Basildon Borough Volunteer Awards Ceremony 2016

Image promoting Basildon Volunteer Awards

The annual Basildon Council Volunteer Awards celebrate the selfless help and support provided by the Borough's volunteers. This year's event was held on Monday, 10th October 2016, at a sparkling award ceremony held at Basildon's Towngate Theatre.

A record breaking 123 award nominations were received across the eight categories this year, and all nominees and their special guests were invited to this prestigious gala event, which was generously sponsored by a number of Basildon based businesses.

In all the event was attended by approximately 270 people who were each given a free raffle ticket and one lucky winner received a Kindle Fire HD.

Entertainment was provided by the RCCG Spring of Hope Church Choir, The Big Sing Basildon Council Choir, street-dance trio "Rhythemotyze" and spoken word artist Jacques Bottjer.

Winners of each category were presented with a trophy, a certificate of appreciation and a prize voucher by the Councillor David Harrison, Mayor of Basildon and Councillor Terri Sargent, Basildon Council Cabinet Member for Environment and Community.

Tony Guyon 'Volunteer of the Year' Memorial Cup

The winners of each award category are also put forward to win the prestigious Tony Guyon 'Volunteer of the Year' Memorial Cup. Tony Guyon was a popular and committed member of Basildon Council's Community Engagement Team who sadly passed away in 2010. Tony loved to spend his spare time volunteering in his local community and he played his part in helping to make Basildon a better borough. This special award embodies Tony Guyon's dedication towards volunteering.

This year's Tony Guyon 'Volunteer of the Year' Memorial Cup was awarded to Kevin Abbott, who also received The Long Service Award category award. Kevin has volunteered for over 30 years for the Basildon Saturday Club for people with special needs. He has taken club members away on holiday, organised many discos and events. In addition, he has volunteered at after school clubs for two evenings a week and amongst all this, he works full time.

Tony Guyon 'Volunteer of the Year' Memorial Cup is sponsored by West & Coe Funeral Directors (opens new window).

Volunteer Award Categories, Sponsors and Recipients

Table of Volunteer Award categories, sponsors and winners
Volunteer Award Category and Sponsor	Awarded to:
Young Volunteer Award for 10-15 year olds Sponsored by	Awarded to Christopher Hawkins - for his volunteering on Basildon Borough Youth Council and the Young Essex Assembly.
Young Volunteer 16-21 year olds (up to 25 years if additional needs) Sponsored by	Awarded to Nathan Garrity - for his devotion to Gateway Youth Club for young people with additional needs.
The Sunshine Award 8-21yrs (up to 25 years if additional needs) Sponsored by	Awarded to Daisy Rouse - a young carer and a long standing volunteer with Basildon Youth Council.
The Personal Challenge Award Sponsored by	Awarded to Ann Parsons - in recognition of her valiant efforts supporting Essex Police, whilst also caring for her two sons both who have special needs.
Inspirational Role Model Award Sponsored by	Awarded to Carol Franklin - for her tireless efforts support the Steepleview Community Association in running a wide range of activities, including the Community Kitchen, coaching sessions for young people and the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme.
Long Service Award Sponsored by	Awarded to Kevin Abbot . Kevin has volunteered for over 30 years for the Basildon Saturday Club for people with special needs. He has taken club members away on holiday and also organised many discos and events. He volunteers at after school clubs for two evenings a week and amongst all this, he works full time.
Voluntary Group of the Year Award Sponsored by	Awarded to Kingston Ridge Campsite Service Crew - 12 volunteers who put in around 6,000 hours throughout the year to maintain the campsite, so that it can be used safely by young people.
Lifetime Achievement Award Sponsored by	Awarded to John McKay - for his dedicated service to volunteering. John is the drive and inspiration for activities held at the Lee Chapel North Community Centre in Ballards Walk, Basildon including the Foodbank, which supports hundreds of people each year, the Diamond Club, supporting older people, the Kids Club which is run during school holidays. John's positive attitude of 'getting the job done' galvanises others to lend a hand. A true inspiration.