Published on:
16
December 2008
The search is on to find Clackmannanshire's Citizen of the Year 2008.
The sixth recipient of this prestigious title will be named at an awards ceremony held in Alloa Town Hall on 26th February 2009.
Over the next few weeks, Clackmannanshire Council is asking people to nominate someone who has given their time and energy - on a voluntary basis - to benefit the local community. Nominees don't have to be well-known or involved in high-profile events, as long as their efforts benefit local people.
Previous nominees are also eligible to be nominated again.
Once again, the gala awards ceremony will be a joint event with Clackmannanshire Arts Forum, Clackmannanshire Sports Council and the Council's Education Services to celebrate achievements in art, sport and enterprising activities between local businesses and schools over the past year.
In addition a selection of successful Duke of Edinburgh's award achievers will be acknowledged at the event.
Provost Derek Stewart, who will host the awards ceremony, said: "The Clackmannanshire Awards are one of the highlights in the county's calendar and I hope that once again the people of Clackmannanshire will come forward with nominations for people of all age groups and walks of life who have contributed to the success and quality of life of their community.
"The Awards are a chance for us to say a big 'thank you' and publicly acknowledge the tremendous hard work of many unsung heroes in our midst who do so much to enhance the life of others.
"We are looking for those special citizens across Clackmannanshire who work through arts, sport, business, communities and education to really make a difference in people's lives. If you know someone who works tirelessly for others, send in a nomination and help us recognise their hard work."
The current Citizen of the Year is former headteacher Roy Ramage of Alva, who has dedicated 70 years to the Scouts. He said: "I, my family and friends were pleased when I was chosen as Clackmannanshire's Citizen of the Year 2007. I was particularly happy that this appointment led to me being invited to be guest of honour at the Alva Games in July. Another highlight was when I was guest of Alloa Football Club at the Recs. I am delighted that in these difficult times, the Lord Lieutenant and the Provost are continuing with this appointment and I wish that my successor enjoys his or her post as much as I have."
There are four different categories of award - Citizen of the Year, Sports Council Awards, Arts Forum Awards and the Enterprise in Education Award.
The main Citizen of the Year award will once again be sponsored by Sheena Cruickshank, the Lord Lieutenant of Clackmannanshire. A panel of judges made up of Trustees of the Lord Lieutenant's Fund will select 10 finalists who will be invited to attend the gala awards ceremony. Each of the 10 finalists will receive an award sponsored by Orange and Glencairn Crystal.
The Sports Council Awards recognise outstanding ability, dedication and achievement in sport over the past year. An award for services to sport is also handed out to an individual who has given exceptional voluntary service over many years and made a difference to sport in Clackmannanshire. This is presented by the Scottish Association of Local Sports Councils in conjunction with sportscotland. There will also be an award for Coach of the Year, in honour of Enid Barton who served the Sports Council for more than 20 years and continues to be an honorary member. Awards will be given in the categories of: Junior Sports Personality of the Year; Senior Sports Personality of the Year; Team of the Year; Triumph over Adversity; Services to Sport; and the Enid Barton Coach of the Year.
Clackmannanshire Arts Forum uses the award ceremony to pay tribute to people who have enhanced the lives of others by providing guidance, talent and expertise in all forms of Arts. Awards will be given in the six categories of: Visual Arts Award; Craft Award; Performing Arts Award; Music -Individual/ Band Award; Junior Award and Outstanding Contribution to the Arts.
The Enterprise in Education Award recognises school/business partnerships. This category is sponsored by Determined to Succeed which aims to better prepare young people for the world of work by offering them experiences in enterprise while at school.
For the first time a selection of local successful Duke of Edinburgh achievers in bronze, silver and gold awards will be acknowledged as part of the Clackmannanshire Awards ceremony.
Nomination forms for all the categories are now available from all Council offices. To nominate an individual or group for outstanding service to the community complete a form and return it to Provost Derek Stewart at Greenfield. You can also email nominations to the Provost at dstewart@clacks.gov.uk or visit www.clacksweb.org.uk and complete an online nomination form.
Further information is available from: Eileen McKinsley, Clackmannanshire Council, Greenfield, Alloa, FK10 2AD. Tel: 01259 452011 or email emckinsley@clacks.gov.uk
The closing date for nominations is 23rd January 2009.