1st April 2011

WEST DORSET LOCAL CHAMPIONS

Winners announced at Highlands End awards ceremony

COMMUNITY champions were honoured at a sparkling awards ceremony at the Highlands End Holiday Park at Eype, near Bridport, last night (Thursday, March 31st).

Special plaques and certificates were presented to eight individuals and groups who have made significant contributions to the community life of West Dorset.

The West Dorset Local Champion awards were organised by Lyme Media and Events, publishers of the View From series of local newspapers in Dorset and The Weekender in South Somerset and East Devon.

Introducing the awards ceremony, View from managing editor Philip Evans told a gathering of winners and sponsors: “We are here to honour those who serve our community.

“Those of us who live and work in West Dorset can count our blessings that we live in an area in which hundreds of people spend an enormous amount of their spare time improving our way of life – caring for the elderly, sick and infirm and helping to keep our neighbourhoods safe and compassionate.

“Prime Minister David Cameron talks grandly about his new idea – The Big Society. But as we all know, the ethos of the Big Society has been happening in West Dorset for decades.”

THE WINNERS

Schools Champion

Sir John Colfox School sixth formers for their global poverty project - Anna Brown, Dorothy Drayton, Morgan Judd-English, Lucy & Jess Haley and Kristie Thacker

Sponsored by: Nantes

Business Champion

Clive Cobb of the Town Mill Bakery in Lyme Regis, Dorchester and Sherborne

Sponsored by: Mariners Hotel

Young Champion

West Bay Play Area Project - Abby Briggs, Eddie Williams, Michael Lewis, Luke Wayland, Nathan Baxter, Gareth Jones, Callum O’Donaghue and Debbie Bird

Sponsored by: BLAST / BYPAT

Sporting Champion

David Wrighton, a 73-year-old, blind fitness fanatic

Sponsored by: Bridport Leisure Centre

Emergency Worker Champion

Coastguard Rob Malpas

Sponsored by: Hive Beach Cafe

Arts Champion

Peter Hitchin of the Electric Palace, Bridport

Sponsored by: Yard

Charity Champion

Fundraiser Henry Smith of Bettiscombe

Sponsored by: Creeds Printers

Community Champion

Cecil Quick, President of the Lyme Regis branch of the Royal British Legion

Sponsored by: Clipper

The awards were sponsored by Nantes Solicitors, the Mariners Hotel (Lyme Regis), BYPLAT and BLAST (Bridport), Bridport Leisure Centre, Hive Beach Café (Burton Bradstock), YARD fashion and lifestyle (Dorchester), Creeds Printers (Broadoak) and Clipper teas (Beaminster).

Concluding the ceremony, Mr Evans said: “As newspaper people, we see at first hand what gargantuan efforts go into making our lives more comfortable, more rewarding and more compassionate. You are truly West Dorset’s Local Champions!”

On of the guests, Bridport PR and marketing consultant Kathy Dare, commented afterwards: “It was a most enjoyable evening and great to see so many deserving people winning awards. We don't spend enough time praising and rewarding the good in the area...and its great to see a real local paper championing the cause.”

OUR SPONSORS

CLIPPER

Clipper offers an extensive range of organic and Fairtrade hot beverages. All our teas, coffees and chocolates are made with pure ingredients and a clear conscience, even the tea bags are unbleached. No wonder we say they’re Natural, Fair and Delicious.

BYPAT / BLAST

BYPAT (Bridport Young Persons Action Trust) has been actively promoting its objective – helping young people to achieve – for over 18 years.

BLAST (Bridport Local Area Skills Training) is a Community Action Group that was created in 2007 with the aim of creating local training and employment opportunities for young people.

BRIDPORT LEISURE CENTRE

Run by Bridport & West Dorset Sports Trust Ltd as a strictly non-profit making organisation, Bridport Leisure Centre aims to offer a wide range of recreational facilities and activities to the people of West Dorset with a view to improving their quality of life.

MARINERS HOTEL

The Mariners Hotel in Lyme Regis (known locally as The Pink Hotel) is a 17th century former coaching which commands breathtaking views over Lyme Bay and with an AA Rosette award winning restaurant. Perfect for weddings and parties. Free parking and private gardens.

HIVE BEACH CAFE

The Hive Beach Cafe is a family owned business in a great location, on the beach with stunning views across Lyme Bay. Established for 20 years, Hive serves locally sourced, quality produce. The range of food available provides a kaleidoscope selection from homemade cakes to the best, fresh seafood caught using environmentally friendly fishing methods – all served with a welcoming smile. it attracts locals, holidaymakers and business people alike. It is much loved by visitors to the area and welcomes families, children and dogs.

YARD

YARD is a contemporary clothing and lifestyle boutique, based at Poundbury in Dorchester, full of products to inspire all ages. Owner Vicki Ferneyhough has a superb eye for design and detail. Having been in the fashion industry for over 28 years she has gained invaluable knowledge and experience, reflected in YARD. Vicki handpicks all of the designs that she knows her customers will love.

NANTES

In this increasingly complex world, specialist knowledge is essential, particularly where it comes to law. Nantes are solicitors and notaries where each solicitor has specialist knowledge in their own particular field, as well as an understanding of the whole, which enables them to concentrate on updating their knowledge in the light of new legislation and new directives from the EC and Budget changes.

CREEDS PRINTERS

Creeds is a family-run design and print business, started in 1956 by John Creed. Now in his 70s. the company is run by his son-in-law Andrew Harrison and daughter Marilyn along with their twin daughters, Catherine and Laura. The company employs 14 people and provides a one-stop design, print and finishing service. Working in a rural idyll engenders respect for the environment and Creeds has long made a point of using recycled materials and vegetable-based inks.