8 - Nominations flood in for Mayor’s Civic Awards

Nominations have been pouring in for the Mayor’s Civic Awards – from the world of sport, education, community and art.

The Mayor’s Civic Awards is celebrating its fifth anniversary, in the search for unsung heroes across the borough.

Dudley Council has received almost 50 nominations for a range of exceptional people including a school reading volunteer, a popular football club boss, a champion kickboxer and several prolific charity fundraisers.

There are four categories, all named after the borough’s greats - the Duncan Edwards award for sport, the Cedric Hardwicke award for arts, the Frank Foley award for community spirit and the Thomas Attwood award for education.

Councillor David Stanley, Mayor of Dudley, said:

“We have been very impressed with the nominations we have had so far, which again show some secret stars in Dudley.

“It is always wonderful to hear about people working so hard in their communities and I am looking forward to meeting some of them at the awards ceremony.”

To mark the fifth anniversary a new award has been added called The Mayor’s Award, which will be presented by Councillor Stanley to someone who has stood out to him during his civic engagements.

A judging panel will decide the four categories, but the Mayor will make his personal choice for the Mayor’s Award.

The winners and runners-up in each category will be announced at a ceremony in early March, along with the winner of the Mayor’s Award. They will be presented with their prize – a trophy and a certificate by the Mayor of Dudley, Councillor David Stanley.

People can nominate online at www.dudley.gov.uk or can pick up a nomination form from libraries and leisure centres across the borough. Alternatively contact marketing and communications on 01384 817 403 for a form.

Send completed forms to Civic Awards nominations, Marketing and Communications Unit, Dudley Council, FREEPOST MID22308, Dudley, DY1 1BR by February 15.

Note to Editors

The Duncan Edwards awards for sport is named after Dudley’s most famous footballing son who tragically died aged 21, in the 1958 Munich air disaster. This is for those who have achieved in any sport. They may have represented a group, borough or even the country or overcome adversity such as illness or disability to achieve a personal goal. It is also to celebrate and thank those who give their time to working behind the scenes at our local sporting clubs and groups.

Last year, Olympic 2008 hopeful Ryan Bradley won the Duncan Edwards award for sport. Ryan, from Lower Gornal, won bronze as part of the men’s artistic gymnastics team at the 2005 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne

The Cedric Hardwicke Award for arts is in memory of Sir Cedric, born at Lye Cross in 1893. He went on to become a legend of the British stage and a leader of the British community in Hollywood. This is for people who have contributed to raising the profile of the arts in the borough – whether it be 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.

Ivan Brydges, from Halesowen, picked up the Cedric Hardwicke award for arts last year. Ivan was the founder member of the Solar Service, a voluntary group which co-ordinates backstage lighting and technical support for shows performed by groups including Brierley Hill Operatic Society.

The Frank Foley Award for community spirit honours the man dubbed the British Schindler. Frank risked his life to save 10,000 Jews while working as an MI6 agent in Berlin. This is for people who make an outstanding contribution to the community – whether it’s popping in on a neighbour every day, organising or supporting community, sports, or arts groups, or improving the locality for the benefit of everyone.

Last year, Anne Adams, from Woodsetton won the Frank Foley award for community spirit. Anne was the founder and chairman of the Dudley Stroke Association Club and has been involved in the group for over 25 years.

The Thomas Attwood Award for education remembers a man, born in Halesowen in 1783, who was a leader for parliamentary reform. Thomas was instrumental in bringing about the 1832 Reform Act – which gave counties and large towns greater representation in parliament and virtually tripled the electorate. This award is for those who go above and beyond the call of duty to improve the standard of education in the borough. This may be someone who gives up their time to help at an after school club or who offers support to learners of all ages.

The Thomas Attwood award for education was awarded to Antony Tatford, a teacher at Pedmore College and Community School in 2007, in recognition of his 35 years at the school.

The Mayor will make his personal choice for the Mayor’s Award and present it to someone who he feels has stood out to him during civic engagements this year.

News Release Contact Information

Name:	Katherine Finney
Telephone:	01384 815232
Email:	katherine.finney@dudley.gov.uk

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