Rose of Northamptonshire awards: Meet the people making a difference in our communities
‘Congratulations to all our worthy award winners’
By The Newsroom
Published 3rd Oct 2023, 11:02 BST
Updated 3rd Oct 2023, 11:03 BST
Throughout August and September, representatives from Northamptonshire Community Foundation and the North and West Northamptonshire Unitary Authorities have presented 57 community heroes across the county with Rose of Northamptonshire Awards.
First launched in 2021 by the High Sheriff’s Office, the Lord Lieutenancy, and what was at the time Northamptonshire County Council, the Rose of Northamptonshire Awards recognise and celebrate groups and individuals who work tirelessly to better their local communities.
Rachel McGrath, CEO of Northamptonshire Community Foundation, said: “re-launching the Rose of Northamptonshire Awards has been a wonderful opportunity to shine a light on unsung community heroes across the county, congratulations to all our worthy award winners.
“I’m very excited to say that this is not a one-off, the public will be able to nominate community champions again in Spring 2024.”
The awards initiative was re-launched in 2023 by a partnership between Northamptonshire Community Foundation and the North and West Northamptonshire Unitary Authorities, to shine a light on those whose dedication to their community often goes unnoticed or unacknowledged.
Rachel McGrath, CEO of Northamptonshire Community Foundation, said: “re-launching the Rose of Northamptonshire Awards has been a wonderful opportunity to shine a light on unsung community heroes across the county, congratulations to all our worthy award winners.
17. Richard Askew
Councillor Malcolm Longley from West Northants Council presenting Richard Askew, a well-known community hero in Kingsthorpe, with a Rose of Northamptonshire Award. Lovingly nicknamed “Mr Kingsthorpe”, Richard Askew has served his local community for years in a range of roles spanning the local primary school, Scouts and charities. Each Christmas, Richard also sets up a full-size nativity scene to raise money for Northamptonshire Association for the Blind. Photo: Jamie Wooldridge
Rachel McGrath, CEO at Northamptonshire Community Foundation & Syrah Nazir, Trustee at Northamptonshire Community Foundation, presenting Dr David Smart from Action 4 Happiness Northants & Pete Spink from Space to Talk with their Rose of Northamptonshire Awards
• Dr David Smart has helped to develop the Action 4 Happiness Northampton Hub, providing the community with free resources and a safe space to support mental health and wellbeing
• Pete Spink co-founded Space to Talk, a not-for-profit community organisation supporting members of the community who are struggling with their mental health, isolation and other worries. Photo: Submitted
Caroline Brocklehurst DL presenting Nigel Hinch from Ability CIC with a Rose of Northamptonshire Award. Nigel Hinch co-founded Ability CIC to provide better access to transport for those living in rural areas, or who are struggling with the cuts to bus subsidies. Ability CIC now supports over 1,200 members across 62 parishes. Photo: Submitted