Finalists announced for Thetford Awards Recognising Achievement after more than 200 nominations received
Tom Bamford presents the Sporting award at the TARAs to Melanie Sturman. Picture: Georgie Coulson - Credit: Archant
Hundreds of individuals and organisations were nominated for an awards ceremony which recognises those who strive to help others in a Breckland town.
A previous Thetford Awards Recognising Achievement (TARAs) event. Picture: ANDREW FITCHETT - Credit: Archant
The Thetford Awards Recognising Achievement, known as the TARAs, was started two years ago to give praise to those who give a lot to the community but normally do so without recognition.
In July nominations opened for people to submit a person or local group who has made a difference to Thetford.
More than 200 nominations were received for the six categories and after a number of tough decisions by the judging panel, the finalists have been announced.
They are:
Chris Kennard presents the Lifetime Achievement award at the TARAs to Wendy Serjeant. Picture: Georgie Coulson - Credit: Archant
Business - Mark Skinner Funeral Service, the Charles Burrell Centre and Warren Services.
Young person - Sophie Aylott, Sarah Connolly and Chloe Aylott.
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Sporting - Thetford Boxing club, Mick Bailey and Kirsty Turner and Jo Simpson.
Volunteer - Glynis Irish, Nadine Forde and the Thetford Community First Responders.
Community Event - Thetford Open Gardens, Thetford Parkrun volunteers and Fuzion.
Good Neighbour - Thetford and District Dementia Support Group, Norwich Road Residential Association and Mark Maloy.
The awards ceremony will be held at Thetford’s Carnegie Room on Friday, February 2.
Mark Robinson, local councillor and businessman who started the TARAs, said: “It has been the hardest but most rewarding task, the judging panel had the unenviable job of whittling all the nominations down to the finalists. Thank you to everyone who nominated making it so difficult for us. I’m really looking forward to the night itself celebrating theses worthy groups and individuals.”
Three other awards - Service to the Community, Outstanding Contribution and Lifetime Achievement - will also be presented on the night.
The Thetford and Brandon Times is once again supporting the TARAs. Reporter Rebecca Murphy said: “Thetford is full of people who willingly give up their time to help better their community. I look forward to seeing the winners receiving their recognition at what is sure to be an excellent night.”
Visit this website to buy tickets for the TARAs ceremony which starts at 7pm and includes a meal and live entertainment.
