Deserving people in Stonehouse recognised (From Stroud News and Journal)

3:48pm Friday 9th May 2008

DESERVING residents and organisations in Stonehouse received civic awards at the annual town meeting on Wednesday, April 30.

Winners in five categories, nominated by local people, accepted their certificates in front of a crowd of 62 residents from mayor Mattie Ross.

"It was a lovely evening," she said.

"It was a really good turnout and it was good fun."

Connor Walker, 16, scooped young person award after a long battle with cancer.

"He has had a lot of personal problems and he has just got on with things," said Cllr Ross.

"It's amazing what he has overcome - he's an example to us all."

Occasional SNJ columnist Les Pugh won the lifetime achievement award.

"It's just a character - he really makes me laugh," said Cllr Ross.

"He is a joy to listen to when he is talking about old Stonehouse."

She said Les still drove around elderly friends in his car, despite being in his 90s.

Joan Brown, who ran Stonehouse Post Office for many years, also won the lifetime achievement award.

"She is also a character," said Cllr Ross.

"She was always called Joan the Post' because she was in the post office for so many years."

Mike Vines, chairman of the Stonehouse Community Centre, won the award for best person.

"I've seen first hand how the centre has come on under Mike's leadership," said Cllr Ross.

"He doesn't just come to meetings and pontificate - he gets down to things.

"The community centre is much more accessible for people."

Mike James collected the best business award for Stonehouse Post Office.

"The person who nominated it felt the staff gave a great service," said Cllr Ross.

"They gave excellent service to that person."

Stonehouse Dog Training Club won the award for best community group.

"They're really well known because they're accredited by Crufts and they get Stonehouse really well known," said Cllr Ross.

"They bring all sorts of new people to Stonehouse."

South Gloucestershire Diabetes UK Group was also highly commended in this category.

The evening, which ran from 7pm to 9pm, also gave councillors the chance to report on their and residents the chance to ask questions.

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