The annual Papa Owl Awards for ordinary Islanders who do extraordinary things were presented at Monkton Arts on Wednesday (18th October 2023).
The Awards were established in 2018 to celebrate the life of Professor Geoffrey Lilley, who died in Ryde in 2015 aged 96. Geoff was a scientist, engineer, inventor and a strong human rights activist.
He believed that all human beings had something special and positive to give society and it only had to be identified and nurtured. His life is celebrated at Wight Aviation Museum and recently local school children displayed an exhibition of his work at Independent Arts in Newport.
Professor Lilley was the world’s expert on reducing the noise of planes and the silent flight of the Owl. He was known as the Owl Man.
The Papa Owl Awards
His son, Councillor Michael Lilley, created the character of Papa Owl in two children’s book and decided that alongside using the books to raise funds for two local charities Wight Aviation Museum and IW Youth Trust, there would be an annual Papa Owl Award.
Recipients of the Big Owl Awards have been the late inventor and engineer, John Ackroyd and Carol Court of Ability Dogs.
The 2023 Awards were presented by new IW Councillor and Marketing Manager of Grace’s Bakery, Councillor Sarah Redrup and Jenna Sabine of Monkton Arts at a ceremony at Monkton Arts in Ryde.
Islanders doing extraordinary acts of kindness
Councillor Michael Lilley, Chair of the Papa Owl Awards says,
“This year’s award winners are Islanders/Island residents that have put the needs of others way before their own needs and given a voice to Islanders through their support and nurture.
“They are true ambassadors of the principle of ordinary Islanders doing extraordinary acts of kindness that empower people who in turn do extraordinary and inspirational positive acts by being valued and heard.”
Big Owl Award – Stonecrabs Theatre Company
This year the Award Panel has decided to give a collective award to Stonecrabs Theatre Company (Franko Figuerredo-Stow, Fabio Santos and Caroline Diamond).
The panel felt that in a world of increasing conflict that it was important to highlight the work and innovation of Islanders/Island residents who were giving a strong message of inclusion, tolerance, and diversity.
Stonecrabs’ work is internationally recognised and inspirational. The Out on An Island project is exceptional and has given a new voice to many Islanders who in the past have felt unheard.
Little Owl Award – Amy Greenwell
This year the Award Panel has decided to give the Little Owl Award to Amy Greenwell for her work supporting other young people whether at Ryde Academy or Isle of Wight Athletics Club, or Waterside Pool.
Amy has been on the Ryde Academy school council since year 7 but has recently stepped down from her role to focus on her GCSE’s but has taken on the role of deputy head girl. She has volunteered at the Isle of Wight athletics club for many years assisting the coach to train the under 11s and also trains incredibly hard in her own throwing events. She was also recently given the title of club captain of the athletics club and supported her fellow athletes at competitions all over the south.
Amy also works part time at waterside pool as a swimming assistant and will be doing her lifeguards course this month and also her swim instructor training in April next year. The Panel felt Amy deserved recognition for her dedication in supporting others especially during Covid19 and post-pandemic.
New Special Owl Award – Melvyn Hayes
This year, the awards panel decided to create a new award that recognised someone who lived or had lived on the Island and had contributed quietly to the community in a special way.
Melvyn Hayes was a resident of Ryde for many years and best known as an actor in TV, Theatre and Films.
In receiving the award, Melvyn, who is unable to attend, stated that he had never received an award in his life. The panel wished to recognise his work not just as an actor, but as a foster parent on the Isle of Wight.
Councillor Michael Lilley, Chair of the Papa Owl Award Panel says,
“It is often the things people do behind the limelight of fame, that say more about them, their belief and values, and being a foster parent is such an important role in our community and all foster parents deserve our thank you. Thank you, Melvyn.”
News shared by Michael, in his own words. Ed
