Winners of Basingstoke's A Place to be Proud of Awards 2023

The prestigious event took place at The Haymarket on Thursday, June 8, as guests donned their finest attire for a night of celebration.

Organised by Destination Basingstoke and supported by the Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council as the headline sponsor, this year marked the 20th-anniversary milestone for the awards.

The event also received support from the Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Basingstoke Voluntary Action.

The evening was skillfully hosted by Bernard Ferris, former centre director of Festival Place, and David Holby-Wolinski, a previous award recipient.

Together, they set the stage for an unforgettable celebration of local talent and dedication.

Jonathan Pender, chair of Destination Basingstoke, said: “Congratulations to all the winners, finalists and nominees at the milestone 20th anniversary A Place to be Proud of Awards. This was a marvellous and memorable evening, and Destination Basingstoke and the event and category partners are delighted to have been able to showcase and celebrate the people, businesses and community groups who make Basingstoke and Deane such an amazing place.”

Following are the award categories and winners:

Business and the community award, sponsored by Shaw Gibbs, Basingstoke

Winner: Sovereign Housing Association

The housing association based in Basingstoke provides affordable homes to more than 14,000 people. 

Arts and entertainment award for the group, sponsored by Basingstoke Community Radio

Winner: Basingstoke Gang Show

Basingstoke Gang Show is recognised as the longest-running and bestselling amateur theatre show in the town. First established in 1980 it produced its 28th show in February 2023.

Over its 43-year history, the group has given more than 2,000 young people in Basingstoke Scouting and Guiding the opportunity and experience of being part of a large theatre production with all the performances held at the Haymarket Theatre.

Arts and entertainment award for an individual, sponsored by Basingstoke Community Radio

Winner: Kate Aherne

With a totally enchanting voice, Kate turns up as a range of Disney princesses to charities, hospitals, hospices and organisations, helping children with life-limiting or difficult illnesses, to make their day.

Kate attends local events, fundraisers, attractions, groups and schools and is always is a huge hit with the younger and older crowds alike. She also works hard coaching children, patiently helping them discover their inner confidence, a voice and then encourages and teaches them to theatrically perform.

Community project award, sponsored by Destination Basingstoke

Winner: Big Basingstoke Sleep Out

The Big Basingstoke Sleep Out took place in March, and it brought together the whole community to raise awareness and vital funds for the work of Julian House, which helps and supports vulnerable and at-risk individuals.

The Sleep Out is designed to let people see just how challenging it is to not have a roof over their heads and to experience for just one night what rough sleepers have to go through ever day. This year’s Sleep Out is expected to surpass its target and raise more than £11,000.

Health and wellbeing group award, sponsored by Lilly UK

Winner: Oakley Stitchers

During the Covid lockdowns, Oakley Stitchers was a lifeline and an online community, providing materials to the Oakley community initially, to collect while on their walks , and in turn helping provide purpose which helped the mental health of the local community. Oakley Stitchers are now expanding, incorporating Stitcher groups in Tadley, Whitchurch, Kempshott and Winklebury.

Health and wellbeing individual award, sponsored by Lilly UK

Winner: Michelle Martin

Michelle works as the activities lead at Ashcombe House, nursing home. She works extremely hard ensuring that the residents have an enriched and meaningful life, making sure there is plenty going on in the home and outings out.

Young role model of the year award, sponsored by Queen Mary’s College

Winner: Henry Saul

Henry, nine, has shown true strength in the way he manages to live with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). It is a devastating muscle-wasting disease and is the most common and severe form of muscular dystrophy. Henry was diagnosed with this condition when he was three.

Last year, the Oakley Junior School pupil took on the challenge of reaching the highest mountain peak in South Wales, Pen Y Fan. Henry and his team (Henry’s Hills) raised an incredible £17,585. This year, he took on another challenge – hiking with family and friends to the summit of Snowdon.

Volunteer of the year group award, sponsored by Beaufort Financial

Winner: Basingstoke Street Pastors

In 2023, Basingstoke Street Pastors are celebrating their 15th anniversary of operating in the town. Over those 15 years, teams of volunteers have regularly patrolled the streets on Friday and Saturday evenings from 11pm to 4am.

Each team comprises at least three people from local churches who have undertaken extensive training. They have helped thousands of people suffering after a night out in the pubs, clubs, and bars.

Volunteer of the year individual award, sponsored by Beaufort Financial

Winner: Penny Dilley.

Penny has thrown herself more into volunteering roles, and is one of the driving forces behind Community Food Link. If she is not collecting food, she is sorting it ready to go on the vans or is working the app coordinating WhatsApp groups of drivers, sorters and hub leaders.

Unsung hero award sponsored by Champion Group

Winner: Sarah Whatmore

Basingstoke Rugby Club representatives collected the award on Sarah’s behalf. Sarah does so much for Basingstoke RFC – she runs the shop, is safeguarding officer and also deals with the first aid. Sarah spends about 2-3 days a week at the club but she’s 24/7 at home, ordering, collecting and distributing stock, and dealing with anything relating to safeguarding.

Above and beyond award, sponsored by Castle Trust Bank

Winner: Stella Gibbons

Stella, who has worked at Queen Mary’s College since September 2010, ensures all members of QMC and the local community feel equal and valued, naturally going above and beyond her everyday duties.

She has a strong drive to ensure members of QMC with English as a second language feel included, celebrated and appreciated. Over the course of a year, Stella pioneered the design and implementation of a language hub that allows all students and their parents to access key messages in 20 different languages.

Stella’s passion and expertise has been the driving force behind QMC feeling equipped and confident in looking after local refugees and asylum seekers.