Our Town - Community heroes recognised

A local foster carer, school, young person, helpful neighbour, and disability advocate were amongst those recognised at Wigan Council’s recent Our Town awards event.

The annual event was an opportunity to say thank you to hundreds of people across the borough, who regularly give up their own time to help others or work to improve the local community, economy, or environment.

The Leader of Wigan Council, Councillor David Molyneux, said:
“Working together and building on the strength of our communities is very important to us as a council and key to the way we want to work in the future.

“It was fantastic to be able to come together at the Our Town awards and celebrate the strength of our local communities.

“Everyone who was nominated really did reflect the best of our borough; friendly, strong, kind and dedicated individuals who work together and help others achieve their potential every day.”

Cabinet member for communities and neighbourhoods, Councillor Chris Ready, added:
“Events like this really do make you feel proud to come from Wigan Borough.

“There were so many impressive nominations and choosing the winners was a very difficult task.

“I’d like to thank everyone who was nominated for your ongoing hard work and commitment to improving our borough and all of those people who took the time to put in a nomination, as these awards wouldn’t have been possible without you.”

There were 10 different award categories this year and the winners for 2024, were:

The Leader’s award: Alex Winstanley, from Happy Smiles CIC
Alex was recognised for the hours of time he regularly gives to help others, the way he enriches the lives of those around him, and his way of always bringing a smile, even when things are hard.

Young person of the year: Reece Sumner
Reece was thanked for the huge contribution he has made to Leigh Youth Hub since its opening, by taking on several leadership roles.

School of the year: Nicol Mere Primary School
Nicol Mere Primary School was described as standing out for their work in the local community, helping families in need and creating exceptional opportunities for children to explore their hobbies and passions.

Environment champion: The Bridgers Community Group
The Bridgers were congratulated for the massive contribution they make in Howe Bridge, ensuring the green spaces remain pride of place for future generations to enjoy.

Community initiative: The Daisy Chain Stitchers
The needlework and crafts group were described as doing important work tackling social issues through positive activities and embodying what the borough’s community spirit is all about.

Neighbour of the year: Sharon Smith
Sharon was recognised for her positive attitude and the amazing impact she has on everyone around her.

Unpaid carer: Gabrielle Edwards
All of the unpaid carers across the borough were thanked for the valuable contribution they make to society every day often in challenging circumstances. Gabrielle was recognised for her strength and humility, described as a ‘hidden gem’.

Community wealth building business of the year: Tim Hilton, JJH Builders
JJH Builders were given the award for embracing community wealth building and playing an important role in our local economy, whilst making contributions to help as many people as possible.

Unsung hero award: Andrea Jukes
Foster carer, Andrea and her husband Andrew, have fostered more than 40 children over the years. Andrea also works hard to offer support to other fostering families across the borough and was thanked for the positive influence she has had on the lives of so many local people.

Volunteer of the year: Victoria Davies
Victoria volunteers for several organisations across the borough and was thanked for her deep commitment to volunteering and enriching the lives of others.

All award winners and those shortlisted were invited to a special celebration event at The Edge in Wigan, hosted by TV journalist, Dave Guest. Entertainment was provided by WigLe Dance, singer Zha Olu, Wigan Little Theatre, DJ Joan, and Wigan Ukulele Orchestra.

Volunteer of the year, Victoria Davies, said:
“I’ve had a really nice night, it’s been lovely and there’s been some great entertainment.

“I’d encourage everyone to volunteer, even if you can only give an hour a week. You’ll get a lot out of it as well as those you volunteer for also getting a lot out of it.”

The Leader’s award winner, Alex Winstanley, added:
“It was amazing to win an award and be recognised as there are so many incredible people in our borough.

“I’m a really passionate Wiganer and I love our borough and the people in it, so this means a lot.

“It’s a different event. You can see the passion and commitment in everyone here tonight, from councillors and council leaders to all those who live and work in the borough.”