter the doors. They are both wonderful and selfless, deserving deserve recognition for how many lives they have touched and changed for the better.

Creative Excellence award

Sponsored by Thurrock Gazette

For an individual or organisation that contributed to raising the profile of the arts in the Thurrock; art, 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.

Nominees were:

• Daryl Branch
• Karen Glazzard
• Nadine Herrett – winner
• Dianne Lee
• Jane Lock

Nadine Herrett has been running Legends Theatre School in Grays for over 15 years, and has seen hundreds – if not thousands – of local children through the doors, encouraging them to develop both socially and personally. She shows great passion for the children and invests a lot of time and effort into their education and future. Nadine and her teachers inspire the children every week.

Sporting Achievement award

Sponsored by Love Grays

For an individual or club that has contributed to a lasting sporting legacy in Thurrock by promoting or encouraging more participation in sport or by representing Thurrock in their sport. It is also to celebrate and thank those who give their time to working behind the scenes at local sporting clubs and groups.

Nominees were:

• Jean Jones – winner
• Jenny Hurley
• Zachary Morrison
• Thameside Primary School PE Team
• Thurrock Swimming Club

Jean Jones will soon be 80 years-old and has given more than 60 years' service to Thurrock netball. She has taught netball to all ages, referees and still runs a team. Jean is Thurrock netball. She still umpires many games, even though she has mobility problems. She is surely the oldest person still actively involved in helping everyone enjoy netball. It's hard to see her ever giving up!

Environmental Champion award

Recognising those who work 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.

Nominees were:

• Raymond Cossington
• Madstone Ltd – winner
• Geoff Stringfellow

Madstone shows amazing generosity to the community every year. They support Holocaust Memorial Day by maintaining the memorial all year round, free of charge. They have freely supported Burma Star Association and Passchendaele commemorations, always going the extra mile. They also donated, delivered and installed a dance machine for the Prince’s Trust Mobile Bus. There are many more examples besides.

Young Achiever award

Sponsored by HW Wilson Ltd

This award celebrates an inspirational young person who has made an outstanding contribution to the local community, demonstrating leadership, commitment and enthusiasm (25 years old and under).

Nominees were:

• Lucy Boatman
• Courtney-Lee Collins – winner
• Daisy Kirby
• Francesca McEwen
• Jordhi Nullatamby

Courtney-Lee Collins is a Young Ambassador for 'Follow Your Dreams', supporting young people with special needs and learning difficulties. She has also donated over £10,000 and thousands of items to many charities. She goes to Basildon Hospital children's wards dressed as Anna from Disney's Frozen, and also finds time to help care for her sister who has severe special needs. She has applied to be a telephone befriender with Age UK. She is totally selfless.

Business in the Community award

Sponsored by Amazon

Thurrock has many outstanding businesses that play a crucial role in the economic well-being and improvement of life in the borough. This award recognises the businesses that have invested in Thurrock to make it a better place to live and work.

Nominees were:

• Sara Lewis and Jacki Milne – Cedar Hall Clinic
• Peter Wiffen – HW Wilson Ltd
• Hana Gunfield – intu Lakeside
• Madstone Ltd
• TIME – Therapy In Musical Expression – winner

TIME staff take great care in making sure every individual – regardless of their disability or background – receives equal opportunity to be creative and express themselves. Their sessions develop confidence, provide social interaction, aid motor skills and assist with communication. Witnessing participants' reactions when they hear their own creative ideas released via the likes of iTunes, and seeing them express themselves in front of a live audience, is a complete joy.

Healthy Living award

Sponsored by Procter and Gamble

For an individual or organisation that has improved their own or the health and well-being of their local community.

Nominees were:

• Folake Afelumo
• Vanessa Papworth for Chafford 100 Running Group
• Peter Eates and Elizabeth Cox – winner
• Jackie Hansen
• Trevor Rawson

Elizabeth Cox and Peter Eates took over as Events Directors of Thurrock Parkrun in February 2017. Without their inspirational leadership, the event would not happen. They coordinate, train and motivate volunteers, making sure the event is safe for the Parkrunners. They fund-raised for the Chafford Hundred First Responders and helped develop a Parkrun community cafe. Above all, they bring an element of fun into getting people active.

Rachel Middleton award

For an individual who has shown extreme personal courage in the face of adversity through illness or disability – a particularly special award in memory of Rachel Middleton who fought a brave battle with cystic fibrosis but, while waiting for a heart and lung transplant, sadly died at the age of 18. Rachel’s courage was an inspiration to everyone as she campaigned tirelessly for the nation to carry donor cards, highlighting her personal struggle in the hope of helping those in a similar situation.

Nominees were:

• Patricia Carroll
• Vivienne Crouch
• Ian Evans
• Katie Yoxall-Davies – winner

Katie Yoxall-Davies has a very complex heart condition, as well as another rare condition that affects her joints, her skin and internal organs. Although Katie feels unwell everyday, she is a very determined young lady. Katie's Heart Appeal raised over £35,000, which has funded 12 public access defibrillators for Thurrock, provided support for Stanford and Corringham First Responders, funded Brompton Hospital days out for children with heart conditions, and much more. Katie is truly inspirational.