UNSUNG heroes in Basingstoke and Deane are set to be recognised once again as nominations for this year’s A Place to be Proud of Awards are now open.

The awards celebrate people, organisations and projects that have made a special contribution to the community.

A Place to be Proud of awards are organised by Destination Basingstoke in partnership with Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Basingstoke Voluntary Action, and the Gazette as media partners.

Nominations are free to enter and can be made online at www.destinationbasingstoke.co.uk. The closing date for nominations is May 2.

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All nominees will be invited to the awards ceremony to be held at The Haymarket Theatre on June 16.

There are a range of categories, including some new ones for 2022 - all sponsored by local businesses and organisations that value the key role our community plays in our lives in Basingstoke and Deane. They are:

  • Health and Wellbeing Award – Lilly
  • Community Project Award – Face TV
  • Business and the Community Award – The Farleigh Wallop Estate
  • Above and Beyond Award – Castle Trust Bank
  • Volunteer of the Year Award – Beaufort Financial (Reading)
  • Community Leader Award – Disastercare South Central
  • Arts and Entertainment Award – Helping Hands Community Radio
  • Young Role Model Award – Queen Mary’s College
  • Unsung Hero Award – Festival Place
  • Good Neighbour Award – Manydown Basingstoke

Disatercare South Central, Castle Trust Bank and Manydown Basingstoke are new sponsors for this year’s awards, and Destination Basingstoke will be working with Basingstoke Voluntary Action to help ensure the call to nominate reaches is every part of the community especially those in the voluntary sector.

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Castle Trust Bank are sponsoring the Above and Beyond Award aimed at people who are employed but go beyond the call of duty. Director of compliance at Castle Trust Bank Caroline Baker said: “This award has Castle Trust Bank’s values at its heart, and we are excited to be part of these community awards. So many people turn a paid job into a vocation and go well beyond expectation. We are looking forward to seeing nominations of people that use their role to make a special contribution to life in the area.”

Disastercare South Central is sponsoring the new Community Leader Award aimed at an individual or group (voluntary or not) who have worked hard to develop project/s or activities for overall benefit of the community that help make Basingstoke and Deane a place that we can all be proud of. Andrew Tait, owner and operator of Disastercare South Central said: “We at Disastercare South Central are absolutely delighted to be sponsoring the Community Leader Award at this year’s Place to be Proud of Awards. We value the importance of community engagement and look forward to hearing about those individuals who have gone that extra mile to inspire and encourage others in the local community.”

Manydown Basingstoke are sponsoring the Good Neighbour Award aimed at an individual who has made a difference in their neighbourhood. Rebecca Smith, communications, communities and partnership, said: “Our neighbours are a key part of all of our communities. Whether it’s celebrating our achievements, lending a helping hand or offering support in a time of need, neighbours make a place a home. Manydown Basingstoke is delighted to sponsor the Good Neighbour Award to recognise those who have gone the extra mile.”

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