Brentwood Borough Council has announced the winners of the Civic Awards 2015.
The awards recognise individuals who have dedicated their time to help others in Brentwood. They were presented at the Civic Dinner on Friday 8 April, at Hutton Mount Banqueting Suite in Hutton.
The three winners were:
Service to the Community – Roy Tyzack – a Community First Responder and Chairman of the Navestock Village Society
Service to the Community – Audrey Clark – from Brentwood Community Print
Lifetime Achievement – Roy Pomphrey – a volunteer counsellor for Havering and Brentwood Bereavement Service and Age Concern
The Civic Awards Judging Panel said they were impressed not only with the number of nominations this year, but also the exceptionally high quality of them, which not only showed nominees’ outstanding work, but that the community appreciated their contribution.
Brentwood Borough Council’s Chief Executive, Philip Ruck, said: “The Civic Awards recognise people who have gone above and beyond to give their time selflessly to help others.
It was clear from the number of nominations that there are many worthy people who have made a fantastic contribution for the community and have devoted their lives to helping others. It is these people who make Brentwood what it is – a better place to live in.
I am delighted that we are able to give these local heroes, who have all given their time voluntarily to local causes, the recognition that they deserve.”
Roy Tyzack said: “I was humbled and surprised to hear that I would be receiving this award; it makes me feel very honoured. The quote that I have always carried with me through life is ‘all that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing’ and I didn’t want to be the one to do nothing. I love contributing to the community and it is part of being involved in village life.
The most rewarding part has been to be able to save those two people’s lives, it makes it all worthwhile.”
Audrey Clark said: “I was so shocked to learn I had won this award. I feel humbled and honoured to have my work recognised, but I could not have achieved anything without the support of my family and my wonderful co-directors and team at Brentwood Community Print.
It’s difficult to say what has been the most rewarding project this past year but if I had to choose I think it would be the Adult Colouring Cafe as this truly is social inclusion and peer support at its best and has to be seen to be believed.”
Roy Pomphrey said: “I usually like to be in the background, so this was an unexpected surprise to be awarded such a honour.
When I retired, I enrolled on a counselling course. I didn’t expect it to open so many doors. Throughout my time as a voluntary counsellor, I met a cross-section of society. I realised that when life becomes difficult and traumatic, we are not always able to find a way forward. I wanted to give others the opportunity to express their fears and trauma in a safe environment.
We cannot change the past but we can hope for a better future.”
Phoenix FM extends our congratulations to all three winners.
