Date set for BME Business Awards 2019
We are delighted to confirm that Suffolk BME Business Awards 2019 will take place on Wednesday 23rd October 2019. Please find resources below:
Nomination Form [PDF]
Flyer [PDF]
Six women share top prize at celebration of Suffolk’s unsung heroes
It was a night to remember at this year’s High Sheriff Awards – as one prize was shared by no fewer than six inspiring women for the first time in the event’s history.
The winners of the High Sheriff Awards 2019 were revealed at a glittering ceremony this evening, with inspiring people from across the county celebrated for their selfless contribution to society.
George Vestey, High Sheriff of Suffolk, said the standard of entries was “quite extraordinary” – spoiling the judges to such an extent that, in one case, they chose to split an award between six worthy nominees.
A total of nine High Sheriff Awards were presented, and the new Suffolk Medal was launched, at the ceremony hosted by BBC Radio Suffolk’s Lesley Dolphin and Tim Holder, from Suffolk Community Foundation, at Wherstead Park on Thursday evening.
The winners included six outstanding women who were nominated as Inspiring Leaders: Fiona Ellis from Survivors in Transition, Tara Somers from Homestart, Ann Osborn from The Coffee Caravan, Maureen Reynel from FIND Families in Need, Emma Ratzer from Access Community Trust, and Rebecca Crerar from Suffolk Refugee Support.
In a first for the High Sheriff Awards, the judging panel felt they could not choose between the nominees – so elected to split the prize six ways.
Other winners included a young arts trustee, a young people’s project based at an army base, and a doctor who started the accident rescue service in Suffolk.
Mr Vestey, whose year-long term as High Sheriff ends this month, said: “Last night was an incredible ceremony, with so many great stories about what our amazing volunteers are doing to provide vital support their communities.
“The standard of entries was quite extraordinary this year so to pick winners was really difficult. That said we had nine outstanding category winners who can be justifiably proud of their achievement.”
Stephen Singleton, chief executive of Suffolk Community Foundation, added: “Another wonderful Suffolk celebration of all the great work that our local charities and community groups do to change local lives.
“It was particularly great to hear ‘partnerships’ be discussed and rewarded. Team Suffolk working together for the common good.”
Those attending the awards ceremony also saw the launch of the latest scheme designed to celebrate the work of those in the voluntary sector.
The Suffolk Medal, designed by world-famous Suffolk artist Maggie Hambling, is the brainchild of George Vestey, and will be awarded to the first recipients on Suffolk Day on June 21, 2019.
High Sheriff Awards 2019, winners:
- Suffolk Inspiring Leader Award: Fiona Ellis (Survivors in Transition), Tara Somers (Homestart), Ann Osborn (The Coffee Caravan), Maureen Reynel (FIND Families in Need), Emma Ratzer (Access Community Trust), and Rebecca Crerar (Suffolk Refugee Support)
- Suffolk Volunteer of the Year Award (25 years and over): Gillian Brough
- Suffolk Young Volunteer of the Year Award (up to 25 years of age): Chloe Pearson
- Suffolk Collaborative Partnership Award: East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust (ESNEFT)
- Suffolk Voluntary Organisation of the Year Award: Rebuilding Broken Lives: YMCA Trinity Group
- Suffolk Voluntary Organisation of the Year Award: Inspiring young people: The Bangladeshi Support Centre
- Suffolk Strengthen Your Community Award: Operation Camouflage
- Suffolk Voluntary Health Care Award: Livability Icanho
- Suffolk Emergency and Armed Services Volunteers Award: Dr Jeremy Mauger
The following organisations also received grants from the High Sheriff’s Fund:
- Bury St Edmunds Women’s Aid Centre
- Bury Town Pastors
- Catch 22
- Home-Start Mid & West Suffolk
- PHOEBE
- Porch Project
- Sporting 87 Football Club
- Suffolk Rape Crisis
- The Mix Stowmarket
- Voices 4 Gainsborough Community Library
Article from EADT – original here.
Suffolk celebrates its local heroes at the High Sheriff’s Awards 2019
On 28 March Suffolk Community Foundation were joined by charities and community groups from all over Suffolk, along with supporters and sponsors for the High Sheriff’s Awards – a prestigious annual event that publicly recognises these groups, along with individuals (many of whom are volunteers) for their contribution in making Suffolk a safer, better and more inclusive place to live.
In partnership with Suffolk Community Foundation, The High Sheriff, George Vestey, held this year’s High Sheriff’s Awards for Suffolk at Wherstead Park, courtesy of the East of England Cooperative Society.
After a glass of fizz and the chance to catch up over a deliciously gooey brownie or two, guests were ushered to their seats while West Suffolk Youth Jazz played a jazz medley in the background. An excited buzz filled the air as the High Sheriff of Suffolk George Vestey took to the stage to warmly welcome everyone and introduce the hosts for the evening – BBC Radio Suffolk’s Lesley Dolphin and Suffolk Community Foundation’s very own Tim Holder!
Before the awards ceremony could begin, there was some very important news to share. The Suffolk Medal has now been launched, and guests were treated to an exclusive screening of the new film, which explains the reasoning behind this most prestigious award, as well as sharing some charming anecdotes from Maggi Hambling, the renowned Suffolk artist who has designed the medal.
The fifth award of the evening was the Suffolk Voluntary Organisation of the Year Award – Inspiring Young People, won by The Bangladeshi Support Centre. This award was kindly sponsored by Shout About Suffolk, and Co-Founder Paddy Bishopp joined the High Sheriff on stage to present the award.
For full details see this article on the Suffolk Community Foundation site.
Nominations Invited for Suffolk BME Business Awards 2018
Suffolk Pita Festival is a big success
A cultural exhibition event, held at Suffolk New College from midday to 4pm on Sunday, with traditional delicacies available to sample.
The festival centres around a pita competition, with judges poring over the South Asian sweet and savoury snacks.
There was also traditional food and jewellery stalls, henna art, children’s entertainment, and the BSC’s educational awards which recognises the achievements of those who have supported the centre.
Mohammed Allam, joint BSC manager, said: “It was fantastic. We were slightly concerned that with a few other events and an England game, that people wouldn’t show up but we didn’t need to worry.
“It was buzzing, around 500 people came along to enjoy the event. We had information stalls, charity fundraising stalls and of course the pita competition.”
Launched 20 years ago by volunteers, the BSC strives to support people in the Bangladeshi and other black and minority ethnic (BME) communities in Suffolk and engage them in social, cultural, educational and recreational activities.
Mr Allam said: “Everything we do is about bringing the community together.
“It’s about learning about other people’s culture and treating each other with respect to build a cohesive community.
“That underlines everything we do.”
The organisation provides a number of capacity building programmes for local communities, a resource and learning centre and key referral advice agency. The BSC also works closely with statutory and voluntary organisation partners on projects related to health, education, employment, housing, welfare rights and crime.
The centre runs a homework club for students aged 11-18 at Northgate High School in term time as well as a sports club at Northgate Sports Centre for children and families to take part in activities.
Mr Allam added: “A lot of violence that you see is mainly to do with young people, who have nowhere to go.”
“One of the things we do is run clubs to support the young people and it’s about raising aspirations and educating them to do positive things in their community.”
Suffolk High Sheriff
The following picture is from the facebook page of the Suffolk High Sheriff:
February 27th. With Mohammed ‘Shahin’ & Tina Ali at the Bangladeshi Support Centre who do fantastic work supporting the Bengali community & people of forty other nationalities on educational attainment & all manner of everyday problems. They also run the Multicultural Festival & lots of other family fun events. Long may the Centre flourish!