Making a difference (From Stroud News and Journal)

Making a difference

HARDWORKING Stroud people were given a huge pat on the back when they were presented with awards for their contributions to the life of the town at Stroud Town Council's Annual Town Meeting on Thursday.

Graham Furley was this year's winner of the Community Award for his tireless devotion to public life throughout the year, especially at Christmas when he organises the carol floats and for his unstinting contribution to organising the Ebley fireworks display which has raised thousands for charity.

Mr Furley said: "It was so unexpected. I am thrilled to death."

The Civic Award went to Bernard Brown, who was "delighted" and "very surprised" to be recognised for his community work, which included successfully introducing the Marching Bands Festival to Stroud.

Natasha Whiting, who volunteered to go to Thailand to care for orphans following the tsunami disaster, was the town council's Young Person of the Year.

"I feel really honoured that someone has recognised what I have done. Working as part of the Tsunami relief team was amazing but very hard work," she said.

Trader of the Year went to Clarks Shoe Shop, on Stroud's High Street. The shop was nominated by the public for its exceptionally helpful staff.

Manager Roger Welch said: "I was really pleased for everyone in the Stroud branch. They all work hard and it's nice to get appreciation from someone outside the business, especially members of the public."

New bar-bistro Nine scooped the Design Award for the sympathetic renovation of 9 John Street, Stroud.

Owner Mark Winchcombe said he was "very proud", adding: "Everybody said that the building is lovely. It is a wonderful indication that I haven't spoilt the wonderful building, but we are still working on getting it running properly. It is still work in progress."

Mayor Kevin Cranston said: "We sifted through the nominations and it's usually a difficult choice because there's lots of people doing all sorts of worthwhile things.

"In the past we have normally called for nominations in January, February and March but this year people can put in nominations at any time of year."

The five categories are:

Civic - For the person or organisation that has contributed most in the previous year to the cultural life of the town.

Community - For the person whose voluntary work has made a difference to groups of people or individuals

Trader - For shops or businesses in the whole parish that have gone out of their way to provide good customer service.

Young Person - For someone under 25 who has overcome personal difficulties or made a significant contribution to the community at large or to a specific group.

Design Award - For good design that enhances the townscape, not necessarily a building.

If you know someone who should win an award in the one of the five categories pick up a nomination from Stroud Town Council, 58 London Road, Stroud by April 30, 2006.