SLIDESHOW: Citizen of the Year 2014

The Citizen of the Year Awards was staged recently and hosted at The Bridge House Theatre, Warwick School, Warwick. NNL-140928-165852009

And eight-year-old Mia Beresford-Ruck was awarded Young Citizen of the Year at the Gala Awards ceremony at Warwick’s Bridge House Theatre.

Chris and Margaret were chosen by judges as this year’s worthy winners for their work running the Night Shelter at the Radford Road Church, Leamington, while Mia won her award after raising money in memory of her friend Evelyn Smith who tragically died.

The awards, organised by the Brakes Trust, sponsored by Alsters Kelley Solicitors and supported by the Courier/Weekly News, sought to find those inspirational people in our communities who devote their time and energy to helping others.

Friday night’s awards saw all short-listed finalists interviewed on stage by compere Dave Sharpe before the judges picked their winner. The audience also enjoyed entertainment from Warwickshire Young Voices, Warwick School Jazz Combo, Amy Thomas and a rocking finale from Tom Barnwell. Proceeds from the night went to the Side by Side Theatre Group and Macmillan Cancer Support.

Nick Hallworth, from the Brakes Trust, said: “It was an emotional night in the Bridge House Theatre, with young Mia touching everyone’s hearts and adult winners Margaret and Chris moving everyone with their passionate dedication yet quiet and unassuming nature.

“We’d like to congratulate not only the winners but also all of the nominees this year. Every single person had a story to tell which in some way lifts the community and makes life better for all of us.”

And Nick Rogers from the Brakes Trust added: “The commitment and generosity of all four of the acts, who gave their time for free, ensured that the Gala Awards Ceremony was a truly emotional and rewarding celebration of the selflessness of the shortlisted nominees.

“I’d like to thank Tom Barnwell, Amy Thomas, Warwick School Jazz Combo and and Warwickshire Young Voices for their contribution and the Bridge House Theatre for providing a warm welcome and technical assistance at the ideal venue for the evening. The atmosphere created was fabulously celebrational - especially when Tom got the enthusiastic audience on their feet for the joyous finale.

The Brakes Trust would like to thank all the acts for appearing for free and the Bridge House Theatre for its help.”