Hollywood star 'inspired' after hosting social housing provider’s Community Impact Awards

A Hollywood star was left amazed by the inspiring stories showcased in Trent & Dove's Community Impact Awards in Burton upon Trent, Staffordshire.

Actress, comedian and writer Sally Phillips (pictured), best known for her work on Bridget Jones’ Diary, Miranda, and comedy Smack the Pony, hosted the 19th annual awards, entirely funded by local businesses.

The glitzy evening highlighted the vital work carried out by individual people, organisations and local businesses and shines a spotlight on the projects which are ‘Transforming Homes, Lives and Communities’ across East Staffordshire, South Derbyshire and North West Leicestershire.

More than 200 guests invited to the awards ceremony held at The Pirelli Stadium in Burton upon Trent, were given the full ‘Oscars’ treatment befitting their status as outstanding members in their communities.

Guests were welcomed by Derby Rock Choir singing well-known melodies and a string quartet providing music during dinner and were treated to magic tricks by Eddie Young.

Trent & Dove received a high number of entries again this year. More than 70 individuals, organisations and local businesses were nominated across 10 categories. 

South Derbyshire charity Me&Dee won a total of three awards, with its founder, Maria Hanson, from South Derbyshire, walking away with the Special Recognition award.

Despite her own serious illness, she has devoted 50,000 volunteer hours over 19 years to support families facing short and uncertain futures due to a life-limiting or terminal diagnosis.

Lynne Buckley took home Volunteer of the Year for her work with Me&Dee's Hope Factory while being a full-time carer for her daughter.

Me&Dee junior ambassador nine-year-old Zack Bowles was awarded Community Champion (under 18) for his endless help in peer support sessions, and marshalling for present drops to local hospitals at Christmas and Easter.

He is also an invaluable member of the team caring for Taylor, whose legs and fingers were amputated after developing meningococcal septicemia as a baby.

Trent & Dove CEO, Ursula Bennion, said: “At Trent & Dove, we see what a strong community is about every day.

“We see it in neighbours looking out for one another, in people supporting the planet for generations to come and in those community projects which have made a real difference for so many people.

“That is why the Community Impact Awards are so important. They give us the chance to pause and recognise the people who often go unnoticed, but whose actions can be life-changing. These are the people who define what community really means.

“It was a fantastic evening, and we were honoured to hear hugely compelling and inspirational stories of people, organisations and local businesses who are doing wonderful things in our area.

“We were delighted to be joined by Sally Phillips, who said she was privileged to be in the company of such inspiring people and projects.

“This evening was entirely funded by our sponsors. Without their generosity, it would not be possible to reward the sterling work that individuals and community groups do.”

The BAC O'Connor Centre, providing support and guidance to recovering addicts, in Burton upon Trent, also received a special recognition award for its outstanding dedication to supporting the community and changing the lives of those around it.

Scarlett Richardson, 12, also received a highly commended award in the Under 18 category for her fund-raising to support countless charities.

The Community Impact Awards were entirely funded by generous sponsors: Headline sponsors Novus Property Solutions alongside Savills, PH Jones, Sustainable Building Solutions, The BAC O’Connor Centre, Burton Damp Proofing, GBS Procure, Maplevale Developments, EA-RS, Morro Partnerships, Stanbridge Interiors, Bloomin’ Gardens, Harrison Gardening and Property Services, GEM Solutions, A4S Solutions, Wavenet and Idverde.

Trent & Dove's legal partners, Anthony Collins and Wade Hadaway, have donated £500 to a charity chosen by each winner.