Posted on Tuesday 19th December 2023
Photo of the Chairman and the groups
Eight community groups from Cannock and Lichfield have received a special Unsung Hero award from the Chairman of Staffordshire County Council.
The groups received the award for their invaluable contributions to their local communities.
The new awards have been introduced by the current Chairman at Staffordshire County Council, Cllr Phil Hewitt. Representatives of the groups attended a special celebration event at County Buildings in Stafford on Friday 15 December, where they were presented with their awards.
Groups recognised include:
- Burntwood Breast Care
- Alrewas island volunteers
- Stonnall Coffee Club
- Late Night Listeners of Lichfield
- Bourne Methodist Church
- Zimmer and Shake
- St Mary’s Friendship Club
- Friends of Hednesford Community Volunteers Group
Talking at the ceremony, Cllr Hewitt said:
“There’s a huge amount of fantastic work being done by voluntary groups right across our great county, which we’re all extremely grateful for.
“I think it’s really important that we recognise these amazing contributions, which is why I’ve introduced the Unsung Hero Awards. Through the awards, we can show our appreciation to those individuals and groups and thank them for what they do and for the difference they make in their local communities.
“It was a real privilege for me to present the awards on behalf of the county and I’d like to say a huge well done to the groups involved.”
Pauline Walker from Burntwood Breast Care said:
“On behalf of Burntwood Breast Care, as one of the Founder members, I would like to say how honoured and happy we all are to receive the Chairman's Unsung Hero Award.
“The Group was formed 14 years ago to give love, hope and friendship to ladies with Breast Cancer and a promise that they never need to feel alone before, during or after their cancer journey. The Group meets every 3rd Wednesday of the month, 10.00am - 12.30pm at Burntwood Institute.”
Valerie Neale from the Stonnall Coffee Club said:
“In the late nineteen nineties, the idea was floated that a venue for anyone and everyone, not just from the village, to be able to meet and chat, with moderate refreshments available, would be good for the community. By 1998, it was up and running and we called it The Coffee Club, not a club in the sense that people joined and paid a membership fee, but just a village group gathering where people came along when they wished to.
“After twenty-five years, it remains a happy, lively assembly each Wednesday morning. People enjoy visits out occasionally and there is a Christmas lunch each year at The Beverley Hotel in Walsall. The rent is paid, food and drinks are provided, and the visits and Lunch are all paid for by the two pounds required each week. There are no paid employees. How right we were to set it up all those years ago!
“We didn’t ask for any reward, but now in 2023, out of the blue, our Coffee Club is to receive an award for ‘Unsung Heroes’. We are absolutely delighted and so proud to receive the Award. There are so many unsung heroes at the club, too many to mention by name, but this award is definitely for all of them."
David West-Mullen, Coordinator at Late Night Listeners of Lichfield said:
"The late Night Listeners are quietly overjoyed and very proud of the accolade in being nominated for the Staffordshire County Council's Unsung Heroes Award.
“Our volunteers have been out on the nighttime streets of Lichfield since 2008 (with the exemption of Covid), dispensing hot drinks, biscuits and sweets, flip-flops, warm smiles and a listening ear, as a way of serving people in the City.
“The Listeners are all volunteers with big hearts for making a difference in their local community. The responses and feedback we get from the general public, the police, local security and door staff and Local Council are all positive and hugely encouraging. We often get out of the city visitors telling us that the towns they live in should have something like us too! Over the years, the police have informed us that the area of the City where we set up, sees a significant reduction in anti-social behaviour when we are out and about.”
Angela Deakin from Zimmer and Shake said:
“We are so proud of what we do here, and my ladies are very excited that we have won the award.”
Darrell Mawle (Chair of the Friends of Hednesford Community Volunteers Group) said:
“It was a very pleasant surprise to be recognised with the Chairman’s award this year and it’s a lovely recognition of all the hard work that members of the group put in all year round.
“As well as dressing the town for national celebrations/commemorations, the group also instigates local heritage projects, litter pick events and supports other local volunteer groups at their events".
Margaret Strickland and Jill Baker said:
“We are very pleased to receive this award on behalf of the members of Bourne Methodist Church.
“The Bourne congregation has served Heath Hayes since 1900, offering worship and care. In recent years, we have focused on coffee mornings and lunches, providing an opportunity for people to meet and make new friends. Although our building had to close earlier this year, the work is continuing as coffee mornings move to Heath Hayes library.
“Thanks to all who have supported us. We look forward to seeing you in the future.”
Future awards ceremonies are planned to recognise organisations from across Staffordshire in 2024.