Person of the Year
Ross Williams-Gick
Community Champion at Tesco St Neots. Ross was recognised for his community and charity focussed commitments across the town. Nominators particularly mentioned the summer 2016 Family Fun Day that Ross developed – attended by thousands and raising nearly £6000 for the charities and community groups that attended.
Young Person of the Year
Joseph Sydes
An inspiring young man who was last year diagnosed with cancer and fought against all the odds to recover. Despite undergoing intensive chemotherapy and being very ill he continued his school work in hospital and achieved very successful end of year results. His positive attitude and determination to succeed has been key to overcoming the ‘Big C’..
Charity, or Community Group of the year
Switch Now
A new initiative that works with young adults with learning difficulties / disabilities; providing supported training and work experiences to develop employability skills, with the objective to be ‘work ready’. A key project is a community café staffed by the young adults who benefit from this group. The group works tirelessly to provide a cheerful and friendly environment, helping to break down the stigma associated with disabled people.
Teacher of the Year
Reg Searle
Musical Director of St Neots Orchestra and Choral Society. Starting the society over 35 years ago, Reg was acknowledged for his ongoing commitment both in time and passion; giving enormous amounts of time to choosing and planning the programmes, rehearsing with the groups weekly and continually encouraging young talent.
Business of the Year
Peppercorns Academy
In recognition of their long established community focussed tuition. A family business, and founded in the early 1980’s, the team was specifically put forward for their caring approach and the excellent example they set as role models for their students. The business was also recognised and thanked for their ongoing contribution to performing at local community initiatives.
Employer of the Year
Barfords + Co
With a 40 year history, Barfords + Co continue to demonstrate an exemplary commitment to the professional and personal development of their employees – investing in staff to achieve professional qualifications as well as supporting employees in college courses through distance learning.
Sports Team, or Club of the Year
New Saints Boxing Club
The not for profit family run business has not even been established for a year – but the family behind it have worked tirelessly to get the club off the ground in their spare time. The club has gone from strength to strength in just over a year, encouraging children and adults of all ages and abilities to take up their sport. Working in partnership with Cambridgeshire Police they have also set a class dedicated to young people who have been involved with anti-social behaviour.
Sports Person of the Year
Scott Thomas
Despite a difficult medical history, Scott was driven to achieve sporting success – initially as a swimmer and a runner and now as an elite triathlete. Alongside this he coaches younger swimmers, inspiring them to reach the best of their ability. Whilst training for triathlons and running his swimming teaching sessions, Scott also achieved six As and an A* in his GCSEs.
Over 100 nominations were received for the 2016 St Neots Awards, reiterating the number of individuals, community groups and businesses that have made a clear impact in the town. Speaking about the awards programme and the evening event, St Neots Town Mayor Cllr Derek Giles said: “I was both delighted and humbled to recognise such a worthy group of award winners and finalists in our 2016 award ceremony. St Neots residents and local businesses really do achieve fantastic things – and this year’s awards gave us the chance to say thank you and well done.”
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