It has become one of Huddersfield’s most brilliant nights – and its stars are nominated by you.
Today we start the search for this year’s unsung heroes and heroines from across Kirklees and parts of Calderdale to honour them at the Examiner Community Awards which this year will be held in early June.
The glittering ceremony will be staged at the John Smith’s Stadium on Wednesday, June 3, hosted by ITN newsreader Nina Hossain, who comes from Huddersfield.
Examiner editor Roy Wright said: “These will be our 16th annual awards and it never cease to amaze us at the lengths people will go to support charities, carry out vital community work, show immense kindness to the old, disabled and vulnerable and achieve what is often seemingly impossible against all the odds.
“Then there is the town’s sporting prowess along with its phenomenal reputation for music and the arts.
“It’s not so much about who walks away with the trophy at the end of the evening. The awards are a tremendous way to showcase what is great about our circulation area and anyone shortlisted will be guaranteed publicity which can massively boost their charity, good cause or sports team.”
People now have a month to make their nominations with the deadline for entries on Friday, March 13.
The judges will then draw up a shortlist of three in each of the 14 categories and each will be highlighted in the Examiner in the fortnight before the awards. All those shortlisted will be invited to the event and the winner will be revealed on the night.
The judges decide the winner of the 15th and final award, the Achievement Award, although readers are welcome to send in suggestions.
The 14 categories up for nomination are in the panel on this page. Entry forms can be downloaded from the event website www.examinercommunityawards.co.uk or you can call 01484 437702 or email awards@examiner.co.uk
One of the previous winners has gone from strength to strength over the last couple of years after their profile was hugely raised by the community awards
Mental health charity Support to Recovery (S2R) and their project The Packhorse Gallery won the Examiner Community Arts Award in 2013.
The gallery’s innovative approach provides a creative platform to people who have mental health issues, raising its awareness of to the wider community.
Project co-ordinator Tracy Bodle said: “Immediately following the awards, S2R were contacted by the Vice Chancellor of The University of Huddersfield, Bob Cryan, who suggested a progression route. We followed his advice and after a number of assessments were duly awarded The Duke of York Award for Community Initiative. This award stands for five years as recognition of exceptional community projects.
“Later the Packhorse Gallery was approached by the community involvement manager at Cummins Turbo Technology to become one of their 20 recognised charitable partners alongside other charities such as Kirkwood Hospice, Huddersfield Methodist Mission and the Safe Anchor Trust.”
Tracy added: “There has been further creative development within S2R. Currently we are providing three existing projects – The Packhorse Gallery and The Great Outdoors offering creative and environmental opportunities, each promoting mental wellbeing and resilience, and have recently opened Create Space in the Packhorse Shopping Centre to offer creative community workshops. Relaxation, mindfulness and wellbeing courses are also available to book in advance. All sessions are open to adults for a small fee.”
For more information contact S2R on contact@s2r.org.uk 01484 539531 or packhorse.gallery@gmail.com
