Alsager’s vaccination hub, a “tenacious” resident who wants the best for her town’s future and a “jolly face” who helps to keep the streets clean were just some of those in the line-up for Alsager Civic Awards 2022.
They were presented by town council chair Coun Michael Unett during the annual parish meeting at the Civic last Tuesday Nicola Clarke, town clerk, said the “standout” winner was the Thirteen Club on Cedar Avenue where for months during the pandemic a committed group of volunteers helped to administer more than 50,000 covid vaccinations.
The club was presented with the covid-19 special recognition award for making a significant contribution to the community and in helping others through the pandemic and lockdowns.
Mrs Clarke said: “The volunteers absolutely stepped up to the mark and there were so many of them who also helped with car parking marshalling and cleaning.”
Taking home the community civic award for making a positive contribution to Alsager was Alsager Welcomes Refugees.
The group was originally set up to help refugees arriving in the area having fled war in Syria and helped to settle at least one family locally.
Alsager Welcomes Refugees is now offering support for those planning to host those fleeing war in Ukraine.
Another community civic award was presented to Pride in Alsager, which was launched last year to provide a safe space and information hub for all things LGBTQI+ in Alsager and surrounding areas.
Pride in Alsager held a parade through the town last summer followed by an evening of entertainment at Alsager Social Club.
Alsager resident Sylvia Dyke, a familiar face at town council meetings, was presented with the Pride of Alsager award.
Mrs Clarke said: “Sylvia just takes so much interest in Alsager. She has so much pride in the town and takes a great deal of interest in how it might develop in future.
“She is very tenacious when new planning applications are submitted, she cares so much about where she lives.”
AFC Alsager community football club, based at Alsager Sports Hub, scored by winning the sporting award.
“AFC Alsager has many football teams for tots to grown-ups and does a lot on the coaching side as well,” said Mrs Clarke.
A special recognition award went to Nigel Rowbottom who works for Ansa, Cheshire East Council’s arms-length company responsible for managing waste and street cleaning.
Mrs Clarke said: “He has been a familiar face around Alsager for years helping to keep the town neat and tidy and is about to retire.
“Nigel has been responsible for opening and closing the town’s public toilets, picks up litter and empties the street bins. Everybody knows his face and he been such a jolly chap to have around.”
The environmental award went to the Land Trust, a charity that owns or manages spaces restored from derelict land for public benefit.
Locally, its Green Angels programme is based at Hassall Green Nature Reserve and provides free environmental training courses.
