The great and the good of Shrewsbury who have contributed to making the town a better place to live, work and visit have been honoured by the town’s Mayor.
Local businesses, organisations and individuals gathered to find out the results of the third annual Mayor of Shrewsbury awards at a special ceremony, held at the town’s Guildhall, on Wednesday. [9 MAY]
The town’s unsung heroes were recognised in a variety of categories including; business, community, environment, youth and, new for this year, tourism.
Among the winners were Shrewsbury College of Arts & Technology who scooped gold in the youth category.
The Mayor particularly noted the college’s commitment to opening two Red Cross shops, named by students as Red Retro, at the Radbrook and London Road campuses.
Overall winners in the community category were Shrewsbury Street Pastors who volunteer their time to help people who have become vulnerable in the evening through alcohol, drugs, relationship problems and emotional distress.
The team get people home safely and put them in touch with friends or family and provide blankets and water to warm and rehydrate.
The business category saw Samuel Taylor scoop gold for his success at the Libertine Cocktail Bar & Tea Room with Richard Stevens walking away with the top award in the environment category for his efforts to keep Shrewsbury Town Centre tidy.
The awards newest category saw a total of five prizes presented to a variety of recipients including Shrewsbury Tour Guides, Salop Leisure, Maggie Love for her work with Shrewsbury Summer Season and Shrewsbury International Street Theatre Festival.
The overall winner was Shropshire Horticultural Society for continuing to attract thousands of tourists to Shrewsbury each year.
Mayor of Shrewsbury, Councillor Tony Durnell, also presented twelve special awards to people and organisations he came into contact with throughout his year in office who he felt had made a significant contribution to the town.
These included equerries, Cadet Warrant Officer Craig Bellis and Holly Brown, Monkmoor Youth Club, Shrewsbury Baptist Church, Ottley House Care Home, Shrewsbury Market Hall and the recently promoted Shrewsbury Town Football Club.
Councillor Durnell said: “I have met so many unsung heroes during my time in office who wouldn’t dream of putting themselves in the limelight – that’s what this awards ceremony is all about, celebrating those people who are part of ‘Team Shrewsbury,’ those who help put the pride in our wonderful town. Congratulations to everyone who was nominated.”
For further information contact Suzi Wilkinson, Marketing & Promotions Officer on: 01743 257654 or email suzi.wilkinson-stc@shropshire.gov.uk