We are proud to announce the Mid Sussex Applauds 2021 winners for the following categories:

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

CARLA WILLIAMS-WOOD

When Sussex Clubs for Young People first moved to the Bentswood Hub, Carla came along to assist with the ‘gardening’ of the flower planters in front of the Hub.
Despite Carla facing her own personal challenges, she has continued to attend the Bentswood Seniors Youth Club and over the last 12 months has moved gradually from an attendee to a helper. We are now also signing her up as a Young Leader meaning we will be training her up to ‘properly’ assist the Youth Club.
At the Blackland Farm Camp in July she attended as a volunteer young leader and assisted with activities and during the present summer program she has assisted at several events (all voluntarily) such as the last 2 Skatefests where she has helped with the craft activities. She also assisted with the sign writing (graffiti style) at the Hub.
She has overcome many personal problems and challenges and has had to grow up very quickly but is now regularly volunteering with Sussex Clubs for Young People and becoming a valued member of staff.

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.

KEN GROCOTT

Pyecombe Parish Council would like to nominate Ken Grocott for all his work ensuring the Parish is kept clean and tidy. Ken has voluntarily undertaken the upkeep of the grounds at Pyecombe Church. The church is used by local residents for both services and daily reflection and the grounds upkeep plays an important part in this. Ken also litter picks throughout the parish keeping the grass verges and pavements clear of litter. The Parish Council would really like to see Ken recognised for his efforts on behalf of all the residents, which are very much appreciated by everyone!

Recognising those young people who have made a difference in their local community.

OLLY HOWLAND

Olly was a volunteer co-presenter of the weekly Meridian FM Schools Out radio show from 2012 to 2018. He was a young leader with East Grinstead 8th Scouts from 2018 until the first lockdown in 2020. Olly has also worked as a regular volunteer at the Quarry Cafe since it opened in 2017, initially helping with the youth cafe after school one day a week. With the first lockdown, when the cafe temporarily closed, Olly helped with the new Community Fridge.
Initially he helped to share out surplus fresh food outside the Cafe and deliver their ready meals to local vulnerable residents.
As the Community Fridge grew and was combined with the re-opened Cafe, Olly began volunteering every day. In the last 12 months Olly has contributed over 1,083 hours as a volunteer. He is a highly valued member of the team and is competent in all aspects of their work.

An individual who has made a substantial commitment to the community in their lifetime.

JOHN FOSTER

ohn joined Citizens Advice in West Sussex (North, South, East) in 1991 after retiring from his job with the Bank of England where he spent 40 years.
In his role John specialised in Employment and was known for his meticulous approach to cases which helped the clients enormously during what can be quite a nerve-wracking process. From 2003, he joined the County Court Helpdesk in Haywards Heath where he saved many hundreds of people from losing their homes over the years.
The last Judge, Judge Pollard, worked with John before Haywards Heath County Court closed was so impressed with John that he wrote to him personally to thank him when the Court closed.
“John had a quiet, gentle manner, which endeared him to many of our clients who would ring in and ask for Mr. Foster. Both those qualities and his sense of humour endeared him to staff and volunteers alike”.
Citizens Advice in West Sussex (North, South, East) are so grateful for all of John’s hard work over the 30 years he volunteered for us. We couldn’t have done as much without him and many people’s lives would not have changed for the better.

For an individual who has helped to bring together cultures and communities through a local project or community activity.

JOHN THORPE

John Thorpe has successfully led the community project to build Ansty Village Centre which has been a real collaborative effort between users of the village hall, the sports and social club and cricket club. The new building will host a wide variety of groups including arts and crafts and gardening clubs, cricket and football clubs, snooker and darts teams, fitness classes and community events, such as afternoon teas, skittles, race nights and parties. The building includes a lift and induction loop and provides disability access throughout the centre.
John worked with community groups alongside local Councils to raise the money needed for the project and ensured that the building design met the needs of a wide range of users. He has worked throughout the build phase overcoming many challenges along the way.
The project to replace the dilapidated village hall was started more than a decade ago and is now, thanks to John, a great example of what can be achieved by a community working together.

A club or individual who has made an outstanding contribution to supporting activity or sport in Mid Sussex.

PHILLIP COOTE

Phillip joined East Grinstead Hockey Club in 1989. The club’s ethos is to try and balance performance, grass roots and sport for all, whilst connecting sport, business, education, and community. Phillip has represented all senior men’s sides, winning several national medals along the way.
In a commercial club role since 1994, he has raised almost £1,000,000, by attracting brands like Emirates, Yazoo and Zoom Airlines as sponsors.
As well as being Men’s Captain from 2004 to 2010, Philip coached the Under 18 boys to 4 Mercian finals, captained the 2nd XI for 4 years and has most recently become Club Chairman.
He is proud of the academic partnership program, developed over 15 years, that has seen children benefit from sports scholarships and is looking forward to being part of the team taking a hockey outreach program into state schools.
Asked recently what it means to play for East Grinstead He replied, “It’s a great honour to play for East Grinstead Hockey Club and even more so to chair the club. We are in essence stewards of the club, and it is our responsibility to remember and respect the incredible support and time given by members past, but more importantly to make sure that the opportunities we benefitted from are there for future generations”.

Recognising a business which supports or makes a positive contribution to benefit and enhance community life.

MARTYN JUPP – JUPP’S FISH AND CHIP SHOP

We’ve had many kind donations of all kinds of food to keep the Vaccination Centre team and volunteers going since December 2020, but Martyn really has gone above and beyond, donating in excess of 1,200 meals to date - and still counting!
It’s especially significant that this comes from a local, sole trader and we very much appreciate his continuing generosity.

A community group or organisation that has helped to bring together cultures and communities through a local project or community activity​.

CLAIR HALL VACCINATION VOLUNTEERS REPRESENTED BY JOANNA HEAD

The wonderful volunteer team at the Clair Hall vaccination centre have turned up - smiling - in all weathers throughout the pandemic and made sure to welcome each patient and help them through the process.
Initially the volunteer team was organised by Lesley and Mike Bright and is now co-ordinated by Jo, who also helps on volunteer shifts. They’ve all done a great service in welcoming and supporting Mid Sussex residents through the vaccination process and even keeping the medical team supplied with teas and coffees! The sheer number and energy of all the team has been massively appreciated.
There are usually between 9 and 13 volunteers for each shift when vaccinations are happening, and 3 shifts on the day - we simply couldn’t have got through so many patients safely without their commitment and hard work. Since the first day of vaccinating on 29 Dec 2020 we have issued 119,028 vaccinations to date (Aug 21).