Examiner Community Awards: Services to the Community

Jun 16 2009 By Andrew Hirst

The couple live opposite Oakes Baptist Church where Richard runs the youth clubs for five to 24-year-olds.

Kim said: "Richard is passionate to see young people choosing to get involved in sports, games and other activities rather than choosing drink or drugs or criminal activities.

"Even when Richard is faced with challenging and antisocial behaviour, he gives chance after chance for people to try again.

"Some young people appreciate the time and effort Richard puts into this work, others don’t.

"But Richard values each young person he has contact with and perseveres through thick and thin to provide a safe place for them just to be kids.

"Richard is the young people’s hero of Oakes."

Laurie Minney

REMARKABLE Laurie Minney is nominated for his service to local scouting.

The 78-year-old from Meltham has been involved in the Scout movement ever since the beginning of the Second World War.

He became a Scout leader in 1949 and joined the 5th Holme Valley Meltham Group as a leader in 1953.

He was awarded scouting’s highest award, The Silver Wolf, in recognition for his long and outstanding service.

The loyal Huddersfield Town supporter is looking forward to the awards ceremony at the Galpharm Stadium.

He said there has been increasing interest in scouting in the past few years, but there is always a need for more Scout leaders in the area.

"There are more and more girls signing up because they feel they can do outdoor activities like canoeing,’’ he said.

"These days there’s even badges for computers which obviously there wasn’t in my day."

Friend Leslie Chadwick nominated Laurie for the award.

He said: "Laurie is a fantastic, remarkable person in that he has no transport of his own and travels everywhere on foot or by public transport.

"I cannot think of anyone, past or present, who deserves this award more than Laurie."