Community champions in Mansfield have received a special thank-you from Mayor Andy Abrahams.

The Mayor hosted a commendation evening at the Oakham Suite, Mansfield, to pay tribute to to unsung heroes in the district who have helped local people to live happier and healthier lives.

The 120 guests included residents, volunteers, and community groups, who offered support during the pandemic, along with those who have represented the area and achieved their true potential.

“While Covid was spreading through our community, our community champions were spreading love and kindness,” said Andy.

“This was an opportunity to recognise all those people who have contributed to making Mansfield a cleaner, greener and healthier place to live in recent years.

“We can invest in buildings, develop our economy, and change how the place looks, but it is the people of Mansfield who make the place. This event was to celebrate our diversity, our resilience ,and our sense of community.”

The evening was brought to a close with a special commendation for Mansfield District Corps of Drums, which was recognised for outstanding commitment to the community and representing the district.

Andy added: “The Mansfield District Corps of Drums has delivered years of life-enrichment and enjoyment at events and celebrations, along with representing the area in competitions. My special commendation to them is in recognition of their outstanding commitment and professionalism.”

NHS leader David Ainsworth, executive director of Primary Care at Mansfield and Ashfield Clinical Commissioning Group, was also recognised for his contribution to health services.

He said: “What a fantastic evening. A huge thank you Mansfield District Council and congratulations to all the award winners.

“I would like to offer a personal thank-you to the mayor. His passion for the area and in the people of Mansfield is fantastic. I am very humbled in receiving my award.”

Mayor’s Commendation award winners:

Community and Youth
Vibrant Warsop, Maddy Pritchard; Sunbeams Toddler Group, Daniella Coles; St Lawrence’s Church, Shelley Round; Newgate Lane Convenience Store, Mr and Mrs Patel; High Oakham School, All Saints’ Catholic Voluntary Academy, Wainwright Primary Academy, Mansfield.

Long-Term Commitment to the Community
Ladybrook Community Centre, Sharon Reynolds; Ladybrook Neighbourhood Watch, Mary Penford; Maun Refuge Group, Mick Beresford, Royal British Legion; Maun Conservation Group, Mansfield Woodhouse Community Development Group, Linda Gannon, Friends of Warsop Vale, Marion Allen, Mansfield CVS.
Mansfield CVS staff and volunteers: Lesley Watkins, Margaret Reid, Jo Wakefield, Lee Giles, Steven Cooper, Clive Gannon, Yvonne Hudson, Lesley Clay, Caroline Gill, Sue Hall, Stevie Croft, Marilyn Stubbs, Kelly Thackery, Jon Pollard, Vanessa Whitton, Jeanne McCollum.
Steve Morris, former chief executive of Mansfield CVS Covid Support, Bellamy Road Tenants’ and Residents’ Group, Kam Britland, Victoria Tandori, Naaz, Focus Point Community Group.

Sports and Culture
Nico Leivers, boxer; Steve Ward, boxer; Jade Humphries, kickboxer; Tracy Radford and Brad English, organisers of OneFest; Paul and Christine Bacon, for Mansfield Rotary Junior Showtime; Craig French, Frenbot Charity Football Match co-founder.

Special Mentions
David Ainsworth, NHS; Tony Delahunty, Mansfield 103.2FM; Nick Butler, retired police inspector; Joe Martin, Royal British Legion; Royal British Legion Riders; Mansfield District Council Refuse Service, represented by Barry Snowdon and Phil Holland.

Mayor’s Outstanding Achievement Award
Mansfield Corp of Drums: Ryan Clarke, Paul Clarke, Christopher Cudworth, Michael Moody, Gareth Jones, Gemma Jones, Troy Coalwood, David Parnham, Maddison Kirk, Brian Talbot, Linda Bennett, Karl Wright, Reece Buckland, David Dowd, Reece Buckland, Craig Sharpe.