LAST Sunday evening, the spotlight fell on some people to be proud of.
The fifth A Place to be Proud of Awards was a cause for celebration as it provided another superb showcase for why Basingstoke and Deane is a great place with such a strong sense of community.
First, there were the nominees.
Whether or not they went home with one of the awards, it’s a fact that all the finalists – individuals or people from organisations – are all winners because, collectively, they have all made a positive contribution and big difference to life in Basingstoke and Deane.
Secondly, there were the nominators.
Without them taking the time to nominate their candidates, the judges – who had a really difficult task – would not have had such a high standard of entrants to choose from.
Thirdly, there were the sponsors and supporters. Without the support and financial backing of the various companies and organisations, the awards would not have been able to take place. The backing of the sponsors and supporters is a telling commitment to the local community.
Finally, there were the many people who have been involved in the behind-the-scenes work that has resulted in the awards going from strength to strength and has seen this event become an annual highlight of the Basingstoke and Deane calendar.
The Gazette congratulates all the winners, finalists, nominators, sponsors, supporters and fellow organisers, and it will be great to put the spotlight on more people to be proud of at the 2009 awards.