Community Awards 2022

Throughout the month of July, nomination forms were made available across local community spaces, including pubs, community centres and local businesses, whilst an online form was made available via posters and social media to reach as many people as possible.

The request – to nominate those people who go that extra mile to help others, support people and care for people. Those that share their skills, time, and energy with others, people who bring people together and strengthen our community.

By 31st July, 75 people from the local community had been nominated. Thursday, 8th September 2022, saw the inaugural awards evening for Springfield, Beech Hill and Gidlow Community Superstars.

Despite the weather taking a turn last minute, nothing could have put a dampener on the special evening. On arrival, attendees were greeted with prosecco or fruit juice before finding somewhere to sit on the delicately decorated tables. A big turnout of nominees ensured the light buffet was certainly not wasted before the evening got going with a wonderful and energetic dance performance by local young talent at FLD Street Dance.

News of The Queen’s death broke early on during the awards evening. Still, the consensus in the room was to continue to recognise and celebrate the people present and their contribution to the community. It was fitting to have Phyllis Cullen, our very active and dedicated Local Ward Councillor, present the awards.
The first award of the evening was given to Emma O’Brien. At the beginning of the pandemic, she created a Facebook group to bring us all together.

Maybe we wouldn’t be growing such a connected community if it wasn’t for Emma. Another thing that happened early in the pandemic is that a few people started getting together to bring the community garden back to life. That group is still working and growing together. A good few of those received nominations.

Glynis Manger was nominated for almost single handily maintaining St Anne’s community garden. Offering a warm welcome, much-needed advice and guidance to those who later got involved.

Amanda for being so positive and proactive with the garden. Dedicated, organising and building all sorts to make it a nice place to be in.

Martha was nominated for being an incredible member of the gardening group since the very start of the pandemic. She goes to the garden in the sunshine and rain, helping to cut the grass, clear the weeds and planting.

Victoria, who couldn’t be with us on the night, has invigorated the garden efforts by introducing wildlife to the garden through a small pond and wildflowers.

They are not the only green-fingered people in the area. Howard and Rene have spent endless hours transforming an overgrown, unloved, abused piece of land in Springfield into a beautiful and blooming garden for everyone to enjoy.

Rachel was nominated for organising and providing sunflower seeds across the community and for being a good neighbour, connecting her street and sharing her baking skills generously with others. Not the only ones from her street to be nominated – Phil Palmer and Kathy Evans were recognised for helping others that live close by.

At the start of the pandemic, people also started to worry about food poverty and food waste or even getting hold of food; we all remember what happened with the toilet rolls! A group of people came together to offer a weekly food pantry. Aileen greeted everyone with a smile, brought humour and really went out of her way to help people.

Margaret was a formidable force on the fruit stall until Mervyn took over with commitment and dedication.

Angela helped manage the tinned table, provided recipes to incorporate available food, and helped with marketing.

Whilst Amanda, Julie, Nick and Sian provided some much-needed and generous support to running the food pantry. Whether that be moral, financial or physical support, it was much needed and appreciated by all. Some people like David and Julie supported the pantry behind the scenes.

David set up a box for donations at work. He provided much-needed supplies whilst Julie set up member cards, provided Christmas hampers and loaded half a tonne of beans in and out of her car!

There were some who helped at the pantry who received other nominations too. After offering to collect stock, Phil quickly became a real community connector, supporting Brew and Biscuits, fixing bikes and looking out for those around him in the community.

Alison received nominations for her tireless efforts to make the streets clean, spending hours litter picking and supporting community events.

Megan helped at the pantry and organised a party in the park to celebrate The Queen’s jubilee. There were other people too who Megan recognised for organising the jubilee party and making it happen, including Caitlyn, Nikki and Jimmy, who all received awards.

One of the first sets of nominations that we received was from Colette. She wanted to recognise how carers employed by Care Choice North West looked after her Dad. We saw just how important carers were during the pandemic. It was a really worrying time for those who had elderly parents who relied on care. The four recognised carers were Christina, Laura Jane, Sam and Natalie.

They were not the only people to be nominated from Care Choice. Paige was also recognised for supporting the pantry and bringing people together for a Christmas meal with all the trimmings. .

Other community-minded organisations that received nominations included Paul at Gidlow Plaice. He opened up and cooked to provide a ‘chippy’ to the homeless, supported the dog show and gifted the food pantry 70 selection boxes at Christmas for children.
Leah and Jess at Double B’s support all community events in whatever way they can.

Louise at Wigan Council for providing the community with preloved bikes, gift sets and games and avoiding landfill.

Donna at the Hen Hole for always providing a warm welcome to a group and a space to have tea and biscuits while they chat and leave crumbs everywhere. She even accommodated them when the pub was refurbished despite having minimal space.

Pauline, who works at the Brick on Gidlow Lane, was nominated for helping people when they really need it. Jennifer is a local podiatrist who takes care of people in many kind and thoughtful ways, not just their feet. Stuart at Coop Funeral Care for supporting the local community in so many ways. Encouraging people to get together in grief, supporting the dog show, pantry, residents in dementia care settings and much more.

Diane of FLD dance received an award for supporting community events, including International Women’s Day, the dog show and this evening.

Terry and Carly from teas were also nominated for supporting a family during a difficult time. Julie and Elise at the Wellfield Hotel for opening the doors to many community groups to meet.

We can sometimes forget about the people involved in bringing the community together for years, sometimes as part of a faith group or Church, or sometimes in a community project like Bookcyle.

We’ve had a few nominations from the St Andrews Church Community, Sandra , for being an endless inspiration, giving time, money, and so much thought into providing space and time for friends and the wider community. Jean for her witty writing, compassion, companionship, and care. Irene was nominated for being there for friends and others who are isolated, providing meals, taking people shopping and volunteering and Tracy for her involvement in girl guides.

From St Annes Church Community, Susan was nominated for her commitment to the running and organisation of the community centre.

We’re also lucky to have The BookCycle in our community too. Joan, the founder, was nominated for her vision, passion, and determination to keep and maintain this community space which provides a safe haven for many people and groups. Some of which were also recognised. Kay for being a godsend and creating a weekly space for anyone affected by cancer. Pauline bravely set up a weekend crafting group and nominated Susan, Olivia and Diana for their support.

Two teachers from Beech Hill Primary School were nominated; Mrs Whittle for her support to parents and pupils and Miss Pennington for making children feel special with her positive and warm personality.

Many nominations were received for people who go out of their way for others and don’t even realise how much what they do matters. The unsung heroes are often shocked to hear they’ve been nominated for an award. There are so many of them:

Susan received 5 nominations and was described as a doctor, social worker, financial advisor, and mother figure to people in the community, always helping others with care and kindness.

Sam received 3 nominations, and we can see why there is nothing this woman won’t do to help those around her despite having an already busy life.

Lisa Sedgwick for bringing an incredible friend when people really needed it and for organising activities for others in the community. Lisa Slee brings a smile to the community every day in her role as a lollipop lady despite the weather and the challenges of the job. Vicky received 3 nominations for contributing her skills, time and energy to many community activities.

Lianne for being incredibly brave in her quest to help others while trying to change things for the better. Jo quietly gets involved in community events, helps others and cooks a mean salad!

John was nominated as instrumental in the community dog show, planning, raising sponsors, and judging. Ben for sharing his passions generously with the community and being a wonderful neighbour. Joanne offered her skills to women across the community for International Women’s Day and supported the pantry.

Lawrence is a bit of a legend across the community, having taught most people at some point. Lawrence was nominated for the time and dedication he shares with others in many ways, including performing at charity events and coaching children across various sports.

Marcus was recognised for his efforts to keep people’s spirits up by designing and delivering thousands of ‘Keep Wigan Safe’ posters. Jude was nominated for her commitment to reducing litter and keeping the area clean and tidy for everyone.

A few people couldn’t attend on the evening, including Ron, Angela, Frank and Sandra, all nominated for their efforts to neighbours and the wider community.

Sometimes we forget about young people, how important they are in a community, and how much the future depends on them. Another 3 young people were recognised, Isaac and Elliot, for holding stalls to raise money for the community and Erika, who won Scout of The Year and is a great friend and support to others.

Special recognition was given to Councilor Phyl Cullen. Phyl received 6 nominations, and they acknowledge the tireless efforts she goes to for the people of this ward. She is always trying her best to help those she represents. Phyl is active, approachable, and passionate about what matters to others, whether housing, traffic, environment or something else. She will do whatever she can to ensure people get what is fair and just.

Giving a short but succinct speech, Phyl expressed her gratitude for the many magnificent people in the room who give their time and energy to our community. Commenting on how truly blown away she was by what she’d heard.

Rounding off the evening and receiving his award, after receiving the most nominations, Ryan sang us out with a popular rendition of ‘Sweet Caroline. Ryan was recognised for keeping spirits up during lockdown, singing regularly on his street, being a genuinely good guy and always helping others.

What was evident in the room was that this is a community full of hope and kindness. Full of people who make the world a better place. A huge sense of gratitude and warmth filled the air as people made their way home from what was a truly special occasion.