22 -Mayor’s Civic Awards wins “royal” backing

The prestigious Mayor’s Civic Awards have met with “royal” approval after Dudley’s new Queen of Culture agreed to help judge this year’s nominations.

Pat Wakelam, the newly crowned Queen of Culture, will join the judging panel for the fifth anniversary of the popular awards.

The 59-year-old complementary therapist and belly dancer will help trawl through the dozens of nominations for the four awards.

Pat was picked as the Queen of Culture from hundreds of entries in a borough-wide search to find someone to represent the borough as its cultural ambassador.

Pat Wakelam, Dudley’s Queen of Culture, said:

“I’m really proud to be the Queen of Culture because it will give me the opportunity to do things like this and meet some amazing people who deserve to be recognised for their efforts.

“I hope people will take the opportunity to nominate someone who works tirelessly behind the scenes of this borough and who should be recognised with one of these special awards.”

Dudley Council is now on the lookout for the 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 in this year’s Civic Awards.

There are four categories, which are all named after 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.

To celebrate the milestone fifth anniversary of the ceremony, the Mayor of Dudley, Councillor David Stanley, will also present a new commemorative Mayor’s Award to one lucky person who has stood out to him on his official visits during his year in office.

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

The panel will also be made up of the Councillor David Stanley, Mayor of Dudley; Councillor David Caunt, leader of the council; Councillor Charles Fraser-Macnamara, cabinet member for leisure and culture; Councillor Liz Walker, cabinet member for children’s services and the Bishop of Dudley the Rt Rev David Walker.

People who think they know someone who deserves to be recognised in this year’s awards are being reminded 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 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 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 817 403
Email:	chris.howes@dudley.gov.uk

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