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The
Winners
2015
Forward
Steve
Bennett
Redditch
Nightstop
These
are
the
results
of
the
Pride
of
Redditch
Awards
2015
which
took
place
at
Woodfield
Middle
School,
Studley
Road,
Redditch
on
Friday,
December
11,
2015
Use
the
keys
at
the
bottom
right
of
the
page
to
go
forward,
back
and
home
depending
on
the
page.
Go
directly
to
a
page
by
using
the
list
on
the
left
(or
below)
.
Malcolm
Carlton
Michelle
Southall
Foodbank
Volunteers
Tom
Bowes
Batchley
Support
Group
Rita
Carpenter
Mary
Jones
Nina
Kings
&
Sarah
Taylor
Emma
Flatley
Bridge
Swimming
Club
Zoe
Gardner
Lyndsey
Berry
Billy
Vale
Neal
Stote
Forge
Mill
Volunteers
Natalie
Martin
Helen
Biddle
Robert
Holdcroft
Nick
Houghton
Fay
Yeng
Alma
Bright
Clarke
SalvationArmy
CharityShop
Patricia
Chambers
Special
acknowledgement
The
Midwifery
Team
at
the
Alexandra
Hospital
The
Winners
2015
Home
Back
Forward
Redditch
Nightstop
Our
first
award
this
evening
goes
to
an
organisation
that
for
almost
20
years
has
provided
emergency
accommodation
for
young
people
aged
16
to
25
who
would
otherwise
find
themselves
homeless.
But
they
go
further
than
that.
Having
ensured
young
people
do
not
end
up
on
the
street
they
provide
mentoring
and
support
in
the
form
of
mediation,
life
skills,
training
and
general
guidance
in
a
bid
to
support
young
people
out
of
the
crisis
situation
they
find
themselves
in.
They
also
run
an
education
programme
with
the
aim
of
equipping
young
people
with
the
skills
they
need
to
prevent
themselves
from
becoming
homeless
in
the
first
place.
Last
year
150
bed
nights
of
emergency
accommodation
were
provided
by
this
group.
In
the
first
half
of
this
year
they
have
already
provided
265
emergency
bed
nights.
They
do
all
this
in
the
face
of
a
difficult
funding
environment.
The
young
people
they
help
are
lucky
to
have
them
and
so
is
our
town.
That’s
why
it’s
my
pleasure
to
declare
REDDITCH
NIGHTSTOP
the
Pride
of
Redditch.
The
Winners
2015
Home
Back
Forward
Steve
Bennett
Our
next
winner
is
a
businessman
who
has
proven
you
can
make
money
and
still
give
back
to
those
less
fortunate
than
you.
The
company
he
founded
in
2004
selling
high
quality
coloured
gemstone
jewellery
through
a
home
shopping
channel,
has
grown
to
become
one
of
the
leading
businesses
in
the
sector,
employing
more
than
500
people
locally.
But
it’s
for
his
charity
work
he
is
being
recognised
this
evening.
In
2012
he
founded
the
Colourful
Life
Foundation
which
aims
to
support
communities
where
he
sources
gemstones
from.
Recent
projects
include
building
a
library
in
Kenya,
four
schools
in
Tanzania,
providing
eco-stoves
in
Madagascar
and
sanitation
in
Rajasthan.
His
fund-raising
exploits
include
a
60-mile
trek
unaided
to
the
north
pole
to
raise
£100,000
for
charity.
He
recently
founded
a
new
venture
called
Equal
World
which
is
a
not
for
profit
organisation
selling
goods
from
socially
disadvantaged
communities
across
the
world,
with
all
the
money
from
sales
going
back
to
them.
These
are
just
a
fraction
of
this
man’s
achievements
and
we’re
delighted
he
is
based
in
our
town
and
it’s
my
please
to
declare
STEVE
BENNETT
of
the
Genuine
Gemstone
Company,
The
Pride
of
Redditch
The
Winners
2015
Home
Back
Forward
Malcolm
Carlton
Our
next
winner
is
a
dedicated
teacher
and
community
figure
who
for
more
than
40
years
has
inspired
people
through
his
love
of
music.
As
well
as
using
his
musical
talents
to
benefit
numerous
charitable
groups
over
the
years,
he
has
also
recently
founded
025
–
a
choir
for
people
over
25
of
all
abilities.
Due
to
his
infectious
enthusiasm
and
dedication
it
has
now
grown
to
have
more
than
40
members.
For
many
years
he
has
also
been
involved
with
the
Indigo
Arts
charity
giving
young
people
an
opportunity
to
discover
and
develop
their
skills
in
the
performing
arts,
while
having
huge
amounts
of
fun
at
the
same
time.
His
contribution
is
perhaps
best
summed
up
by
one
of
the
people
who
nominated
him
who
said
‘He
taught
me
that
no
one
is
beyond
having
a
talent
whatever
that
may
be.
He
will
never
give
up
and
even
when
his
own
health
has
been
poor
he
keeps
us
going.
We
are
one
big
family
and
he
is
the
foundation.’
Ladies
and
gentleman
It’s
my
privilege
to
declare
MALCOLM
CARLTON
the
Pride
of
Redditch.
The
Winners
2015
Home
Back
Forward
Michelle
Southall
It
is
impossible
for
many
of
us
to
imagine
the
pain
of
losing
a
child
and
in
those
circumstances
you
could
be
forgiven
for
locking
yourself
away
from
the
world.
It
takes
tremendous
courage
to
carry
on.
Our
next
winner
has
not
only
done
that
since
losing
her
daughter
Lucie
at
the
age
of
12
to
Leukaemia,
but
she
has
devoted
her
life
to
raising
money
to
support
families
facing
the
same
nightmare
scenario.
So
far
the
Lucie
Southall
Leukaemia
Fund
has
raised
more
than
£64,000
for
a
range
of
charities
including
Cure
Leukaemia,
Birmingham
Children’s
Hospital,
Clic
Sargent,
The
Ronald
McDonald
House
and
the
Willows
Hedgehog
Sanctuary.
Recently
she
led
a
team
of
12
to
take
on
the
10k
Winter
Wolf
run
in
Leicestershire
which
raised
£2,000
for
Cure
Leukaemia.
The
Lucie
Southall
Leukaemia
Fund
are
already
Pride
of
Redditch
winners.
But
tonight,
we
honour
this
woman
as
an
individual
for
her
passion,
dedication
and
courage.
It’s
my
pleasure
to
declare
MICHELLE
SOUTHALL
the
Pride
of
Redditch.
The
Winners
2015
Home
Back
Forward
Redditch
Foodbank
Volunteers
In
21st
Century
Britain
people
shouldn’t
have
to
go
hungry.
Sadly,
about
2,000
a
year
in
Redditch
face
exactly
that.
Fortunately
thanks
to
the
dedication
of
our
next
group
of
winners
help
is
at
hand.
Together
this
group
of
volunteers
work
to
provide
emergency
food
to
people
in
crisis.
Whether
its
back
breaking
work
in
the
warehouse
to
lift
and
sort
the
hundreds
of
tonnes
of
food
donated,
offering
support
and
kindness
to
those
who
seek
their
help
or
sign-posting
them
to
agencies
where
they
can
get
further
support
and
help
they
do
it
with
a
cheery
smile.
Those
that
have
had
cause
to
use
them
say
‘I
felt
suicidal
like
–
they
brought
me
up
so
I
didn’t
have
thoughts
like
that’
another
said
‘these
people
are
angels
they
saved
my
life’.
It’s
sad
their
services
are
required
but
at
the
same
time
it’s
a
blessing
they
are
willing
to
give
up
their
time
to
do
what
they
do.
Ladies
and
gentleman
I’m
honoured
to
declare
REDDITCH
FOODBANK
VOLUNTEERS
the
Pride
of
Redditch
The
Winners
2015
Home
Back
Forward
Tom
Bowes
Our
next
winner
is
someone
who
has
used
his
own
personal
battle
with
autism
to
inspire
thousands
of
others.
After
spending
many
years
struggling
to
come
to
terms
with
his
diagnosis,
he
decided
he
would
use
his
experience
to
support
others
and
help
them
find
their
own
way
on
their
autistic
journey.
He
uses
his
sense
of
humour
to
laugh
at
his
misfortunes
and
engage
others
in
conversation.
He
set
up
his
own
YouTube
channel
and
Facebook
page
–
Autistic
genius
–
as
a
way
of
spreading
the
word
as
widely
as
possible
and
has
reached
more
than
9,000
likes
giving
an
indication
of
how
many
people
he
is
reaching
with
his
story.
He
also
works
with
an
autistic
charity
and
is
an
ambassador
for
them,
touring
the
country
to
give
talks
on
the
subject.
He
also
loves
to
perform
and
has
been
a
member
of
Indigo
Arts
for
many
years
performing
at
two
Edinburgh
Fringe
Festivals
with
the
group
and
is
a
member
of
the
025
choir.
He
is
living
proof
that
with
determination
you
can
conquer
any
barrier.
It’s
my
privilege
to
declare
TOM
BOWES
the
Pride
of
Redditch.
The
Winners
2015
Home
Back
Forward
Batchley
Support
Group
Our
next
winner
is
a
charitable
group
which
aims
to
bring
residents
in
one
part
of
Redditch
closer
together,
reduce
health
inequalities
and
promote
lifelong
learning
through
a
variety
of
projects.
Their
work
is
varied
ranging
from
a
tool
loan
scheme,
a
youth
club,
breakfast
club
and
community
allotment
to
drop-in
and
advice
sessions
and
support
groups
for
vulnerable
and
older
people.
They
are
also
responsible
for
hosting
the
annual
family
fun
day
Cool
by
the
Pool
which
is
one
of
the
highlights
of
Redditch’s
social
calendar
and
a
chance
for
the
town
to
come
together
and
celebrate.
But
it
is
for
their
work
in
one
specific
area
they
have
been
nominated
this
evening.
In
March
2014
Redditch
was
shocked
by
the
death
of
15-year-old
Richard
Fellows
who
drowned
after
getting
into
difficulty
while
swimming
in
a
river
near
Church
Hill.
Since
then
the
group
has
not
only
worked
with
the
family
to
design
and
install
a
memorial
to
Richard
at
the
place
where
he
drowned
but
have
been
working
to
set
up
lifesaving
lessons
for
children
around
Redditch.
They
have
also
filmed
and
edited
a
short
film
to
show
the
dangers
of
swimming
in
open
water
and
how
a
pleasant
day
can
change
a
family’s
life
forever.
Ladies
and
gentleman
I’m
delighted
to
declare
BATCHLEY
SUPPORT
GROUP
the
Pride
of
Redditch.
The
Winners
2015
Home
Back
Forward
Rita
Carpenter
Our
next
award
goes
to
a
woman
who
has
devoted
more
than
15
years
of
her
life
to
improving
the
life
of
older
people
living
in
Redditch.
She
was
responsible
for
setting
up
a
social
network
as
part
of
Age
UK
Redditch
with
her
friend
Barbara
Southwick.
Together
they
organised
numerous
events
ranging
from
keep
fit
and
indoor
bowls
to
scrabble
and
quiz
nights.
She
has
also
organised
countless
day
trips,
holidays
and
the
annual
Age
UK
Christmas
party.
For
more
than
a
decade
she
was
also
a
trustee
of
Age
UK.
She
has
also
been
a
volunteer
at
the
Palace
Theatre
for
a
number
of
years
and
looks
out
for
elderly
people
in
her
area,
including
taking
one
lady
shopping
on
a
weekly
basis.
She
does
all
this
despite
now
being
in
her
80s.
It
is
impossible
to
calculate
exactly
how
many
lives
she
has
touched
through
her
volunteering
but
her
nominators
estimate
it
stretches
into
thousands.
Because
of
her
the
risk
of
older
people
in
her
town
experiencing
the
devastating
impact
of
social
isolation
is
vastly
reduced.
She
does
all
this
without
seeking
recognition.
But
we
believe
it
is
time
this
town
said
a
long
overdue
thank
you
for
everything
she
does.
So
ladies
and
gentleman,
it’s
my
honour
to
declareRITA
CARPENTER
the
Pride
of
Redditch.
The
Winners
2015
Home
Back
Forward
Mary
Jones
Our
next
winner
provides
support
to
a
group
of
people
whose
plea
for
help
often
goes
under
the
radar.
After
finding
the
drop
in
facilities
provided
by
the
NHS
for
people
with
mental
health
issues
in
Redditch
were
inadequate
she
decided
to
fill
in
the
gap.
She
set
up
a
weekly
support
group
which
provides
a
place
for
people
to
come
together
and
share
their
experiences
in
a
safe
and
supportive
environment.
Through
the
group
many
of
those
that
attend
have
become
more
actively
involved
in
the
community,
such
as
volunteering,
and
have
found
alternative
means
of
help
and
support.
She
goes
the
extra
mile
by
supporting
people
when
they
are
in
crisis
whether
that’s
a
reassuring
phone
call,
going
out
to
see
them
in
the
middle
of
the
night
or
trawling
the
streets
looking
for
them
when
they
have
gone
missing.
She
does
all
this
despite
her
own
health
problems.
She
is
passionate
about
securing
equality
for
people
with
mental
health
issues,
improving
services
and
tackling
the
associated
stigma.
It
is
with
great
pleasure
I
announce
MARY
JONES
as
the
Pride
of
Redditch.
The
Winners
2015
Home
Back
Forward
Nina
Kings
&
Sarah
Taylor
Our
next
award
goes
to
two
people
who
have
dedicated
countless
hours
to
volunteering
for
local
causes.
The
pair
are
both
mothers
to
young
families
and
have
busy
working
lives
but
both
find
time
to
championing
health
care
services
on
offer
and
investing
their
time
into
making
a
real
difference
to
the
community.
The
duo
are
ambassadors
for
Macmillan
Cancer
Support
across
Redditch
offering
to
support
collections
on
the
high
street,
to
facilitating
fund-raising
events
to
raise
valuable
money
to
support
the
charity’s
work
and
ensure
no-one
in
Redditch
faces
cancer
alone.
They
demonstrate
how
a
local
family,
affected
by
the
loss
of
loved
ones,
can
make
a
real
difference
to
others
needing
care
and
support
in
their
community.
I’m
delighted
to
declare
NINA
KINGS
and
SARAH
TAYLOR
the
Pride
of
Redditch.
The
Winners
2015
Home
Back
Forward
Emma
Flatley
Our
next
award
goes
to
someone
passionate
about
young
people.
As
well
as
working
with
young
people
with
learning
difficulties,
in
her
spare
time
our
winner
was
a
youth
leader.
She
worked
in
three
different
youth
centres,
two
in
Redditch
and
one
in
Evesham,
helping
to
carry
out
numerous
activities
from
organising
social
events
to
training
the
youth
football
team.
She
also
provided
days
out
during
the
summer
holidays
and
various
activities
around
Christmas,
providing
the
prizes
using
her
own
money.
She
believed
in
our
young
people
and
wanted
to
help
the
in
every
way
she
could.
Tragically,
her
life
was
cut
short
in
October
this
year
when
the
scooter
she
was
riding
was
hit
by
a
suspected
drink
and
drug
driver
while
on
the
way
to
work
at
the
youth
centre
in
Evesham.
She
was
just
21.
Although
her
life
was
far
too
short,
in
her
brief
time
on
earth
she
had
an
impact
on
a
huge
number
of
people,
that
some
who
live
to
old
age
will
struggle
to
achieve.
It’s
a
privilege
to
be
able
to
recognise
her
achievements
tonight
and
that’s
why
I
declare
EMMA
FLATLEY
the
Pride
of
Redditch.
The
Winners
2015
Home
Back
Forward
Bridge
Swimming
Club
Learning
to
swim
is
one
of
the
most
valuable
skills
you
teach
a
child
and
for
some
40
years
that’s
exactly
what
our
next
group
of
winners
have
been
doing.
Currently
our
winners
are
teaching
more
than
50
children
to
swim
every
week
for
just
£2
per
lesson,
ensuring
this
vital
ability
is
affordable
for
all.
Coaching
is
done
by
a
team
of
dedicated
volunteers
who
give
up
their
time
to
help
generation
after
generation.
Thousands
of
people
across
Redditch,
young
and
old,
can
say
they
know
how
to
swim
because
of
their
devotion
to
a
simple
commitment
to
enable
children
to
learn
to
swim
at
an
affordable
price.
The
group
uses
whatever
money
it
has
left
over
after
covering
costs
to
support
a
range
of
charitable
causes.
In
the
last
year
they
have
supported
The
Bridge
Church,
Air
Ambulance,
The
Stroke
Society,
Redditch
Nightstop
and
Stonehouse
Youth
Club.
Ladies
and
gentleman
it’s
my
pleasure
to
announce
the
BRIDGE
SWIMMING
CLUB
the
Pride
of
Redditch.
The
Winners
2015
Home
Back
Forward
Zoe
Gardner
A
good
hairdresser
is
worth
their
weight
in
gold
but
one
that
goes
above
and
beyond
cutting
hair
is
a
rare
find
indeed.
But
that’s
exactly
what
our
next
winner
does,
by
giving
up
her
spare
time
to
not
only
support
the
community
around
her
but
many
of
her
elderly
and
vulnerable
customers
by
visiting
and
shopping
for
them.
Some
of
her
good
deeds
over
the
years
include
organising
a
fun
day
in
Church
Hill
centre
to
support
a
customer
suffering
with
cancer.
For
another
customer,
also
diagnosed
with
cancer,
she
organised
a
series
of
fund-raising
events
for
the
Garden
Suite
at
the
Alexandra
Hospital
in
her
name.
Another
elderly
customer
who
recently
got
out
of
hospital
received
regular
visits
from
our
winner
who
was
armed
with
Sunday
dinners
or
evening
meals
to
ensure
she
continued
to
eat
properly.
On
another
occasion
she
organised
for
all
her
staff
to
visit
a
customer
in
a
nursing
home
to
celebrate
her
100th
birthday.
She
has
also
supported
the
work
of
Church
Hill
Big
Local
including
helping
to
replant
the
new
centre.
Ladies
and
gentleman
I’m
delighted
to
announce
ZOE
GARDNER
is
the
Pride
of
Redditch.
The
Winners
2015
Home
Back
Forward
Lyndsey
Berry
There
are
those
that
go
to
work
to
do
a
job
and
there
are
those
that
go
above
and
beyond
what
is
expected
of
them
and
that
sums
up
our
next
winner.
She
has
a
huge
passion
for
the
town
and
dedicates
more
than
her
contracted
hours
to
projects
designed
to
promote
and
improve
Redditch
for
all
of
us.
She
was
instrumental
in
the
creation
of
Redditch
Town
Centre
Partnership
to
bring
businesses
and
community
groups
together
to
make
the
town
centre
a
focal
point
of
activity
for
residents.
She
is
leading
on
organising
an
events
programme
for
the
borough
and
in
the
past
has
helped
Redditch
mark
events
including
the
Queen’s
Diamond
jubilee,
St
George’s
Day
and
the
50th
Anniversary
of
Redditch
as
a
New
Town.
She
is
also
a
key
player
in
the
Play
Space
project
–
to
revive
the
old
market
area
–
secure
the
return
of
the
Tour
Series
pro
cycle
race
to
Redditch
and
was
a
major
part
of
bringing
the
fair
back
to
the
town
centre.
It’s
my
privilege
to
declare
LYNDSEY
BERRY
the
Pride
of
Redditch
The
Winners
2015
Home
Back
Forward
Billy
Vale
Our
next
winner
has
used
tragedy
in
his
life
to
inspire
him
to
new
heights.
At
the
age
of
just
8
he
lost
his
brother
George
to
a
brain
tumour,
who
himself
was
only
14.
At
his
funeral,
our
winner
sang
the
Lord’s
Prayer
and
people
were
so
impressed
it
led
to
the
start
of
a
new
life.
He
took
singing
and
theatre
lessons
and
started
performing
which
has
resulted
in
numerous
appearances
on
stage
locally
as
well
as
a
solo
performance
on
the
West
End
stage.
He
also
has
the
honour
of
being
the
youngest
boy
selected
for
the
first
ever
UK
team
to
represent
the
nation
at
the
World
Championships
of
Performing
Arts
in
California,
returning
with
four
silver
medals.
But
he
has
also
used
his
talents
to
continue
his
brother’s
charity
fund-raising
and
regularly
holds
discos
around
the
Redditch
and
Studley
area,
raising
thousands
of
pounds
in
the
process
for
Birmingham
Children’s
Hospital.
Ladies
and
gentleman
I’m
delighted
to
declare
BILLY
VALE,
the
Pride
of
Redditch.
The
Winners
2015
Home
Back
Forward
Neal
Stote
For
ten
years
our
next
winner
has
devoted
his
life
to
campaign
to
save
the
Alexandra
Hospital
from
cuts
to
vital
services.
He
founded
the
Save
the
Alex
campaign
in
2005
and
was
successful
in
arguing
against
plans
put
forward
to
remove
maternity
and
A&E
services
from
the
hospital.
In
2012
it
was
announced
those
plans
were
being
revived
and
he
once
again
swung
into
action.
He
organised
a
petition
which
was
signed
by
more
than
55,000
people
against
the
downgrade
plans,
the
biggest
rally
Redditch
has
ever
seen
and
numerous
other
protests
as
well
as
attending
countless
meetings
locally
and
in
Westminster
to
lobby
against
the
proposals.
As
a
result
of
the
campaign
he
led
a
key
concession
was
won
in
January
2013
that
the
Alex
must
retain
an
adult
emergency
department
and
the
vast
majority
of
its
children’s
services.
While
the
recent
removal
of
maternity
services
was
a
devastating
blow,
not
just
to
the
town
but
him
personally,
he
can
still
be
proud
of
the
fact
that
because
of
his
passion,
desire
and
commitment
an
estimated
20,000
children
have
been
born
safely
in
Redditch.
His
campaigning
has
not
come
without
a
cost,
putting
immense
strain
on
his
family
and
work
life.
For
a
decade
he
has
been
a
voice
for
the
voiceless
and
tonight
he
creates
a
little
piece
of
history
by
picking
up
his
third
Pride
of
Redditch
Award.
It’s
my
honour
to
once
again
declare
NEAL
STOTE
the
Pride
of
Redditch.
The
Winners
2015
Home
Back
Forward
Forge
Mill
Volunteers
Redditch
has
a
history
to
be
proud
of
but
part
of
it
could
easily
disappear
if
it
wasn’t
for
our
next
group
of
winners.
There
are
only
11
of
them
but
they
work
tirelessly
all
year
round
to
keep
alive
Redditch’s
rightful
claim
as
the
historic
centre
of
the
needle
and
fishing
tackle
industries,
as
well
as
helping
to
promote
the
story
of
Bordesley
Abbey.
They
support
a
wide
range
of
events
and
activities
from
Heritage
Open
Days
to
family
fun
days.
They
also
help
run
the
shop
and
give
guided
tours
to
residents
and
visitors
alike.
Without
them
the
vital
contribution
Redditch
made
to
the
world
could
well
be
lost
forever.
That’s
why
I’m
delighted
to
declare
the
volunteers
of
Forge
Mill
Needle
Museum
the
Pride
of
Redditch.
The
Winners
2015
Home
Back
Forward
Natalie
Martin
Our
next
winner
has
raised
almost
£8,000
over
the
last
five
years
for
breast
cancer
charities.
She
works
tirelessly
at
her
fundraising
activities
which
include
craft
fayres
and
discos
and
regularly
takes
part
in
the
Moon
Walk
around
London.
She
is
the
now
the
chair
of
Redditch
and
Solihull
Breast
Cancer
Now
charity,
managing
a
team
of
fund-raisers
like
herself.
She
also
finds
time
to
go
out
with
the
Birmingham
Outreach
Team
every
Sunday
evening
delivering
meals
and
clothes
to
the
homeless.
Together
with
her
mother
she
collects
clothes
throughout
the
week
before
making
soup
and
sandwiches
on
a
Sunday
afternoon
and
then
distributing
them.
She
is
devoted
to
her
family,
helping
her
91-year-old
nan
to
continue
to
live
with
a
degree
of
independence
while
supporting
her
sons
Oscar,
six
and
who
has
severe
asthma
and
complex
sensory
needs
and
Jack,
nine
months.
On
top
of
all
this,
for
a
day
job
she
is
a
midwife
helping
to
bring
babies
safely
into
the
world
and
is
a
source
of
invaluable
support
to
the
women
she
cares
for.
I’m
delighted
to
declare
NATALIE
MARTIN
the
Pride
of
Redditch.
The
Winners
2015
Home
Back
Forward
Helen
Biddle
Our
next
winner
has
had
to
go
through
the
terrifying
ordeal
of
being
diagnosed
with
breast
cancer.
But
rather
than
let
it
defeat
her
she
has
battled
back
to
not
only
overcome
the
disease
but
to
raise
money
to
support
others
in
similar
situations.
Her
charitable
work
has
included
helping
to
organise
a
fashion
show
to
raise
money
for
Breast
Cancer
Care,
Macmillan
Cancer
Support,
the
Primrose
Hospice
and
the
Bromsgrove
and
Redditch
Bosom
Friends
Breast
Cancer
Support
Group.
She
is
also
a
keen
supporter
of
the
Lucie
Southall
Leukemia
Fund,
using
her
business
to
collect
money
for
the
charity,
selling
calendars
and
even
stepping
in
at
the
eleventh
hour
to
perform
at
one
of
the
group’s
events
after
the
scheduled
singer
failed
to
turn
up.
Ladies
and
gentlemen
I’m
pleased
to
declare
HELEN
BIDDLE
the
Pride
of
Redditch.
The
Winners
2015
Home
Back
Forward
Robert
Holdcroft
Our
next
winner
is
someone
who
is
always
at
the
front
of
the
queue
when
it
comes
to
supporting
the
town
or
doing
something
for
a
good
cause.
He
regularly
donates
items
to
raise
money
for
charity
and
is
not
shy
with
donating
money
for
everything
from
projects
to
celebrate
Redditch’s
50th
anniversary
as
a
New
Town
to
sponsoring
the
town
centre
Christmas
tree
so
the
festive
spirit
can
be
enjoyed
by
residents
and
visitors
alike.
He
is
always
willing
to
give
someone
a
chance
to
prove
themselves
and
through
his
business
gives
opportunities
to
people
with
learning
difficulties
to
gain
employment.
He
has
also
led
from
the
front
in
encouraging
his
staff
to
give
charity
and
the
payroll
giving
scheme
he
helped
found
has
raised
more
than
£50,000
for
charity.
A
recent
charity
football
match
recently
raised
£300
for
a
children’s
charity
and
he
is
supporting
and
has
helped
to
refurbish
a
local
football
club.
He
can
also
be
seen
out
and
about
in
the
community
litter
picking
to
keep
our
town
clean
and
has
scaled
Snowdon
is
part
of
his
fund-raising
efforts.
His
nominator
described
him
as
‘a
truly
inspirational
person
and
a
wonderful
asset
to
Redditch’.
We
agree
and
that’s
why
it’s
my
pleasure
to
declare
ROBERT
HOLDCROFT
the
Pride
of
Redditch.
The
Winners
2015
Home
Back
Forward
Nick
Houghton
Our
next
winner
has
helped
hundreds
of
people
with
learning
difficulties
to
realise
their
true
potential.
For
more
than
30
years
he
has
been
the
head
gardener
at
Where
Next
Association
teaching
horticultural
skills
to
young
men
and
women
and
helping
them
to
build
self-esteem,
dignity,
confidence
and
a
sense
of
purpose.
He
has
also
helped
the
charity
make
a
difference
to
the
town
through
brightening
up
the
town
centre
with
high
quality
floral
displays,
which
made
a
significant
contribution
to
Redditch’s
success
in
the
Britain
in
Bloom
competition.
He
has
also
supported
efforts
to
reintroduce
the
native
Redditch
Doddin
apple
tree
which
at
one
stage
was
on
the
verge
of
disappearing
but
there
are
now
200
trees
around
the
town
and
money
made
from
the
sale
of
the
trees
goes
to
support
the
Headless
Cross
Community
Orchard.
It’s
my
pleasure
to
declare
NICK
HOUGHTON
the
Pride
of
Redditch.
The
Winners
2015
Home
Back
Forward
Fay
Yeng
Our
next
winner
is
on
a
mission
to
use
food
as
a
way
of
bringing
people
together
and
uniting
them
around
a
common
love.
Her
work
involves
educating
people
to
develop
a
positive
relationship
with
food
and
particularly
she
is
passionate
about
teaching
children
to
prepare
their
own
food
and
try
out
new
experiences.
A
particular
focus
is
working
with
children
facing
challenges
in
their
lives
and
using
food
as
a
way
of
engaging
with
them
and
building
confidence.
Drawing
on
her
own
background
she
uses
cuisine
from
around
the
world
to
celebrate
diversity.
She
has
also
contributed
to
the
jigsaw
project
by
using
the
benefits
of
food
to
help
those
with
mental
health
issues.
She’s
also
supported
efforts
to
organise
and
promote
Redditch’s
annual
celebrations
of
Chinese
New
Year.
Ladies
and
gentleman
I
declare
FAY
YENG
the
Pride
of
Redditch.
The
Winners
2015
Home
Back
Forward
Alma
Bright
Clarke
Our
next
winner
has
made
an
unparalleled
contribution
to
the
world
of
performing
arts
in
Redditch.
In
1964
she
founded
Redditch
Choral
Society
by
inviting
singers
to
perform
in
aid
of
the
Freedom
from
Hunger
campaign.
More
than
50
years
later
the
society
is
still
going
with
more
than
50
members
and
our
winner
remains
at
the
forefront
despite
approaching
her
90th
birthday.
They
have
performed
numerous
concerts
throughout
the
borough
and
the
wider
Midlands
area
over
the
years,
each
time
proudly
flying
the
flag
for
our
town.
She
was
also
responsible
for
founding
the
Midlands
Opera
Group
in
1964
and
has
played
an
active
role
over
the
years
in
Redditch
Arts
Council
and
Arts
in
Redditch
to
support
the
wealth
of
talent
the
borough
has
to
offer
in
that
area.
She
has
also
been
responsible
for
using
her
passion
for
music
to
raise
several
thousands
of
pounds
for
charity
including
taking
the
society
to
perform
at
the
Birmingham
Oratory
in
aid
of
St
Mary’s
Hospice
and
the
creation
of
The
Little
Singers
of
Studley
choir
which
raised
more
than
£10,000
for
Save
the
Children
Fund
over
a
five
year
period.
She
also
has
the
honour
of
being
the
first
person
to
receive
the
mayor’s
annual
award
and
we’re
delighted
to
add
to
that
this
evening
by
declaring
ALMA
BRIGHT
CLARKE
the
Pride
of
Redditch.
The
Winners
2015
Home
Back
Forward
Salvation
Army
Charity
Shop
Next
we
come
to
a
group
of
people
who
over
many
years
have
given
up
their
time
on
a
daily
and
almost
weekly
basis
to
run
a
charity
shop
which
has
become
a
key
part
of
the
Crabbs
Cross
community.
It
is
easy
to
overlook
their
contribution
but
without
it
vital
work
supporting
those
in
need
throughout
our
town
would
not
take
place.
They
provide
emotional
support
to
each
other,
reducing
the
risk
of
isolation
and
loneliness,
and
also
offer
a
source
of
comfort
for
those
coming
into
the
shop
–
whether
that’s
providing
clothing
or
other
products
to
those
who
have
nothing
or
referring
them
on
to
others
who
can
help
with
food
or
shelter.
Once
the
shop
is
closed
they
continue
to
give
of
their
time
by
going
to
people’s
homes
to
collect
donations
and
then
sort
through
them.
They’re
a
group
of
people
who
in
their
own
small
way
are
making
a
huge
difference.
I’m
delighted
to
declare
the
staff
and
volunteers
of
the
Salvation
Army
Charity
Shop
the
Pride
of
Redditch.
The
Winners
2015
Home
Back
Forward
Patricia
Chambers
One
of
Redditch’s
great
strengths
is
the
harmonious
way
its
many
people
from
different
cultures
live
and
work
alongside
each
other
in
peace
and
that
is
in
many
ways
because
of
the
work
of
people
like
our
next
winner.
Over
the
last
15
years
she
has
worked
hard
to
share
her
passion
for
black
history
and
the
culture
of
the
Caribbean.
She
does
this
in
a
variety
of
ways
through
delivering
workshops
on
everything
from
Caribbean
cookery
lessons
to
African
and
Caribbean
history.
For
this
year’s
Black
History
Month,
she
persuaded
Vue
Cinema
in
Redditch
to
show
a
popular
film
which
would
attract
members
of
the
African/Caribbean
community
of
all
ages,
as
well
as
a
fashion
show
of
contemporary
and
African
outfits.
Through
her
work
she
is
not
only
promoting
the
vital
part
the
African/Caribbean
community
play
in
the
life
of
Redditch
but
also
she
helps
young
black
people
to
feel
proud
of
who
they
are
and
connect
with
their
heritage.
Ladies
and
gentlemen
it’s
my
pleasure
to
announce
PATRICIA
CHAMBERS
as
the
Pride
of
Redditch.
The
Winners
2015
Home
Back
End
of
List
Special
acknowledgement
The
Midwifery
Team
at
the
Alexandra
Hospital
For
more
than
30
years
this
group
of
people
past
and
present
brought
new
life
to
the
town,
literally.
In
my
opinion
they
perform
one
of
the
most
underrated
jobs
in
the
country.
What
is
it
that
makes
them
so
special?
Perhaps
it’s
the
way
after
being
on
their
feet
for
12
hours
without
having
a
break
or
even
the
opportunity
for
a
cup
of
tea,
they
stay
on
an
do
another
four
hours
because
their
woman
needs
them.
Perhaps
it’s
the
way
they
are
prepared
to
jump
into
the
back
of
an
ambulance
at
2.30am
and
travel
all
the
way
to
Glasgow,
because
the
baby
they
are
looking
after
needs
a
specialist
cot
and
that’s
the
only
one
available
in
the
country.
Or
perhaps
it’s
the
way
they
kiss
goodbye
to
their
family
on
Christmas
Day
because
they
know
someone
needs
them
more
than
they
do.
Unfortunately,
due
to
a
decision
none
of
us
agreed
with,
they
are
no
longer
able
to
perform
the
little
miracles
they
carry
out
in
Redditch.
But
we
wanted
to
let
them
know
that
wherever
they
are,
wherever
they
go
in
future,
they
will
always
be
our
Alex
Angels.
That’s
why
we’re
delighted
to
acknowledge
their
achievements
and
contribution
to
our
town
tonight
and
it’s
my
privilege
to
declare
the
Alexandra
Hospital
Midwifery
Team
–
the
Alex
Angels
–
the
Pride
of
Redditch.
1
of
4
Next
Picture
The
Winners
2015
Home
Back
End
of
List
Special
acknowledgement
The
Midwifery
Team
at
the
Alexandra
Hospital
For
more
than
30
years
this
group
of
people
past
and
present
brought
new
life
to
the
town,
literally.
In
my
opinion
they
perform
one
of
the
most
underrated
jobs
in
the
country.
What
is
it
that
makes
them
so
special?
Perhaps
it’s
the
way
after
being
on
their
feet
for
12
hours
without
having
a
break
or
even
the
opportunity
for
a
cup
of
tea,
they
stay
on
an
do
another
four
hours
because
their
woman
needs
them.
Perhaps
it’s
the
way
they
are
prepared
to
jump
into
the
back
of
an
ambulance
at
2.30am
and
travel
all
the
way
to
Glasgow,
because
the
baby
they
are
looking
after
needs
a
specialist
cot
and
that’s
the
only
one
available
in
the
country.
Or
perhaps
it’s
the
way
they
kiss
goodbye
to
their
family
on
Christmas
Day
because
they
know
someone
needs
them
more
than
they
do.
Unfortunately,
due
to
a
decision
none
of
us
agreed
with,
they
are
no
longer
able
to
perform
the
little
miracles
they
carry
out
in
Redditch.
But
we
wanted
to
let
them
know
that
wherever
they
are,
wherever
they
go
in
future,
they
will
always
be
our
Alex
Angels.
That’s
why
we’re
delighted
to
acknowledge
their
achievements
and
contribution
to
our
town
tonight
and
it’s
my
privilege
to
declare
the
Alexandra
Hospital
Midwifery
Team
–
the
Alex
Angels
–
the
Pride
of
Redditch.
Previous
Picture
2
of
4
Next
Picture
The
Winners
2015
Home
Back
End
of
List
Special
acknowledgement
The
Midwifery
Team
at
the
Alexandra
Hospital
For
more
than
30
years
this
group
of
people
past
and
present
brought
new
life
to
the
town,
literally.
In
my
opinion
they
perform
one
of
the
most
underrated
jobs
in
the
country.
What
is
it
that
makes
them
so
special?
Perhaps
it’s
the
way
after
being
on
their
feet
for
12
hours
without
having
a
break
or
even
the
opportunity
for
a
cup
of
tea,
they
stay
on
an
do
another
four
hours
because
their
woman
needs
them.
Perhaps
it’s
the
way
they
are
prepared
to
jump
into
the
back
of
an
ambulance
at
2.30am
and
travel
all
the
way
to
Glasgow,
because
the
baby
they
are
looking
after
needs
a
specialist
cot
and
that’s
the
only
one
available
in
the
country.
Or
perhaps
it’s
the
way
they
kiss
goodbye
to
their
family
on
Christmas
Day
because
they
know
someone
needs
them
more
than
they
do.
Unfortunately,
due
to
a
decision
none
of
us
agreed
with,
they
are
no
longer
able
to
perform
the
little
miracles
they
carry
out
in
Redditch.
But
we
wanted
to
let
them
know
that
wherever
they
are,
wherever
they
go
in
future,
they
will
always
be
our
Alex
Angels.
That’s
why
we’re
delighted
to
acknowledge
their
achievements
and
contribution
to
our
town
tonight
and
it’s
my
privilege
to
declare
the
Alexandra
Hospital
Midwifery
Team
–
the
Alex
Angels
–
the
Pride
of
Redditch.
Previous
Picture
3
of
4
Next
Picture
The
Winners
2015
Home
Back
End
of
List
Special
acknowledgement
The
Midwifery
Team
at
the
Alexandra
Hospital
For
more
than
30
years
this
group
of
people
past
and
present
brought
new
life
to
the
town,
literally.
In
my
opinion
they
perform
one
of
the
most
underrated
jobs
in
the
country.
What
is
it
that
makes
them
so
special?
Perhaps
it’s
the
way
after
being
on
their
feet
for
12
hours
without
having
a
break
or
even
the
opportunity
for
a
cup
of
tea,
they
stay
on
an
do
another
four
hours
because
their
woman
needs
them.
Perhaps
it’s
the
way
they
are
prepared
to
jump
into
the
back
of
an
ambulance
at
2.30am
and
travel
all
the
way
to
Glasgow,
because
the
baby
they
are
looking
after
needs
a
specialist
cot
and
that’s
the
only
one
available
in
the
country.
Or
perhaps
it’s
the
way
they
kiss
goodbye
to
their
family
on
Christmas
Day
because
they
know
someone
needs
them
more
than
they
do.
Unfortunately,
due
to
a
decision
none
of
us
agreed
with,
they
are
no
longer
able
to
perform
the
little
miracles
they
carry
out
in
Redditch.
But
we
wanted
to
let
them
know
that
wherever
they
are,
wherever
they
go
in
future,
they
will
always
be
our
Alex
Angels.
That’s
why
we’re
delighted
to
acknowledge
their
achievements
and
contribution
to
our
town
tonight
and
it’s
my
privilege
to
declare
the
Alexandra
Hospital
Midwifery
Team
–
the
Alex
Angels
–
the
Pride
of
Redditch.
Previous
Picture
4
of
4