Commissioner’s Community Awards – South Cumbria

In the photo, L/R: Ann Thomson, Diane Horner, Gail O’Neill, Peter McCall, Samantha Thomas, Gerald Pickersgill, Chief Inspector Matthew Pearman

Local people,  volunteers and professional teams were among those who received PCC Community Awards (South Cumbria) on Wednesday 12 July.

Winners and their guests were invited to Barrow Police Station where they were presented with their awards by Cumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner Peter McCall.

 Peter McCall said: “I launched my Community Awards earlier this year as I wanted to be able to formally recognise the outstanding work carried out by people within Cumbria who help to keep their communities safe, in either a voluntary or professional capacity.  People who go that extra mile to deliver services to the public, preventing crime, supporting vulnerable people and victims or deliver an outstanding service.

“I remain convinced that we all need to work together to keep Cumbria safe.  My ethos is ‘we, not they’, and I am extremely grateful to those who epitomise this vision, and it is my pleasure to formally recognise them and say a very big ‘thank you’.”

Amongst the winners was Diane Horner, of Kirkbarrow Residents Association, Kendal,who won the Outstanding Citizen Award. Diane was nominated in recognition of the outstanding contribution she makes to community engagement with the residents of Kirkbarrow, south Kendal.  Diane has made a big difference to helping to keep her local community safe, and through her hard work and commitment she has helped reduce anti-social  behaviour and improve community spirit.

Speaking of her award Diane said: “Being nominated for and subsequently winning the Outstanding Citizen Award was a totally unexpected but lovely surprise, which is very much appreciated.

“However, my work in our local community is only made possible with the help of both our partner organisations and small group of committee members, not least our Vice-Chair, David Wilkinson, who has been there with me every step of the way.

“I feel both honoured and privileged to work with the residents of Kirkbarrow, especially the young people, whose enjoyment of the facilities and activities that we are able to provide is ample reward.”

Other winners in south Cumbria were:

Outstanding Community Project – PCSO Gail O’Neill, and PCSO Samantha Thomas (School visits)

Outstanding Volunteer – Margaret Ann Thomson – Women’s Community Matters

Outstanding Team/Professional –  Gerald Pickersgill, The Well

Ends