Horsham’s inspiring groups and individuals recognised during County Times Community Awards

It was a night of tears, laughter and joy yesterday (Monday November 16) as inspiring groups and individuals were celebrated at the County Times Community Awards 2015.
By The Newsroom
Published 17th Nov 2015, 11:23 BST

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County Times Community Awards 2015County Times Community Awards 2015
County Times Community Awards 2015

All nominated by the newspaper’s readers, unsuspecting individuals were overwhelmed as they each went to the stage of the Capitol Theatre to receive their awards.

Now in its seventh year, it is a chance for people to be recognised for what many of them see as just being themselves.

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Some of the youngest awarded were the Ariel Othellos buddies, who took the Best Volunteer Group accolade.

They all help young people with learning disabilities enjoy music, dance and drama with Ariel Company Theatre.

The Othellos themselves received a standing ovation on performing during the interval.

It was also a big night for St Catherine’s Hospice, in what is an already exciting year for the Crawley-based charity.

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They were named Charity of the Year and one of their drivers, Joe Brocking, who has clocked up 7,000 miles driving patients to and from the hospice became Volunteer of the Year for 2015.

An exceptional example of bravery was shown in Best Fundraiser Cpt David Owen of Steyning.

The 85-year-old has raised over £150k for Help For Heroes and he was publicly thanked on stage by James Burns from the charity.

Thursday’s West Sussex County Times will contain photos from the night and full details about the night’s winners in a special eight-page pull-out.

Full list of winners:

Outstanding Teacher

Winner: Paul Sweeney

Sponsor: Presented Wakefield Jewellers

Friend of the Environment

Winner: David Spreadbury-Troy, Ingfield Manor School

Sponsor: Etc magazine

Best Community Organisation

Winner: Phoenix Stroke Club

Sponsor: Ringway

Health Worker Award

Winner: Leigh Robins, Horsham Hospital midwife

Sponsor: Contemporary Garden Rooms

Best Fundraiser

Winner: Cpt David Owen from Steyning

Sponsor: Amberley Museum

Charity of the Year

Winner: St Catherine’s Hospice

Sponsor: The Capitol, Horsham

Good Sport Award

Winner: Paul Showell, teacher at Southwater Junior Academy

Sponsor: Places for People

Care for Animals Awards

Winner: Holbrook Animal Rescue

Sponsor: More Than

Best Neighbour

Winner: David and Hazel Kirkwood from Coldwaltham

Sponsor: Saxon Weald

Volunteer of the Year:

Winner: Joe Brocking, St Catherine’s Hospice driver

Sponsor: UK Power Networks

Best Volunteer Group

Winner: The Ariel Commany Theatre Othellos Buddies

Sponsor: Rotary Club of Horsham

Public Service Award

Winner: Jan English, work experience officer

Sponsor: Horsham District Council

Local Hero

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Winner: Helen Ralston, magistrate, parish councillor and charity volunteer

Sponsor: The Holbrook Club

Special Recognition Award

Winner: Alyson Heath, retiring headteacher of St Mary’s CofE School, Pulborough

Sponsor: Guy Leonard

WSCT Achievement Award

Winner: Joyce Brown, volunteer at St Mary’s Church, Horsham

Sponsor: West Sussex County Times

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