Back in 2015, when I was first appointed as Cabinet Member for Community Engagement at Crawley Borough Council, I set out looking for new and exciting things we could do to recognise (and celebrate) the amazing work being done by so many volunteers and groups right across the Town.
Within my first year, we had identified the desirability of Crawley having its own Community Awards. We had seen elsewhere some other towns with arrangements that celebrated their young people’s achievements, but while we thought this was very strong, there was so much going on in the Borough that we wanted to widen it out to something entirely more comprehensive.
And so we did, from the inaugural event held at The Hawth in 2016, I could have scarcely dared hope that I would be lucky enough to have been present for all of them and at the tenth this year, but now this time in my role as Council Leader.
I think I can safely say that everyone present had a wonderful time this year: the music, song and dancing was certainly of a tremendous quality.
The awards have always been great but it is marvellous to see how they have developed. It is truly one of the high points of the year for me: in turn they can be uplifting, joyful, frequently moving.
There are some stories of struggles with overcoming the most overwhelming adversity, others of selfless work over decades for unsung heroes, or notable achievements. Remember these inspirational people are out there in our own neighbourhoods, and we have as strong and cohesive communities as I have seen anywhere. And these awards are proof of that, if it were needed.
Where to start though? Perhaps the young lad who’s a chess playing prodigy? The award for Menshare for constantly supporting those in their lives at difficult times and delivering results for community work.
It was an enormous privilege and huge pleasure for me at this event to personally present the Crawley Borough Council Pride of Crawley award to our local paralympians, Jodie Grinham and Katie-George Dunlevy. To have a chance to see Katie-George’s Olympic medals in real life was also an eye opener, they’re substantial items!
There were too many more massively deserving recipients to mention in a short article, so I hope anyone I haven’t will forgive me this once.
The awards have been presented from the outset by Duff Eynon, who did so again this year very successfully with his customary accomplished aplomb. I reminded him on the night of how it all started – and when we were both much younger men.
All I can say in finishing is, here’s to the next ten annual awards! Their purpose – and their benefit to all of us – will outlive this council and shows the enduring power of community here in Crawley.
Cllr Michael Jones
Leader, Crawley Borough Council