AWARDS have been handed out to Rugby’s best and brightest at the seventh annual Pride of Rugby Awards.
The winners were announced at Coombe Abbey Hotel on Friday (May 10) at a ceremony hosted by Rugby FM presenters Jason Moss and Liam Clarke and attended by over 350 people.
The awards celebrated the best businesses, individuals and community organisations across the district and their achievements.
Among them was Stephen Spooner, who received a Special Award for raising funds and awareness for Sudden Adult Death Syndrome. Since his son Joe died suddenly from the condition at the age of just 15 in 2005, Stephen has raised enough money to install defibrillators in several venues across the area which have already saved lives.
Special Award winner Stephen Spooner.
Mike Slater also received a Special Award for decades of dedication to a number of wildlife charities. In 1997 he set up the Warwickshire branch of Butterfly Conservation. He leads tours and talks to groups to educate others in the importance of conservation and about diverse local flora and fauna. He was the driving force in turning the Ryton Landfill site into the Ryton Wood Meadows Reserve, now known as the most biodiverse area in Warwickshire.
Special Award winner Mike Slater.
The Rugby Borough Pride Award went to Annette Collier of Warwickshire Young Carers. Judges recognised her ability to engage with families and individuals in a way that provides not just the support that individuals need but often at a time of crisis, when they really need it.
Annette Collier won the Rugby Borough Pride Award.
Wendy Huckle received the Citizen of the Year award for her “tireless” work as Services Manager at Families First, which provides support for vulnerable families in Rugby and guidance for people with a friend or family member in prison, as well as helping those experiencing domestic violence.
Wendy Huckle received the Citizen of the Year award.
The Team of the Year award was given to the Hill Street Youth and Community Centre for their “passion to really make a difference” and “achieve phenomenal results for the community they care for”.
Steve Orchard, Chief Executive of award organisers Rugby FM, said: “These prestigious awards have grown to become the ‘must attend’ highlights of the borough’s calendar.
“They provide a platform for what would otherwise remain untold stories. These stories are about achievement, citizenship, teamwork, excellence and community spirit.
“Through Pride of Rugby we aim to make people, businesses and organisations around here famous”.
Pride of Rugby Awards – 2019 Winners
Business of the Year – My Perfect Cosmetics Company
Small Business of the Year – Edge DPM
Business Person of the Year – Emma Smith, The Road Ahead Driving School
Hospitality Business of the Year – On The Rocks
Town Centre Business of the Year – Gallachers of Rugby
Team of the Year – Hill Street Youth and Community Centre
Customer Care Award – Anya Court Care Home
Educator of the Year – Andrew Moorcroft
Citizen of the Year – Wendy Huckle
Young Achiever of the Year – Blayne Roy Bennett
Carer of the Year – Hayley Lloyd
Long Service Volunteer of the Year – John Lynch
Community Impact Award – Rugby Foodbank Warehouse Team
Rugby Borough Pride Award – Annette Collier
Special Award – Mike Slater
Special Award – Stephen Spooner
