Prize-winners picture special from the LOVE Northumberland Awards
By Ian Smith
Published 22nd Sep 2019, 16:45 BST
Updated 22nd Sep 2019, 16:45 BST
The Duchess of Northumberland has helped to celebrate the very best in community and voluntary environmental work across the county at a special LOVE Northumberland awards ceremony.
Twenty-four groups, organisations, schools and individuals were honoured with winner, runner-up or highly commended awards across seven categories in what has been the 10th year for the awards.
Representatives of all shortlisted entries were invited to attend the event at The Alnwick Garden, which was hosted by BBC Radio Newcastle presenter Anna Foster.
The annual awards were developed by Northumberland County Council through its LOVE Northumberland campaign, with the aim of promoting the work of the council and its many partner organisations, community groups and volunteers who all help to preserve and enhance the environment in the county.
Coun Ian Hutchinson, civic head, said: "All of the shortlisted entries should be very proud of all of their work.
“I have been extremely impressed by the quality and breadth of the work highlighted through the awards - and thank them all, on behalf of the residents and visitors who benefit.Each winning entry in the awards received a £250 prize, each runner-up £100 and highly commended finalists £50, with the money to go towards their project or other work within the local community. Outstanding individuals also received a small cash prize and a trophy.
The annual awards were developed by Northumberland County Council through its LOVE Northumberland campaign, with the aim of promoting the work of the council and its many partner organisations, community groups and volunteers who all help to preserve and enhance the environment in the county.
17. Outstanding individual - Rayer Waddell
Rayer’s mission began almost 3 years ago which also coincided with her age at the time when she began to question the habits of the human race and our lack of respect for the environment which we co-inhabit with our wild and sea life. Rayer noticed the amount of waste which was being discarded from vehicle windows within our local area and began to collect it whilst on family walks without prompt. Photo: No
John set up Blyth Wildlife Rescue, also known as Northumbria Wildlife Rescue
in 2006 and has worked tirelessly for the last 13 years to save thousands of sick and injured animals. Funding has become increasingly difficult to secure and more animals than ever continue to be handed into the charity, with July 2019 seeing over 100 sick and injured hedgehogs alone being admitted, along with similar numbers of wild birds, particularly baby birds and fledglings.
John continues to ensure the rescue, treatment, care, rehabilitation and safe release of wildlife and also deals with domestic and exotic animals when required.
BWR work with members of the public and also take referrals from vets across the North East and have built links with a number of local companies.
John has recruited a network of volunteers who help with fundraising and collection, rescue, rehabilitation and release of wild animals and birds.
There is no charge to the public for the service John and his group of volunteers provide.
John and volunteers also update BWR Facebook page as regularly as they can in the very limited time they have left to give details of the animals and birds that they rescue and care for. By doing this, they help to engage the public,raise awareness of issues affecting wildlife such as pollution, development, injuries caused by strimmers, poisoning,netting, rubbish etc. This encourages people to take an interest in wildlife, their environment and their own responsibilities. Photo: No
19. Outstanding Community, Environmental and Sustainable Transport Champion - Maria Holdsworth
Maria has been nominated for her tireless work in the school which goes above and beyond her role as admin assistant and she makes a massive contribution in helping to enrich the lives of the children and families of the school. Photo: No
20. Highly Commended for Community Action - Tom Grimwood
Tom raises money for local causes by carrying out car parking duties and arrangements for Kielder Rally Car Parking. [Betty his wife, does this too]
He helps organise and has attended all cake stall events at the Kielder Marathons held in October, raising money for the Parish council [along with Betty]!!
He was on the parish council for many years and stood as chair for some of that time.
He provides assistance for the running of the chip and pin fuel station.
He organises and oversees the firework display every year. Builds the bonfire and collects items to burn for the bonfire event and Clears up the debris from the event and the bonfire.
He has given up a lot of his time to the campsite and Kielder Ltd requirements since it's conception in 2004 which is a community run campsite. Tom overseas the running of the Kielder Charity and money which is distributed to good causes in Kielder Village.
For general 'assistance' Tom has been your man. Everything he does is all on a volunteer basis, he has been a help to anyone whom needs it in Kielder Village and most importantly has the interests of people in the village at heart. Photo: No