8 - Dudley’s unsung heroes to be honoured in special Civic Awards anniversary

The search is on to find Dudley’s unsung heroes, as the annual Mayor’s Civic Awards reaches its fifth anniversary.

To celebrate the milestone, an exciting new award is being added to the coveted list of honours, called the Mayor’s Award.

The Civic Awards give people the chance to highlight those working tirelessly in their community. Dudley Council is now on the lookout for those silent stars who have made an outstanding contribution to the community or who have set an inspiring example to others through their efforts and determination.

There are four categories, which are all named after the borough’s greats, and organisers are asking people to nominate someone who they feel deserves borough-wide recognition.

Nominees will compete for 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.

To celebrate the fifth anniversary, the Mayor of Dudley, Councillor David Stanley, will give a special award, The Mayor's Award, to one person who has stood out to him during his year in office.

Nominations cannot be put forward for this particular award. A judging panel will decide the other four categories.

Nominations for this year’s awards open this week and people will be able to put names forward until February 8.

The Mayor of Dudley, Councillor David Stanley, said:

“This is a very special year for the Civic Awards which have reached a milestone fifth anniversary.

“Every year we get a fantastic range of nominations from all corners of the borough and meet people who have achieved great things or gone above and beyond what is expected of them.

“Again the council wants to hear about these people and recognise their achievements locally and I would therefore urge residents to nominate someone they know who’s worthy of an award.

“The awards have proved a huge success over the past four years, but I hope it will be an extra special year this year as we celebrate the fifth anniversary. I'm delighted to be launching an additional award, the Mayor's Award to mark the milestone.

People who think they know someone who deserves to be recognised in this year’s awards are now being invited to put forward their nominations.

Nominations must be in by February 8 and the winner and one runner-up in each category will be announced in early March. They will be presented with their prize – a trophy and a certificate by the Mayor of Dudley, Councillor David Stanley at a civic ceremony in March.

People can nominate online at www.dudley.gov.uk from today or can pick up a nomination form from libraries and leisure centres across the borough from early next week. 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 8.

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:	Chris Howes
Telephone:	01384 817403
Email:	chris.howes@dudley.gov.uk

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