IT was a glittering night of cheers and tears at the Civic Hall, Blackshots, as the Thurrock Civic Awards 2008 were celebrated.Fifteen nominees were in line for just six awards, so there were bound to be some disappointments, but each and every one of the 15 won rapturous applause.
The final award of the evening — Lifetime Achievement Award — went to Sheila Coates, who has just received an MBE for her work with the South Essex Rape and Incest Crisis Centre (SERICC).
In her short speech of thanks, Sheila admitted she was “overwhelmed” by the award and thanked everyone she works with: “I couldn’t have done it without them,” she said.
The Citizen of the Year was announced as Buddy Goyette, from Tilbury, whose voluntary work with young people and work on the Canberra Square “garden” had made a “significant contribution to the quality of life for people in the town”.
He said he was “immensely proud” of the award and, like Sheila, mentioned “all the people I’ve worked with” who made the award possible.
Young Citizen of the Year, Victoria Carr, has secured a place at university despite suffering from dyslexia and not being diagnosed until it was too late to make a difference to her initial GCSE results.
She said: “I would like to express my thanks to all at Palmer’s College for their help and support. Also Chris Sullivan who helped me in my first two years, who retired one year ago. I hope Chris is enjoying herself, a well deserved retirement. Thank you all for giving me a future.”
The Rachel Middleton Award is presented in honour of Rachel, who campaigned tirelessly for the nation to carry donor cards, highlighting her personal struggle in the hope of helping those in a similar situation.
This year’s winner, Gabrielle George, has overcome tremendous personal difficulties and has undergone 11 operations. She won a standing ovation after thanking “my mother, school and family” for helping her.
The Sports and Culture Award went to Stuart Bone, who has never let the fact he is profoundly deaf affect his determination to achieve. Earlier this year he represented England in the World Deaf Football Championships in Greece.
The Mayor’s Award was presented to Peter Pascoe who has not let a severe stammer and failing sight stand in the way on his sterling work for various charities.
Peter was in tears as he said: “In life we have to put back what we take out of it.”
Councillor Tunde Ojetola, chair of the Civic Awards Panel, said: “I would like to congratulate each and every one of the nominees. Their efforts capture the spirit of Thurrock and show that our residents are among the best in the nation.
“It’s a cliché to say that it was almost impossible to choose between the nominees, but it was true. I would also like to thank our sponsors and everyone who worked behind the scenes to make the Civic Awards 2008 such a success.”
ROLL OF HONOUR
Citizen of the Year, sponsored by Petroplus Marketing and Refinery Limited.
Nominees: Perina Kavanagh, Monty Kirby and Buddy Goyette.
The Sports and Culture Award, sponsored by Thurrock Lions.
Nominees: Ben and Becky Milan-Vega, Ken Smith, Stuart Bone.
The Mayor’s Award, sponsored by The Port of Tilbury London Limited. Presented by Port of Tilbury MD Perry Glading.
Nominees: Baldev Singh Gill, Peter Pascoe.
The Lifetime Achievement Award, sponsored by RWE npower.
Nominees: Sheila Coates MBE, Kathleen New, Les Theobald.
The Young Citizen of the Year Award, sponsored by DHL.
Nominees: Stevie Colston, Victoria Carr, Claire Pavitt.
The Rachel Middleton Memorial Award, sponsored by the Thurrock Gazette and Econogas.
Nominee: Gabrielle George.
Overall sponsors: Europa Support Services, Essex Fire and Rescue Service, Veolia Environmental Services, Lakeside Shopping Centre, Thurrock Council.
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