2022 WINNERS
Mayor's Award (sponsored by Warner Bros)
Winner - Saud Hafiz
Saud set up West Herts ABC during the national lockdown. He works tirelessly to share his passion for boxing and fitness. His welcoming attitude and a real desire to extend his reach to as many people as possible has helped turn the lives around of so many people within Watford. The gym has helped its members make better lifestyle choices and Saud is always on hand to provide guidance, mentorship and expertise.
Carer of the Year Award (sponsored by Scala Financial Services)
Winner - Gary O'Brien
AKA Happy Gary! Set up his own business to give young adults with learning and physical disabilities lead a fun and adventurous life. He brings a lot of energy, fun, laughter and craziness to everyone he meets and really cares about all of the people he works with. Gary has made such a difference to so many young people lives who otherwise would’ve been stuck at home.
Charity Worker of the Year Award (sponsored by Camelot Group)
Winner - Brick by Brick Communities
Brick by Brick’s aims are to combat poverty and social exclusion in all forms in our communities. They support families, schools and community groups and really care for the individuals who desperately need support. During the pandemic they held various virtual events which focussed on healthy minds and wellbeing. They also reached out to the community who struggled to find PPE and at the same time made sure residents were supported, whether it be for food, clothes or pushchairs as well as providing sports shoes, sanitary products, toothpaste and brushes to schools, giving those who can’t afford these basic products the necessities that we all take for granted.
Public Service Award (sponsored by Veolia)
Winner - Veolia's Eastbury Rd collection team
Since the start of the pandemic in March, many members of the public have placed thank you notes on their bins in appreciation of the work that carried on in emptying black, brown and green wheelie bins from 40,000 households. The Eastbury Road team of 3 never missed a collection throughout the whole pandemic.
Pride In Watford Award (sponsored by Murrill Construction)
Winner - Caleb Ratcliff
Caleb selflessing chose to hold a litter picking party for his seventh party. With borrowed kits from Veolia Caleb, his sister and a group of his friends removed several bags of litter and recycling from Fern Way alleyway. Caleb’s idea is testament to his commitment to keeping Watford clean and tidy. His dedication to caring for the environment is an example to us all.
Young Achiever of the Year Award (sponsored by Regal London)
Winner - Connie, Ellie and Emma (DRUM)
The pandemic did not stop the younger members of the DRUM Team! If they were not phoning members, delivering food shopping or doing online Zoom sessions, they were visiting their most vulnerable members to assist with cleaning, cooking and taking them on walks. Connie and Emma, both 25, have been at DRUM since they were teenagers and Emma, 22, joined the team early this year. All three are amazing, caring, delightful and strong young women who go above and beyond all expectations to make DRUM an enjoyable, fun, happy and caring environment for everyone.
Contribution to Sport & Healthy Living Award (sponsored by Everyone Active)
Winner - Watford Gymnastics Club
Come and have “the best hour of your week” is the motto of Watford Gymnastics Club where the coaches allow children of all abilities to learn new skills and grow in confidence in a fun and safe environment. During lockdown they provided online Zoom sessions and as soon as it was safe to return, they adapted, rose to the challenge and continued to deliver their services promoting and encouraging people to stay active and lead a healthier lifestyle at the same time as looking for a new facility to run the club from. Hard work, staying positive and optimism paid off and they found a new venue and with the help of friends, family and members their new home was set up within 5 days allowing it to continue being a successful community club.
Chairman's Culture Award (sponsored by Murrill Construction)
Winner - Amma Gyan
Amma is an inspirational person who consistently shows a dedication to arts and culture in Watford. In the pandemic, she was able to work with the council to re-imagine the chapel at Vicarage Road Cemetery into a creative space where local artists can originate and exhibit their work. The chapel gallery work with artists, local schools and community groups to host a variety of exhibitions and sessions such as painting, photography, textiles and mixed media. Amma’s warm welcome has had a positive impact on both her customers and resident artists.
Good Neighbour Award (sponsored by Watford Football Club)
Winner - Phyllis Chase
Phyllis has an extraordinary reach across the community. She enriches several community groups with her warm, calm, inclusive spirit. Phyllis has a heart of gold and would help anyone, her chuckle heals many a wounded heart and she is always ready with advice, comfort and support for those who seek help. During lockdown she made masks, bags and scrubs for the PPE Project of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. She also shares the responsibility of contacting members of the Caring Sharing Friends on a weekly basis to make sure everyone is looked after.
Special Recognition Award
Winner - Lee Partridge
Vibe 107.6 FM presenter and Watford FC match day host was recognised for his willingness to always makes time to help anyone and everyone but never ask for anything in return.
