Do you know someone who is constantly fundraising for charity or is driven and passionate about helping their town?
Or do you have a friend or family member who has given up a lot of their time to support other people and put their needs before their own?
Now in its fourth year, the awards aim to celebrate the unsung heroes and vibrant community spirit of Thetford.
This year there are nine categories; Sporting Achievement, Community Business of the Year, Role Model of the Year, Community Unsung Hero, Charity of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, Outstanding Achievement, Lifetime Achievement and Most Inspirational Person of the Year.
Mark Robinson, local councillor and businessman who organises the awards, said: “The TARAs have been a great success over the four years of it’s life, with many unsung local heroes being commended for their outstanding contribution to the town.
“Last year’s awards evening was attended by over 160 people with an age range from 18 to 95.
“I want people to shout about the fantastic people and organisations we have in the community.
“I urge local people to recognises all those individuals, businesses and community groups that make Thetford a great place to live and work.”
The Thetford and Brandon Times will once again sponsor the event.
Nominations are now open.
Later on in the year, a judging panel will meet to whittle down the entries to three finalists, with the winners announced at an awards ceremony. The ceremony will be held at the Carnegie Room on February 1 and will include live entertainment and a meal.
The categories:
Sporting Achievement - groups or individuals who have achieved outstanding performances, shown great ability or major improvement in their sport. They may have given service to sport as an official or promoted sport.
Community Business of the Year - a commercial organisations which supports the community through sponsorship, attending events or ones which have high standards when it comes to reducing their environmental impact.
Role Model of the Year - someone who strives to achieve their best at work, in their studies, in sport or in their community. Nominations are especially welcome for people have had to overcome difficulties.
Community Unsung Hero - a person who puts the needs of others before their own and goes the extra mile to help others.
A person who has stepped in to help time and time again and on their own initiative.
Charity of the Year - an organisation or fundraising event which has gone above and beyond.
Volunteer of the Year - an individual who consistently gives their own time to serve the community and whose work impacts on the lives of people within the community.
Outstanding Contribution - Someone who has exceeded expectations of their role and who stands out for making a positive contribution to society and the people around them.
Lifetime Achievement - recognising an individual’s outstanding continuous contribution that has a lasting impact. The person displays an exceptionally positive impact on the life of others time and time again.
Most Inspirational Person of the Year - an individual that inspires others to excel beyond their limiting beliefs. A person who that puts others to the forefront to help them believe, achieve, attain and retain the life they had hoped for.
To nominate a person for an award, you can fill out a nomination form on the Thetford and Brandon Times website.
You can also email Mr Robinson at mark@dust-free.co.uk, call 07864882768 or visit TARA on Facebook.
Include the name of the person you are nominating and for which category, why they deserve their nomination, and your contact details.
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