Awards have been presented to individuals and organisations in Swanage for their outstanding contribution to the community.
In his last duty as Swanage Mayor, Mike Bonfield handed out the community awards for 2020, delayed by a year after Covid restrictions meant that events last May had to be cancelled or postponed.
The ceremony was finally able to go ahead outside at the Swanage Bandstand on Monday 24th May 2021.
Awards ceremony at Swanage Bandstand
The full list of 2020 community award winners
Green champion
Bridget Mayers for her work for Swanage Beach Buddies and regularly organising beach cleans by volunteers.
Sporting achievement
Sam Whaley for representing his country at sailing in international events. In 2020, despite many cancelled competitions, he competed in the Laser World Championships in Australia and has continued to train for future events.
Creative arts
Steve Darrington for working tirelessly throughout the year to put on two very successful Blues weekends. His weekends not only bring musical joy to the people that attend, it also supports the town at what would otherwise be quiet weekends.
Service with a smile
Vicky McKendrick for her warm and caring personality which makes everyone who comes into her newsagents, feel special – both locals and visitors alike, even though she is often in the shop very early in the morning selling newspapers.
Amanda Mason for always being willing to help and having a smile while working for a local chemist and delivering prescriptions to the people of our town.
Amanda Mason presented with her award
Young person or people of the year
Pupils at St Mary’s Catholic Primary School for the tremendous work they have done in their efforts for the environment, including working closely with groups like Sustainable Swanage and Surfers Against Sewage who awarded them with the status of plastic free school.
St Mary’s Catholic Primary School pupils presented with their award
Group or organisation
Swanage Breastfeeding Group for providing support for new mothers, listening to any concerns they might have and giving breastfeeding support in a caring environment.
Swanage Breastfeeding Group receive their award
Volunteer of the year
Bridget Coffin for setting up All Things Bright and Beautiful, a group to help those living with dementia, their carers and those with other health problems. Bridget is always so committed to the group and is one of those that works so hard and tirelessly for others.
Lifetime achievement awards
Doreen Bragg for more than fifty years of service at The Mowlem. She started work at the theatre in the 60s when it was rebuilt and has always been there to check the tickets and more recently, to scan the barcode. Her sterling work and commitment deserves to be recognised.
Dave Terrett for his 42 years service to the Swanage Carnival. A loyal servant and fundraiser with a cheery smile and a great ability to fill collecting buckets during carnival week. He is so committed that he works supporting the carnival throughout the year from helping with the weekly bingo to sorting out the marquees that are often hired out to raise funds.
Doreen Bragg presented with her award
Dave Terrett presented with his award
Awards panel special award
Swanage food bank support group for their unstinting fundraising and providing crucial support for those in need in our community. While the panel decided to make this award before the pandemic, this group of volunteers has been so important over the past year with the food bank being busier than ever and they have stepped up to the challenge.
Councillor Mike Bonfield with the Swanage Town Council special award
Swanage Town Council special award
Swanage Hospital and The NHS in Swanage
Councillor Mike Bonfield said:
“Swanage Town Council would like to recognise the work of all NHS workers. Doctors, nurses, ambulance crews and all hospital staff to name a few for their tireless commitment over the past year.
We were all so supportive with the Thursday evening claps and this brought communities together. Thank you and a small award seems so insignificant but I hope that every member of the NHS knows how much we all appreciate the work you do, not only during the past year but always.
“I would like to present this special award to Swanage Hospital and to the NHS as a whole.”
