On an extremely warm and sunny evening, the great and the good of Bedford joined together for an inspiring evening to celebrate the achievements of extra-ordinary local people.
The Bedforshire on Sunday’s inaugural Local Heroes Awards, were held in the marquee at Bedford Blues Rugby Stadium and The Harpur Trust was proud to be headline sponsor of the event, as well as sponsoring the ward for Community Enterprise.
David Russell, Chief Executive, in his speech said “The heroes in this room tonight are people who give up their own time to enhance the lives of those around them; by fundraising or volunteering; by organising community projects; by always going the extra mile (or in some cases many miles); and through acts of bravery and kindness. In so doing, they not only enhance people’s lives but they inspire others to take action, to try harder; they make our community richer; and they engender in all of us a sense of optimism for the future”.
Bedfordshire on Sunday Local Heroes Awards 2017. Access Bedford winner of the Community Enterprise Award. Pic by Keiron Hillhouse
As well as being the headline sponsor, we were delighted, to sponsor the Community Enterprises Award. The runners up in this category were Companions Real Bread and Soupervan, and the award was won by Access Bedford;
Access Bedford has been making a noise on behalf of deaf people in the borough since 2013. The group was set up by four women, all either deaf or working with deaf people. From their first Deaf Day with help from then MP Richard Fuller, to youth clubs, political hustings, sign language training for police officers, and liaising with NHS England to establish booking procedures for interpreters at appointments and more – this small but powerful group has made a real impact on the lives of many thousands of deaf people.
Entertainments were provided by Music and Performing arts pupils from Bedford College, and special guest was Award Winning Magician Lewis Joss.
More details will be posted on the Bedfordshire on Sunday website including videos of the winners, click here