Published on:
03
February 2012
The finalists in the annual Citizen of the Year Awards have been revealed.
Eight local people have been shortlisted from around a dozen nominations gathered over the past few weeks.
These unsung heroes will be given the red carpet treatment at a gala awards ceremony hosted by Provost Tina Murphy at Alloa Town Hall on Thursday 23rd February.
The awards ceremony will be a joint event with Clackmannanshire Sports Council and the Council's Education Service with three different categories of award - Citizen of the Year, Sports Council Awards and the Enterprise in Education Award. Sadly Clackmannanshire Arts Forum have decided not to participate in this year's event having received very few nominations for their awards.
The Citizen of the Year finalists were identified by members of the Lord Lieutenant's Trust, including Lord Lieutenant George Reid who has kindly agreed to sponsor the main Citizen of the Year Award. He will present the 2011 Citizen of the Year, who will be announced on the evening, with their prize.
Provost Tina Murphy will welcome guests to the ceremony, while Sheila Bulloch will be Master of Ceremonies for the evening. Diageo are sponsoring the welcome drinks reception, while Glencairn Crystal has once again provided a gift for each of the eight finalists.
Provost Murphy said: "Thank you to everyone who made a nomination to the 2011 Citizen of the Year award. It was truly inspirational to hear about the wonderful work of all our nominees and it will be an honour to meet them at the Clackmannanshire Awards."
The nominees for Citizen of the Year are:
Chris Calder
Founder member of Tullibody History Group, enthusiastic Chris started by making a scale model of the village in her home. The group now has a fantastic display in the former bowling club, with Chris spending hours on research and doing whatever it takes to promote Tullibody.
Lewis Green
Head boy at Alloa Academy, Lewis is committed to a range of local voluntary groups and is active within New Struan School. He was first introduced to the work of CVS Clackmannanshire through a work experience placement and was inspired to continue working with the organisation.
Val Hume
Great-great-grandmother, Val is treasurer of Alloa Central Community Council. She has given a lot of time to maintain the Old People's Welfare Hall in Erskine Street, Alloa, as well as organising events such as the Over 70s Christmas Meal and intergenerational events involving young people from Sauchie and Alloa.
David Hunter
A volunteer driver for Strathcarron Hospice for the past 16 years, David also helps disabled people with their shopping and visits the ill and housebound members of the Ludgate Church. He is chairman of Friends of Alloa Tower, has been a member of Alloa Musical Players for 58 years and has served on the committee of Clackmannan Field Studies Society for 12 years.
Erin McNeil
Brave Erin began her charity work after being burned in a house fire which left her battling for her life. Since her recovery she has raised £65,000 for the Fire Fighters Charity. She also volunteers with Central Scotland Fire & Rescue Service, speaking to young people at local schools and colleges about the dangers of fire.
Janet Morrison
Committed to the Girl Guide movement for most of her life, Janet leads the Brownie group in Sauchie. She gives up a great deal of her time to attend training courses to develop her skills as well as taking her group on residential visits.
Elaine Pitcairn
A foster carer for 16 years, Elaine has had 41 children in her care over those years. In addition she provides support to children returning to their families, 'buddies' new foster carers and assists with training to give an insight into the work of a foster carer.
Keith Turner
Long-time President of Sauchie Community Group, Keith has worked with endless drive and energy to improve the quality of life in the village. He has made an outstanding contribution by organising many of the activities in Sauchie, having a beneficial impact on the lives of all the town's inhabitants.
The Enterprise in Education Award recognises school/business partnerships and the contribution and engagement local business and partners have in supporting enterprising activities in schools.
Determined to Succeed, Enterprise in Education, is a government funded initiative to promote a "can do will do " attitude among young people by giving them valuable experiences in the skills which will help prepare them for the world of work.
This year 3 partnerships have been shortlisted for the award. The shortlisted partnerships are: Abercromby Primary School and IBM; Clackmannan Primary School and Clackmannan Community Council; and Abercromby Primary School and the Tullibody Healthy Living Initiative.
Clackmannanshire Sports Council's shortlist for the sports awards are:
Junior Sports personality of the Year - Sponsored by the Wee County News
Sarah McMahon Tae Kwon Do
Brian Harper Wrestling
Sammi Tasker Motorcycling
Senior Sports Personality of the Year - Sponsored by Alloa & Hillfoots Advertiser
There will be an award for this category but judging has still to take place.
School Team of the Year
St Bernadette's Boccia team
Alva Academy Senior Rugby team
Alva Primary Athletics team
Team of the Year - sponsored by Russell + Aitken
Tullibody Wrestling Club
Hillfoots under 18 Rugby Football Club
Hillfoots Rugby Football Club
Triumph Over Adversity - Sponsored by Machin Associates
Marc Miller Swimming
Kevin Wallace Bowling
Meggan Dawson-Farrell Athletics
Service to Sport - Sponsored by SALSC
Colin McLaren and Alan Harper Wrestling
Mary Greaves Swimming
Morag Jamieson Gymnastics
Enid Barton Coach of the Year Award
Mike Robins Rugby
Liane Rooney T.K.D
Alan Harper and Colin McLaren Wrestling
Young Leader/Volunteer - Sponsored Stephen Campbell in association with Braveheart
There will be an award for this category but judging has still to take place.
The event will also see the second annual Growing in Excellence awards given to Council staff. There are five categories which will celebrate our culture of providing outstanding customer service and leadership.