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Finalists selected for Bournemouth’s Unsung Hero Awards
Amazing people striving to make
10 organisations and individuals have shortlisted from dozens of nominations for the finals of the awards by Bournemouth 2026. Tickets are now available for a presentation evening at the Carrington House Hotel on September 16.
The finalists for the Heart of Gold award include John Major, Chairman of Bournemouth and Christchurch Alzheimer’s Association and the volunteers at DOTS Disability; an organisation promoting equality for disabled people.
In the Crime Buster category the finalists are Boscombe Gardens Football Project (a partnership working to build self esteem and health of young people) and Annie Robertson for her work with the Westbourne and Westcliff Safer Neighbourhood Team.
The awards are sponsored by JPMorgan, Dave Wells Properties and Transdev Yellow Buses.
Hazel Thorby, whose project to record photos and memories has reunited dozens of people living in Kinson in the 1950s, and Gwen White, a volunteer helping Winton Salvation Army with the meal run for the homeless are both finalists in the Community Spirit Award.
The Fighting Fit Award finalists include Bronwyn Pendrey, a volunteer from Caring Canines who works closely with people with autism and Steve Mowlem, a sports development worker at Nacro who also provides football training for young people living in West Howe.
The Northey & Padfield Residents Association, which has worked steadily to make its neighbourhood greener, is a finalist in the Clean and Green category, alongside Angela Pooley, an environmental campaigner of East Dorset Friends of the Earth.
One exceptional finalist will be given the title Hero of the Year to recognise their outstanding contribution and achievement.
The guest speaker for the evening will be Alison Cronin from Monkey World. For tickets to the awards event, which includes a three-course meal are available from Clare Hickinbotham on 01202 436887.
Award Categories:
Fighting Fit Award
For individuals or a group who have worked to encourage healthy lifestyles. Someone who has improved people’s health and wellbeing. They may be a champion for health issues, healthy lifestyles and exercise, in their own time. They may have organised a sport and recreational activities in their community, support a club, organise a walking group, dance class or health eating club. Or supported people with a disability or mental health condition.
Community Spirit Award
An individual or community group who has shown commitment, enthusiasm and dedication that has made a significant difference to the lives of individuals or their community
Crime Buster Award
For individuals or a group who have helped to reduce crime and or anti social behaviour within their community.
Clean and Green Award
And individual/group that have made a difference to the environment in their local community. The person/group who have made their community/neighbourhood cleaner or greener e.g. introduced a recycling scheme, cleaned up a messy area, cleared footpaths, set up a walking bus.
Heart of Gold Award
An award for an individual or group who has championed the cause of others in their community. Examples of groups supported could be older people, disabled, carers, young people or people from different backgrounds.
Hero of the year award
All nominations received will automatically be entered in to this category. This award is for an exceptional individual or group who have made an outstanding contribution, achievement or excelled in their voluntary work, making a real difference to the lives of individuals or the local community.
| Contact details | |
|---|---|
| Bournemouth 2026 | |
| Littledown Centre, Chaseside Bournemouth BH7 7DX | |
| Tel: 01202 436887 | |
| Email: Bournemouth 2026 | |