Vectis Radio is pleased to announce the list of finalists for the 2024 community awards. This is only the second year of these awards and the ceremony, sponsored by the Waterfront Bar and Restaurant, Totland Bay, will be held on Friday, March 15th at The Riverside Centre in Newport from 6.30pm.
Eight categories
The High Sheriff, Dawn Haig-Thomas, will present the awards in the following categories:
- Community Project of the Year
- New Community Project/Organisation of The Year
- Island Based International Project/Organisation of The Year
- Animal Focused Community Project/Organisation of The Year
- People Focused Community Project/Organisation of The Year
- Charity Fundraiser of The Year
- Volunteer of The Year
- Most Inspirational Person in the Community Award (New for 2024)
Public vote
The Most Inspirational Person award was decided by public vote from a list provided by the judges.
At the close of the polls there were nearly 2,000 votes cast in total.
New categories
Plus this year there are two additional categories.
Firstly, one suggested by the panel of judges for overall Community Hero.
The Judges said,
“Having seen the standard of the entries this year we found that there are so many great people working for, and supporting, our island community that we decided this needed to be recognised.
“To do this we asked for an additional category of Overall Community Hero and one person from the finalists list will be named on the evening.”
Mac: Our personal award to a special person
Secondly, there is also an overall Community Champion as decided by the Vectis Radio team.
Station Manager, Ian Mac said,
“We like to add our own personal thanks to someone who has not only assisted Vectis Radio, but works hard to support community organisations across the Island.
“This award does just that. It is our personal award to a special person.”
He added,
“Special thanks to our headline sponsors this year, The Waterfront Restaurant & Bar, who have enabled us to put this event on whilst keeping prices affordable.”
The Finalists are (in alphabetical order):
Community Project of the Year
- Free Food In The Bay
- IOW Prostate Cancer Support Group
- Older Persons Good living Show
- Wight Horse CIC
New Community Project/Organisation of The Year
- Creationz Dance Academy
- Men Only IOW
- Pan Together
- IOW Round Table
- Sandown Carnival
Island Based International Project/Organisation of The Year
- Kafuta Tumbung School
- Mad Aid
- Animal Focused Community Project/Organisation of The Year
- Cats Protection IOW
- Friends of the Animals
- IOW Donkey Sanctuary
- RSPCA IOW
People Focused Community Project/Organisation of The Year
- Free Food in the Bay
- IOW Prostate Cancer Support Group
- Music Craft CIC
- Veterans’ Hub IW
Charity Fundraiser of The Year
- Clive Ford
- Kathryn Grimes
- Sarah Tyrrell-Jones
- Terry & Sue Ramplin
Volunteer of The Year
- Graham Cherry – Foodbank
- Terrence Cripps – Age UK
- Su Goodridge – RSPCA IOW
- Dale Hillier – Veterans Hub
- Simon Ledger – TrackAdog
Most Inspirational Person in the Community Award (New for 2024)
- Jane Allchorn – Community Spirited Café
- Kirsty Chapman – Better Days Café
- Tim Gibbs – Yarmouth Pharmacy
- Dale Hillier – Veterans Hub IOW
- Jon & Rob Keywood – Ace Waste
- Kelly Marrison – Burlesque Chair Dance
- Michael Paler
- Alan Taylor – IOW Prostate Cancer Support Group
Currie: A really difficult job sorting through all the high-quality applications
Event Organiser, Maggie Currie, said,
“Once again our panel of independent judges had a really difficult job sorting through all the high-quality applications and our heartfelt thanks go out to them.
“I am also excited to find out how the public voted for the Most Inspirational Person, thank you to all those who cast a vote.”
She continued,
“Again, this year we wanted to hold a ceremony that put the finalists in their well-deserved spotlight, but also wanted it to be affordable and comfortable.
“That’s why we’ve kept the price as low as we can and ask that you come dressed however you feel comfortable. Glam or casual, whatever you want.”
Book your seat
Tickets for the event are available at just £10 each through the Vectis Radio website and follow the links to choose your seat.
News shared by Kelvin on behalf of Vectis Radio. Ed
