Pendle News Room

More than 40 people were invited to Nelson Town Hall on Thursday 17 October and were personally thanked for making a difference.

Councillor Ken Hartley, Mayor of Pendle, said: “Every day people and organisations are doing some wonderful work and make an extraordinary difference in Pendle. This very often goes unrecognised.

"I launched the Mayor’s Commendation Awards so that we can change this and say a big thank you to those who go the extra mile and make an outstanding contribution to the quality of life in Pendle.

“Thank you to everyone who put forward their nominations for people they feel make a difference.

“These talented people transform Pendle into a vibrant and dynamic world.”

All nominees received a certificate and a specially commissioned limited edition pin badge from the Mayor.

Handing out the awards Councillor Hartley said: “You have surprised us, tweaked our emotions, inspired and amazed us and in your own unique way, demonstrated that we do indeed live in a wonderful world!”

Steve Wilcock, Chair of Trawden Forest Community Centre, Library and Shop, said: “I thought the Mayor’s citations were very heartfelt. 

“It’s really nice that organisations like ours have been recognised.”

Pat Lomax, from Pendle Hippodrome, added: “It was brilliant - we heard about all the good things that are going on in Pendle.”

The second Mayor’s Commendation Awards is taking place on Thursday 20 February 2020.

The deadline to nominate a person or organisation is Thursday 16 January 2020.

You can make your nomination by completing a form on Pendle Council’s website

For more information contact Fiona Standring, the Mayor’s Secretary, on (01282) 661636.

Award winners

Nelson and Colne College

The Mayor and Mayoress opened an exhibition of coursework from the senior students of the faculty of Art and Design at Nelson and Colne College. The dedication of the students to their chosen field was passionate, their enthusiasm boundless, and their work both inspirational and thought provoking.

• Faith Noblet (Fine art)
• Ruby Ormerod (Graphics)
• Husna Malik (Photography)
• Ella Riley (Textiles)

• Dominika Bzdon (sport) – described by her tutor as one of the most conscientious, hard-working students. She achieved Triple Distinction in her Sports Sciences vocational course – the highest mark that you can achieve – and she has progressed on to the University of Central Lancashire to study Sports Coaching and Development.

Whyte and Ivory

Continuing and maintaining Pendle’s historical association with textile fabrics Whyte & Ivory is a global wholesaler of curtain linings and blackout fabrics for use in both domestic and commercial markets. It was awarded a 2019 Queen’s Award for Enterprise in the International Trade category, reflecting three years’ continuous outstanding export growth.

• Anne Collins (Director and baker)
• Peter Hamilton (Director and racing driver)
• Paul Blackburn (Sales Manager and mountaineer)
• Chris Cleaver (Warehouse Manager and cyclist)
• Howard Mott (Customer Service Manager and musician)
• Ashley Thurman
• Kyle Wright
• Ashley Laraby
• James Todd

Pendle Hippodrome Youth Theatre

In June Pendle Hippodrome Youth Theatre produced Shrek the Musical Jr, a thoroughly professional production which showcased a wealth of talent from the youngsters of Pendle. One young actor excelled all expectations.

• Lewis Mumby – Donkey from Shrek

Pendle Hippodrome Theatre

We are so lucky that here in Pendle, despite the rise of cinemas, television, computer streaming, and YouTube, we have a thriving amateur live theatre community. We are even luckier that behind those aspiring thespians there is a community which is dedicated to supporting those who seek the limelight.

• Ex Chair (Mr Hippodrome) Keith Walton
• Front of house- Joe Whittam
• Wardrobe - Pam Lomax
• Theatre Secretary - Sheila Keogh
• Stage Director - David Miller
• Back Stage - Frank Lomax
• Chairman Steve Manley

Imogen Gibson - Imogen Gibson School of Dance

Since buying the dance school Imogen has doubled the size of the school, not only in student numbers but also in the range of dance styles taught and expanded the student age range from three to unlimited. This year she also expanded the activity of the school to include a full-length stage show with a cast of over seventy students.

Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service and Prince Trust

Going the extra Mile is second nature to these special individuals. Together they are a special team who administer and mentor team building activity in partnership with the Princes Trust.

• Jake Fielding
• Michelle Chapman

Trawden Forest Community Centre, Library and Shop

These volunteers have created a wonderful community hub where people meet, borrow a book and buy locally sourced produce. Once a Council run facility, Trawden Forest Community Centre is now run by a Committee of Trustees and volunteers and the much-loved Centre is entirely self-funded.

• Steve Wilcock (Chair)
• Liz Berridge (Sec)
• Jeanette Shepherd (Minute Secretary)
• Chris Whittaker Webb (Treasurer)
• Maureen Askew (Grants and Bids)
• Mary Patten (Volunteer Organiser)
• Michelle Hartley (Trustee)
• Andrew Taylor (Social Media Trustee)
• Bob Glozier (Vice Chair)
• Ian Waddington (Trustee)
• Darren Shelton (Bookings Officer)
• David Barritt (Trustee)
• Karen Wallbank (Trustee)
• Martyn Pashley (Trustee)
• Bob Anderson (Trustee)

Robert Windle Foundation

The Old Grammar School, in Earby, is owned and run by Robert Windle's Foundation, a registered charity whose role is to provide help with education to young people in Thornton-in-Craven.

• Morris Horsfield - Trustee
• Margaret Brown – Trustee

Edith Sheldrick – founder of Let’s Walk and Talk group

A champion of the environment and human rights, Edith has always put her beliefs into practice. Perhaps the one which will remain her greatest achievement is her involvement in the setting up of the Let's Walk and Talk group which still regularly meets to this day. Edith has now passed on her knowledge and experience to other walkers who continue to build on her enthusiasm and energy.

Peter and Andrea Smith - Pick up for Pendle

This husband and wife team are often to be seen out in all weathers litter picking the streets and open spaces within their community.

Eileen Eve – Pavilion café, Alkincoats Park

Eileen has created a thriving community hub which provides great homemade food, a comfortable friendly atmosphere and an opportunity for locals and visitors alike to meet and chat.

Rauf Bashir – Building Bridges

Rauf’s enthusiasm and energy know no bounds and are evident when you work with him, yet his quiet, calm, approach to challenges bely the strength and conviction with which he undertakes his tasks. His efforts to bring the ethnic communities together is invaluable.

Vivienne Hesketh – volunteer Blacko

Vivienne is instrumental in keeping the War Memorial meticulously bright, tidy and clean as well as tending to the flowers in the village. She also organises and runs the Library in a Phone box keeping a reading tradition alive.

The Goodlife Project – Pendle Leisure Trust

The Project helps isolated and inactive individuals with mild to moderate mental health conditions improve their confidence, skills and well-being and integrate them into their local community within Pendle.

Positive Action in the Community

Positive Action in the Community has been providing services locally to some of the most vulnerable people in our community for over 21 years.

Barka Lounge Doggy Daycare

This company has provided work experience and jobs for many young people in Pendle. It has provided jobs for people who would struggle to find their dream role through disability or other commitments such as children.