Great and good recognised with civic awards

5:11pm Sunday 21st March 2010

By Alex Hayes and Suruchi Sharma

THE great and good of Hertsmere were recognised at the Mayor's award ceremony held at Elstree Studios last night.

People and groups from across the district were nominated by members of the council and residents for the prestigious accolades, handed out at last night's annual Civic Dinner.

The ceremony was held in front of more than 200 guests and included a three-course meal and raffle, which raised just more than £2,000 for Hertsmere Mayor Rosemary Gilligan's chosen charities, Action for ME and RADAR (Royal Association for Disability and Rehabilitation).

Borehamwood resident Angela Saunders, chairman of the Hertsmere borough neighbourhood watch, landed the top prize, the Dave Rankin award, for her tireless work in running the Neighbourhood Watch scheme.

She was nominated by Councillor Morris Bright, who praised the way she has worked in local towns and communities to help reduce the fear of crime.

She said: "It was such a superb evening. I was not expecting the award at all and was absolutely gobsmacked.

"Dave's wife and children were at my table and when I came back after receiving the award I burst into tears.

"I worked so well with Dave and he was a wonderful person. I would like to thank Hertsmere Borough Council who have always been very supportive, Valerie Kane at the CDRP, the police authority and my committee."

Aldenham resident Jane Saunders, the wife of former Mayor Martin Saunders, was also on the list after being nominated by Cllr Dan Griffin for her work with the Red Cross and in the community as a whole.

The Herts inclusive Theatre Company also scooped a gong for their work in encouraging youngsters aged six to 18 with physical and learning disabilities to come out of their shells for the past decade.

Potters Bar stalwart Doreen Sciyver was recognised for her work with the Potters Bar Society, especially her tireless efforts to make Oakmere Park the first Green Flag park in Hertsmere.

The dinner was also a chance for councillors to thank outgoing mayor Councillor Rosemary Gilligan for her hard work in her year in office.

Mayor Cllr Gilligan said: "It was a lovely evening and I was honoured to present the awards which recognise the fantastic work that members of the community carry out on a voluntary basis.

"I would like to congratulate and thank all the winners again for their hard work, they should feel very proud."