Community Champion(s) of the Year: Meet your nominees

It could be a parish official who is always there when needed, a member of a local youth or play group, someone who dedicates their services to a local church, or simply a local resident going that extra mile for their parish.

Jersey is one big community, and that is only made possible by the generous actions of these remarkable people – the very people who help to make our Island such a special place in which to live.

Read about the nominations for Community Champion(s) of the Year 2015:

Names: Gerry Padden and Vini Jones of the Grace Trust

Parish: St Helier

Nominated by: Barbara Brown

The Grace Trust's Gerry Padden and Vini Jones – 'a great team'

BARBARA Brown has nominated Gerry Padden and Vini Jones of the Grace Trust as Community Champions because they are a ‘great example of what it is to be good neighbours’.

Mr Padden is the general manager of the Christian charity, which helps Islanders who have fallen on hard times or are simply in need of friendship, and Mr Jones is his deputy.

Mrs Brown said it was a joy to nominate them as not only did they deserve an award for the inspirational way they help others, they would accept it with the honour it deserved.

‘Gerry and Vini give 100% to those they meet. You are always sure of a huge bear hug from Gerry and they are never too busy to listen to people,’ she said.

‘Nor are they judgmental and they will always treat each individual with great love and respect.

‘Nothing is too much for them, whether it be distributing groceries to those who are most needy, helping with the Art in the Park project or leading Parklife Choir, among trillions of other things.

‘They don’t mind getting their hands dirty if it means helping others and they are not afraid to speak up for the less fortunate.

‘They work so well together and make a great team.’

Name: Alison Fox

Parish: St Brelade

Nominated by: Lyn Nelson

ALISON Fox of the Jersey Community Relations Trust has been nominated by Lyn Nelson as a Community Champion, for the support she provided during a very challenging time for Mrs Nelson’s family.

Mrs Nelson says Mrs Fox (45) works tirelessly for the trust to give support to so many Islanders who turn to the charity for help.

‘As head of my household, it was essential that I was able to keep my head above water and Alison helped me to do that,’ she said.

‘I see the Jersey Community Relations Trust as an essential community service which benefits so many who have experienced workplace or community bullying and I will be forever grateful for Alison’s professional experience, understanding and support.’

The trust was established by the States in 2004, with the aims of working towards eliminating all forms of discrimination, to promote good relations between all members of society, and to achieve equality of treatment and opportunity within the community.

Mrs Fox is a counsellor/psychotherapist who has practised in Jersey and the UK for more than 15 years.

Name: Melissa Nobrega

Parish: St Clement

Nominated by: Delio Nobrega and Fiona O’Sullivan

DELIO Nobrega knows more than anyone how much work the full-time working mother of two who founded the charity, Caring Cooks of Jersey, dedicates to ensuring we all eat healthier – she is his wife, Melissa.

Caring Cooks of Jersey provides meals or the skills and tools to make meals that are healthy, balanced and on a budget, to help improve nutrition within Jersey families.

Their services are completely free of charge, and are supported through charitable donations and fundraising.

The charity has recently started working with Education to re-introduce cookery lessons to schools.

He says: ‘I have witnessed this programme make a huge difference to the people it has touched and, indeed, the volunteers that help the cause.

‘The programme has gone from strength to strength and recently became a fully-fledged charity.

‘I have seen my wife pour her heart and soul into the programme and spend hours each day creating a foundation that has now grown beyond her expectations and is making a real difference.’

Fiona O’Sullivan is equally complimentary, describing Mrs Nobrega (39) as a ‘truly amazing and caring woman’ who is helping so many families.

Name: Lesley Bratch

Parish: St Brelade

Nominated by: Adelina d’Orleans

Lesley Bratch with her daughter Tasha (20) and their dog, Tilly

THE founder of the Island’s Special Needs Advisory Panel, Lesley Bratch, has been described as ‘utterly amazing’ by her nominator, Adelina d’Orleans.

One of her daughters, Natasha, has special needs, and Mrs Bratch, who lives in St Brelade with husband Nigel, has used her experiences to help parents in a similar situation.

All her other children, James, Kim and Stef, have flown the nest – as has Natasha, who now lives in Trinity in a house run by Les Amis.

But Mrs Bratch still gives her time to help others.

The Special Needs Advisory Panel is made up of parents, carers and service users whose aim is to listen to Islanders who have issues regarding special needs.

Mrs d’Orleans says: ‘Lesley gives up so much of her time for this role, as well as volunteering for the Inclusion Project youth group.

‘Her house is never empty but always full of her children’s friends, many of whom have special needs too.

‘She is like a mum to many and never hesitates to offer her help, support and advice to any one who may need it. She’s utterly amazing.’

Name: David Stokes

Parish: St Helier

Nominated by: Louise Stirling

BEAN Around the World owner David Stokes has been nominated as a community champion for his ‘continuous and consistent support’ for a range of charities and fundraising initiatives.

Mr Stokes allows his business to be used to raise awareness for charitable causes as well as a place where donations and collections can be made.

Nominator Louise Sterling, said: ‘David also provides local artists with a place to display and sell their work, sells CDs for local musicians and opens his establishment to local musicians and poets and for book readings.’

But most of all, she added, it is his commitment to community events such as the Halkett Hoedown for Headway which he helps to organise which makes him a worthy contender as the JEP’s Community Champion.

‘I can honestly say that the passion and commitment he demonstrates to enhance the local community, and in fundraising for charitable causes, is truly admirable and inspiring.

‘I feel it is time David received recognition for the ongoing kind acts he does for the local community,’ she said.

Name: Jersey Island Games 2015 Admin Team

Nominated by: Karin Wery

Back: Helena Kay and Sylvia Gould. Front: Clare Germain, Cathy Gull, John Gasston and John Gleave

FOR the past 18 months, six Islanders – John Gasston, John Gleave, Helena Kay, Cathy Gull, Clare Germain and Lady Sylvia Gould – have given their time on a voluntary basis to help organise the NatWest Island Games.

As the group will not be in line for any medals, Karin Wery has put them forward for a Community Champion award.

‘They have applied themselves to all manner of administrative tasks, without hesitation or complaint,’ she said.

‘Most are in the office from 9 am to 5 pm every weekday, in a volunteer capacity, displaying total commitment and dedication to making this the best Games ever.

‘I’m so proud to have them on our team, but more importantly I have enjoyed watching them make the most of every minute in this, their time to shine.’

Name: Jacqui Pygott

Parish: St Martin

Nominated by: Liz Bird

WHEN Jacqui Pygott founded the Hot Bananas singing group four years ago there were 12 singers.

Today she has more than 100 who meet every week to sing and enjoy themselves.

Liz Bird, who nominated Miss Pygott as a Community Champion, said she wanted to show the group’s appreciation and recognition for the joy and pleasure she has brought to so many people.

Hot Bananas are a diverse group from all walks of life and all ages, who as well as singing, raise money for charities, including Teenage Cancer Trust and the Grace Trust.

Their chosen charity in 2015 is Jersey Women’s Refuge.

‘Nothing stops her, not even a broken arm,’ said Mrs Bird.

‘She is determined we get our weekly musical therapy, and therapy is exactly what it is – a chance for us to have some unadulterated “me time” to forget about the chaotic and often stressful lives we lead and just lose ourselves in song.

‘For many it is the highlight of the week.

‘The pleasure we all get from getting together and singing our hearts out is immeasurable, and it is only possible because of Jacqui, her time, dedication and her amazing musical talent.’

Name: Alex Wiles

Parish: St Peter

Nominated by: Andrew Le Seelleur and others

A ‘CARING, compassionate’ Islander who always has time for everyone is in the running for a community award.

Alex Wiles, the administrator of Jersey Mencap, has been nominated in the Community Champion category by Andrew Le Seelleur.

Since the charity was set up in 1960, Jersey Mencap has been campaigning for better services and improved conditions for people with learning disabilities and their families.

‘Alex is a true one-off in the genuine sense,’ Mr Le Seelleur said.

‘She is the only paid member of Jersey Mencap’s staff and somehow not only manages to cope with the day-to-day administration of this sizeable charity, but is also responsible for developing and organising an astounding array of activities, often single-handedly.’

Miss Wiles, he added, was universally liked for her hard work and dedication to the charity.

Another of her nominators, John O’Grady, said that Miss Wiles worked tirelessly for Jersey Mencap and far outside her job description.

‘She regularly gets involved with the charity’s clients after work and at weekends, trying to enhance their quality of life and taking a genuine personal interest in their welfare,’ he said.

Name: Chris Le Cornu

Parish: St Clement

Nominated by: Julie Martin and many others

THE founder of St Clement Community Support Team, who dedicates his time to voluntary service to the parish, has been nominated for the Community Champion award.

Julie Martin, one of Mr Le Cornu’s nominators, said: ‘Chris has dedicated years of voluntary service to the parishioners of St Clement, and has literally been on call for the last seven years.

‘Nothing has ever been too much trouble for him.’

Since Mr Le Cornu founded the support team in 2009, it has grown to 43 members.

It has helped more than 400 parishioners maintain their independence in the community while also providing direct contact and company for those who live alone.

Mr Le Cornu’s team also organises social events for senior citizens, provides support for pupils at Le Rocquier School and helps the Grace Trust to pack and distribute monthly food parcels to those in need across Jersey.

Mrs Martin said: ‘We in St Clement are all the richer for having Chris to head the St Clement Support Team, because a nicer guy you could never wish to meet.’

Name: Peter Monamy

Parish: Grouville

Nominated by: Philip Slater

Peter Monamy, the chairman of Le Rocquier's parent-teacher association

THE chairman of Le Rocquier School’s parent-teacher association, Peter Monamy, has been nominated by head teacher Philip Slater, for his dedicated service to the school and its pupils for 20 years.

Mr Slater said the JEP Pride of Jersey Awards gave everyone Mr Monamy had helped during that time to say a ‘big thank-you’ to him for the tremendous amount of work he had undertaken for the school.

‘Peter is the school PTA, and without his organisation and enthusiasm, Le Rocquier would not be the school it is today. The whole school community, both past and present, owes him a special thank-you,’ he said.

Mr Monamy became involved with the PTA when his children attended the school but remained involved after they left. Mr Slater said his crowning achievement was to raise more than £100,000 to enable Le Rocquier to invest in equipment, help pupils with special needs and provide the ‘extras’ not covered by the school’s budget.

‘He is the main reason why the school PTA has raised over £100,000 during this time.

‘His organisation of the Saturday morning car boot sale and the occasional bingo evening are second to none,’ Mr Slater said.

Name: Liz Gosselin

Parish: St Saviour

Nominated by: Laura Cardinal

NCT Saturday Playgroup at St Andrews church: (l-r) Liz Gosselin, Carol-Anne Philpott, Verity Philpott. Front: Seren Gosselin, Bethany Gosselin and Megan Hennequin

IN nominating breastfeeding counsellor Liz Gosselin, Laura Cardinal said the Community Champion(s) category in the JEP Pride of Jersey Awards could have been ‘written with her in mind’.

‘Her passion, knowledge and good humour have provided much-needed support, guidance and inspiration to myself and many other mothers,’ Mrs Cardinal said.

As a qualified breastfeeding counsellor, Mrs Gosselin volunteers her time, organising fortnightly support groups for Family Nursing and Home Care, and last year she was involved in re-establishing a branch of the National Childcare Trust (NCT) in the Island.

Mrs Cardinal said: ‘Liz seeks to make breastfeeding support and guidance available to all and offers free advice by phone, in person and through a private Facebook group. A friend and NCT colleague simply says: “She asks nothing in return for this, but just believes so wholeheartedly in the benefit of breastfeeding, and in the right of families to have adequate support and information.”

Mrs Cardinal also describes her nominee as an ‘unsung heroine’.

‘The immediate and longer-term benefits of Liz’s contribution to parenting support services in the Island cannot be underestimated and deserve greater recognition,’ she said.

Name: Chris Le Cornu

Parish: St Clement

Nominated by: Julie Martin and many others

Chris Le Cornu, the founder of St Clement Community Support Team

THE founder of St Clement Community Support Team, who dedicates his time to voluntary service to the parish has been nominated in this year’s Community Champion(s) of the Year award.

The first of his many nominators, Julie Martin, says: ‘Chris has dedicated years of voluntary service to the parishioners of St Clement, and has literally been on call for the last seven years. Nothing has ever been too much trouble for him.’

Since Mr Taylor founded the support team in 2009, it has grown to 43 members, who have helped more than 4,000 parishioners to maintain their independence in the community while also providing direct contact and company for those who live alone.

Mr Taylor’s team also organises social events for senior citizens, provides support for pupils at Le Rocquier School and helps the Grace Trust to pack and distribute monthly food parcels to those in need Islandwide.

Mrs Martin said: ‘We in St Clement are all the richer for having Chris to head the St Clement Support Team, because a nicer guy you could never meet.’

The sponsor: RBC Wealth Management

WITH more than 900 employees in Jersey, RBC Wealth Management is a a global giant which still cares about the Island community in which is has operated for the past 50 years.

At its helm, managing director and head of banking Chris Blampied knows the importance of staying in touch, particularly with his home Island of Jersey.

RBC managing director Chris Blampied: 'This is a fantastic opportunity to recognise so many deserving people for the work they do'

Mr Blampied said: ‘As a major Island employer, we are committed to being a good corporate citizen, through activities such as community sponsorships like the Swimarathon, the staff-nominated Charity of the Year, which this year is Mind Jersey, environmental volunteer projects, including RBC Blue Water Project grants to the National Trust for Jersey and Durrell, staff grant schemes and a corporate donations fund.’

WHY THESE AWARDS?

‘I think it’s fantastic that the Jersey Evening Post has taken a lead on this, obviously recognising 125 years of community life.

‘We have been involved in Jersey for more than 50 years and with our footprint in the Island, we thought it was a fantastic opportunity to recognise so many deserving people for the work they do.’

WHY THIS CATEGORY?

‘For us, this was the most appropriate category.

‘We have such a large team of individuals working for us, many of them participating in community life, giving of their time and sometimes giving of their money.

‘Supporting this particular category enables us to recognise a group of individuals who may be unsung but who do a great job and make a tangible difference to Islanders’ lives.’

WHAT WILL YOU BE LOOKING FOR IN THE WINNER?

‘It could be quite a broad category of contributions, but really what we are looking for is someone who has given his or her time to make a real difference to people in the Island community.

‘It could be that they can demonstrate that they have had a very positive effect on people’s lives.

‘It could be a group of people or just an individual – the category is open to a wide range.

‘We are looking for people to come forward with examples of the contributions a group or individual has made.’

THE Jersey Evening Post has created the Pride of Jersey awards to recognise and honour all aspects of community life in the Island.

Celebrating everyone from grandparents and neighbours to community champions and teachers, the awards’ aim is to mark some of the wonderful day-to-day activities and achievements of Islanders who help make Jersey such a special place to live.

And in order to keep the community at the heart of the awards, Islanders will be asked to nominate potential winners and be involved in the voting and judging, via the newspaper and online.

The categories for the awards are

  • Ambassador of the Year
  • Volunteer/Fundraiser of the Year
  • Grandparent(s) of the Year
  • Community Champion(s) of the Year
  • Environmentalist(s) of the Year
  • Jersey Angel of the Year
  • Teacher of the Year
  • Unsung Sporting Hero of the Year
  • Customer Service Employee of the Year
  • Young Star of the Year
  • Neighbour of the Year
  • and Inspirational Leader of the Year.[/breakout]
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