WHEN Anne Townsend didn’t get the grades she’d hoped for, she decided to spend a year volunteering.
Her efforts resulted in her getting work and being named young person of the year at the Stroud Town Council Annual Awards.
The 20-year-old volunteered in the charity shop for The Door before offered a business admin apprenticeship with the charity. Now she has a part-time fundraising administrator role.
When Anne isn’t working with The Door she helps with several other charities in the town.
“She repeatedly goes above and beyond the scope of her role, and has contributed massively to the growth of our volunteer base, business network and fundraising capabilities,” said Barrie Voyce, Chief Executive Officer for The Door.
Anne received her award at a special ceremony held at the Old Town Hall.
Runners-up were Charlotte Bignell, one of the founders of the Stroud Town Youth Forum, and Sam Beard who is a volunteer and fundraiser for Allsorts.
Stroud Fringe Festival won the community award.
“The team put on one of the best Fringe Festivals ever and has taken it back to its roots,” said Stroud Town Mayor Kevin Cranston.
Runners-ups were the Stroud District Special Constables for their committed service to the community and Stroud Community TV.
Leonora Rozee, Hugh Barton and Camilla Hale, who spear-headed Stroud’s Neighbourhood Development Plan, received the environment award.
They have spent more than a year working with volunteers, consulting more than 2,500 people which has resulted in the draft plan.
Rob Trowbridge and his team at the Carphone Warehouse won trader of the year for their “superb customer service and their friendly, caring and welcoming staff”.
A special community award was given to Refugee Aid Stroud for “galvanising community efforts to support Syrian refugees”.
The Home Farm Trust car washing team received the Mayor’s award in recognition of their employment support and their environmentally-friendly service.
“Stroud is particularly fortunate to have a large number of volunteers who do things to an amazing standard. We are pleased that we have been able to honour a few of them,” said Mayor Kevin Cranston.
Pictures by Antony Thompson - Thousand Word Media
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