Community transport celebrated at annual awards ceremony

Community transport in Devon has been celebrated at a special award ceremony at County Hall.

The 14th annual ceremony, organised by Devon County Council and sponsored this year by Posh Nosh, (held on Friday 7 June) honoured those who have made outstanding contributions to community transport and marked the culmination of National Volunteers’ Week.

Volunteers’ Week is an annual campaign and this year’s focus has been saying ‘Thank You’ to the millions who regularly contribute to society and to recognise the way that organisations celebrate the work of volunteers across the UK.

Robert Adams, of the Holsworthy Rural Community Transport Association, was named the Community Transport Volunteer of the Year. He was recognised for his kind and caring attitude as well as the time he dedicates to the association, driving four days a week and clocking up 6,000 miles in the last financial year alone.

Volunteer awards were also presented to Jean Burgess of Kingscare League of Friends, Christine Chadwick of North Devon Cars, Karen Oxley of the Estuary League of Friends, Martin Prentice of Holsworthy Rural CTA, and Keith Walter of Newton Abbot CTA.

Winner of the Outstanding Lifetime Contribution award was Chris Willis of Go North Devon Ltd, who first volunteered in 1997 when the group was about to launch its Shopmobility service, and has served as Chairman since 2003.

Paid staff were also honoured for their work, with the title of Employee of the Year being presented to Andy Lyle of Tavistock Area Support Service where he has helped secure vital funds to purchase wheelchair friendly vehicles, new minibuses and a mobility centre. He also established and is running the valuable hospital car service.

The award for Best Contribution to the Local Community went to Coleridge Community Bus. This is a scheduled community bus service run and managed by residents in the South Hams to access communities not served by commercial bus services. The volunteers give up their time to drive the bus on a weekly basis which helps elderly people to maintain their independence by enabling them to do their shopping or socialise with friends.

Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Highways, said: “It never ceases to amaze me just how many people involved in community transport go that extra mile. We’re fortunate in Devon to have so many dedicated groups and individuals involved with this important service. This award ceremony always highlights some very special people and we always hear incredible stories of the difference they are making. Well done to all of them and everyone who plays a part in making community transport such a valued part of our local communities.”

All nominations were considered by a judging panel consisting of Devon County Councillor Stuart Hughes, Chief Executive of the Community Council of Devon Elaine Cook, and Devon Primary Care Trust, Patient Advice and Service Liaison Manager Alison Holder.