People, businesses, building projects, community and sporting groups have been honoured at the annual East Riding of Yorkshire Council Chairman’s Awards.
The ceremony, which was held at Bridlington Spa on Tuesday, 9 May, celebrated the contributions made by individuals and organisations over the last year which have helped make the East Riding a better place.
The finalists were all nominated by members of the public and invited to attend the ceremony – the first one to be held in person since 2019 – where the winners were presented with their awards by chairman of East Riding of Yorkshire Council, Councillor John Whittle.
The awards were hosted by BBC Look North presenter Clare Frisby.
Councillor Whittle said: “These awards have played an important role in recognising the contributions made by many across the East Riding and this gives the council the opportunity to honour and thank individuals, organisations and businesses who have contributed so much to promote the East Riding as a great place to be.
“During my year in office, I have attended numerous engagements across the county that demonstrate how hard, and to what good effect, people work on behalf of their local communities and a ceremony such as this can only really recognise a small percentage of the many achievements around the East Riding.
“I would like to highlight the contribution of those many local people who give up their time to work for others in a voluntary capacity with thought of reward as without their efforts, many of the good things that we perhaps take for granted in the East Riding would not happen at all.
“I am sorry there can only be one winner but all of those nominated are winners and should be proud of that they have achieved – they are all a credit to the East Riding.”
WINNERS AND NOMINATIONS
Chairman’s business award
Winner – Bosville Arms community pub, Rudston
The Bosville Arms, a community pub in the East Riding of Yorkshire, faced demolition in 2019 but was saved by determined locals.
It’s not the only community-owned pub in the area and supports the local economy by employing staff and sourcing products locally.
The pub’s commitment to community and sustainability earned it a business award finalist title, and it achieved an annual turnover of £400k since trading began in 2021.
Nominees
Everything But The Dog Ltd, Beverley
Beau Boutique, Goole
Herd Agency Ltd, Hessle
Chairman’s built heritage award
Winner – Hebblethwaite House, Bridlington
Hebblewaite House, Bridlington
Hebblethwaite House, a Grade Two listed building in Bridlington, and is a significant part of the region’s heritage.
Restoration work in 2020 included repairing holes in the roof, water damage, and broken windows. Local craftsmen were hired to restore the roof with traditional pan tiles, and the sash windows were replaced to restore the building’s original look.
Hebblethwaite House is hoped to be open to the public as part of Heritage open days in September to appreciate its historical significance and restoration efforts.
Nominees
The Pastures, Holme upon Spalding Moor
The Threshing Barn and The Granary, Gilberdyke
Pretty View Cottage, Seaton
Chairman’s sport award – individual
Finlay Clark, Kirk Ella
Finley Clark is an impressive archer who started hitting targets at age seven.
Now 16, he’s a member of the Great Britain compound team, won silver at the European Youth Cup, and represented Scotland at the Commonwealth Archery Championships.
Finley ranks ninth in the national indoor championships and represents Yorkshire at both junior and senior levels.
What makes Finley’s achievements even more remarkable is that he is autistic and suffers from anxiety.
Despite these challenges, he’s shown incredible determination and resilience, proving that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible.
Nominees
Nathan Brown, Hessle
Kieran Grant, Beverley
Owen Garsides, Cottingham
Chairman’s sport award – team/club
Winner – AFC Tickton
AFC Tickton is the largest growing football club in the area, with two locations at East Riding Leisure Beverley and Longcroft School.
The club has entered into a partnership with Longcroft school to maintain the sports fields, catering for teams from age four up to seniors.
The club has achieved great things over the last 12 months, including creating a girl football development school, becoming the Wildcat (FA) Playing Scheme for the Beverley Area, forming five new girls and boys teams, being awarded The FA 3 Star accredited, the highest grassroots club can get, and recruiting a mental health champion.
Nominees
Driffield Karate Academy
Beverley Barracudas Swimming Club
Holme Rovers FC, Holme upon Spalding Moor
Chairman’s community award – group
Winner – Bishop Wilton community shop and volunteers
The Bishop Wilton Community Shop is a true testament to the power of community.
When the local post office closed in 2019, leaving the villagers feeling isolated, a group of local volunteers banded together to create a community benefit trust and set up a shop.
Since opening in January 2020, the shop has been mostly run by volunteers, with excess profit donated back into the local community.
During COVID, the shop has been a vital hub for delivering food to those isolating and keeping open for residents who couldn’t leave the village.
The Bishop Wilton Community Shop is an essential support hub, providing community cohesion for the village.
Nominees
Families in Goole
The Green Team, Goole
The Pub Lads, Welwick
Chairman’s community award – individual
Winner – Doris Northgraves, Hornsea
Doris Northgraves is a remarkable 91-year-old woman who has spent over 40 years fundraising for various charities.
Despite her age, she still tirelessly organises tombolas and has raised an impressive £47,000 since 1997.
Doris also goes above and beyond for her neighbours, cooking for them and lending a helping hand.
Her unwavering dedication to supporting those less fortunate has left a lasting legacy of kindness and generosity. Doris is an inspiration who continues to make a difference in the lives of others.
Nominees
Elouise Evans, Goole
Jane Denton, Hornsea
Val French, Barmby Moor
