Congratulations to our 2019 Winners
Mid Sussex Applauds Awards highlight the fantastic work of individuals and organisations across the district, recognising our connections and celebrating our community.
Chairman of Mid Sussex District Council, Cllr Colin Trumble hosted the new community recognition awards on 13th October in East Grinstead’s Meridian Hall. Awards were presented by sponsors and by High Sherriff of West Sussex Mrs Davina Irwin-Clark.
You can read the full details of the winners and runners up in our Event Programme (2MB PDF)
Category
Young Achiever Award
Description
Against all the odds, someone who has overcome significant obstacles and made a positive difference to their own lives or to other young people through education, campaigning or helping another overcome a difficult situation or personal problem
Winner
Peter McCleery
Peter was instrumental in creating a petition to highlight the issues around the closure of Haywards Heath College. Despite many obstacles, Peter has gone out of his way to help other students to get to their college near to home.2nd place – Oli Saunders
Category
Take Pride in Mid Sussex
Description
This award will recognise residents who dedicate their time and energy into keeping Mid Sussex clean and green, take pride in their local area by creating community gardens, painting local spaces, upcycling or encouraging others to recycle.
Sponsor
Joint Winners
Rob McIntyre and Colin McFarlin
Rob instigated the Balcombe Garden Guerrillas who care for the gardens at Balcombe Station. The gardens have won critical acclaim. He is now involved in renovating Balcombe phone boxes.Colin volunteers as a Waste Prevention Advisor – he has delivered 28 talks to local groups and had notched up 220 hours of volunteering in 2019 alone!
2nd place Burgess Hill Recycling - Terracycle scheme,
3rd place - Richard Inman
Category
Young Volunteer of the Year
Description
Recognising those young people who have made a difference in their local community.
Sponsor
Winner
Ayo Odeyinde
During the summer holidays, Ayo arranged summer sports clubs and did all the work related to it. He is a really valued role model for younger children.Joint 2nd – Nathan White and Stephen Beckett
3rd - Rhea Burman
Category
Lifetime Achievement Award
Description
An individual who has made a substantial commitment to the community in their lifetime.
Winner
Dorothy Lazenby
Dorothy has been running 4Sight lunch clubs for over 38 years! ‘Irreplaceable, inspiring, selfless, committed, thoughtful and kind’ are just a few words used to describe her!2nd - Alan Kelly
3rd - Barbara Alderson
Category
Stronger Together
Description
For an individual who has helped to bring together cultures and communities through a local project or community activity.
Winner
Karen Williams
Karen revived the Duck Fair in World’s End in Burgess Hill. Over 5,000 people attended. Karen ate, slept and breathed the Duck Fair!2nd joint winners – Sarah Cheesmur and Jane Hill
3rd place - Gary Simons
Category
Good Sport Award
Description
A club or individual who has made an outstanding contribution to supporting activity or sport in Mid Sussex.
Sponsor
Winner
Marion Hemsworth
Marion has worked tirelessly to get people running and making running an enjoyable activity available to all. She is a great ambassador for running and proof that your passion can inspire others.2nd - Linda Tullett
3rd - Hurstpierpoint Football Club
Category
Business in the Community Award
Description
Recognising a business which supports or makes a positive contribution to benefit and enhance community life.
Winner
Swoove Fitness - Esther Featherstone
Swoove stands for singing, whooping and moving. The classes are available for everyone, young and old, those with limited mobility and special needs. Swoove has raised over £64,000 for charities and Esther aims to raise £1milion in her lifetime.2nd - Handcross Hardware and Craft Store
Joint 3rd – Mug Tree Tea Room and Mid Sussex Wood Recycling Project
Category
Stronger Communities
Description
A community group or organisation that has helped to bring together cultures and communities through a local project or community activity.
Sponsor
Joint Winners
Sussex Oakleaf and Spire Cafe IT Support
‘Sussex Oakleaf’s The Big Mental Health Pop up’ project was incredibly inspiring. It created mental health awareness for the general public to help reduce stigma and create a discussion platform. It brought a sense of vitality for the community in an area undergoing redevelopment.The Spire Café IT support group hold weekly sessions and are in their 5th year. The team of volunteers are extremely dedicated, unassuming and committed with a wealth of knowledge between them.
2nd place - Sussex Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Community Support Group (Jane Green)
3rd place – Jubilee Hub
Category
Peer Nominated Award
Description
In this category each nominee is given the chance to vote for their favourite in any of the categories.