Inspiring heroes have been recognised for their devotion and positive contributions to the local community at the Mayor of Hertsmere’s Civic Awards Ceremony.
The Mayor, Councillor Chris Myers, presented ten awards to members of the community, including a special award for our longest serving staff member during a remarkable ceremony held at the DoubleTree by Hilton on Sunday 14 April. Winners received a framed certificate and glass award in front of a distinguished audience of dignitaries, councillors and community members.
Among the individuals recognised for their hard work and contribution to society were: Amanda Barbanel, Co-Founder of Give. Help. Share. – a charity dedicating time to local food distribution and providing food education workshops; Zachary Ekpe, who goes above and beyond to provide care home residents with innovative activates; Friends of King George, a group of volunteers who protect and enhance the King George VI recreation ground; Joshua Moont and Amir Choudhury, both recognised for working to maintain positive community relations; WD6 Food Support, who have served the community with food and kindness, dedicating their time to feed those in need and maintain livelihoods and Lisa Worrell, a widely respected community campaigner, recognised for her kindness and substantial fundraising for charity.
Additionally, the Youth Civic Award was awarded to Watford Ocean Warriors, a group of inspirational students who dedicated their time to complete a channel swim and raised over £11,300 for Rennie Grove Peace Hospice.
A special 50th Anniversary Community Award was presented to Alan Murphy, a volunteer at the RAF Air Cadets, who is an inspirational role model to the Cadets and supports community events to help various charities and partakes in the Remembrance Sunday Parade.
A Longest Serving Employee Award was presented to Sharon Richards, who has worked at Hertsmere Borough Council since 1982, showing outstanding commitment.
Lastly, The Dave Rankin Award for community safety was awarded to Zoe Crossan, Community Safety Co-Ordinator for the Hertsmere and Welwyn Hatfield District at Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, who has gone the extra mile to make Hertsmere a healthier, happier, safer place to live, work and visit, whilst making the fire service more accessible to all and ensuring diversity is celebrated.
Mayor Myers said: “I feel truly privileged to have presented these awards to the wonderful unsung heroes of Hertsmere.
“I am taken aback by the selflessness and generosity these individuals and groups display in their day to day lives. By going the extra mile, they inspire everyone around them and are so deserving of this award. I would like to thank them all for their positive contribution to our borough.”
Nominations for the awards were invited in January 2024 and the winners were selected by a panel of judges.
Each award winner’s story has been captured in a short film clip, shot and edited by Written Records Ltd and are available to view on our YouTube channel and our website at hertsmere.gov.uk/civicawards. They will also be posted across our social media channels over the coming weeks.
Posted on Monday 15th April 2024