Winners of the 2023 East Riding of Yorkshire Council Chairman's Awards announced

People, businesses, building projects, community and sporting groups have been honoured at the annual East Riding of Yorkshire Council Chairman’s Awards.

The ceremony, which was held at Bridlington Spa on Tuesday, 9 May, celebrated the contributions made by individuals and organisations over the last year which have helped make the East Riding a better place.

The finalists were all nominated by members of the public and invited to attend the ceremony – the first one to be held in person since 2019 – where the winners were presented with their awards by chairman of East Riding of Yorkshire Council, Councillor John Whittle.

The awards were hosted by BBC Look North presenter Clare Frisby.

Councillor Whittle said: “These awards have played an important role in recognising the contributions made by many across the East Riding and this gives the council the opportunity to honour and thank individuals, organisations and businesses who have contributed so much to promote the East Riding as a great place to be.

“During my year in office, I have attended numerous engagements across the county that demonstrate how hard, and to what good effect, people work on behalf of their local communities and a ceremony such as this can only really recognise a small percentage of the many achievements around the East Riding.

“I would like to highlight the contribution of those many local people who give up their time to work for others in a voluntary capacity with thought of reward as without their efforts, many of the good things that we perhaps take for granted in the East Riding would not happen at all.

“I am sorry there can only be one winner but all of those nominated are winners and should be proud of that they have achieved – they are all a credit to the East Riding.”

WINNERS AND NOMINATIONS

Chairman’s business award

Winner – Bosville Arms community pub, Rudston

The Bosville Arms, a community pub in the East Riding of Yorkshire, faced demolition in 2019 but was saved by determined locals.

It’s not the only community-owned pub in the area and supports the local economy by employing staff and sourcing products locally.

The pub’s commitment to community and sustainability earned it a business award finalist title, and it achieved an annual turnover of £400k since trading began in 2021.

Nominees

Everything But The Dog Ltd, Beverley

Beau Boutique, Goole

Herd Agency Ltd, Hessle

Chairman’s built heritage award

Winner – Hebblethwaite House, Bridlington

Hebblewaite House, Bridlington

Hebblethwaite House, a Grade Two listed building in Bridlington, and is a significant part of the region’s heritage.

Restoration work in 2020 included repairing holes in the roof, water damage, and broken windows. Local craftsmen were hired to restore the roof with traditional pan tiles, and the sash windows were replaced to restore the building’s original look.

Hebblethwaite House is hoped to be open to the public as part of Heritage open days in September to appreciate its historical significance and restoration efforts.

Nominees

The Pastures, Holme upon Spalding Moor

The Threshing Barn and The Granary, Gilberdyke

Pretty View Cottage, Seaton

Chairman’s sport award - individual

Finlay Clark, Kirk Ella

Finley Clark is an impressive archer who started hitting targets at age seven.

Now 16, he’s a member of the Great Britain compound team, won silver at the European Youth Cup, and represented Scotland at the Commonwealth Archery Championships.

Finley ranks ninth in the national indoor championships and represents Yorkshire at both junior and senior levels.

What makes Finley’s achievements even more remarkable is that he is autistic and suffers from anxiety.

Despite these challenges, he’s shown incredible determination and resilience, proving that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible.

Nominees

Nathan Brown, Hessle

Kieran Grant, Beverley

Owen Garsides, Cottingham

Chairman’s sport award – team/club

Winner – AFC Tickton

AFC Tickton is the largest growing football club in the area, with two locations at East Riding Leisure Beverley and Longcroft School.

The club has entered into a partnership with Longcroft school to maintain the sports fields, catering for teams from age four up to seniors.

The club has achieved great things over the last 12 months, including creating a girl football development school, becoming the Wildcat (FA) Playing Scheme for the Beverley Area, forming five new girls and boys teams, being awarded The FA 3 Star accredited, the highest grassroots club can get, and recruiting a mental health champion.

Nominees

Driffield Karate Academy

Beverley Barracudas Swimming Club

Holme Rovers FC, Holme upon Spalding Moor

Chairman’s community award – group

Winner – Bishop Wilton community shop and volunteers

The Bishop Wilton Community Shop is a true testament to the power of community.

When the local post office closed in 2019, leaving the villagers feeling isolated, a group of local volunteers banded together to create a community benefit trust and set up a shop.

Since opening in January 2020, the shop has been mostly run by volunteers, with excess profit donated back into the local community.

During COVID, the shop has been a vital hub for delivering food to those isolating and keeping open for residents who couldn’t leave the village.

The Bishop Wilton Community Shop is an essential support hub, providing community cohesion for the village.

Nominees

Families in Goole

The Green Team, Goole

The Pub Lads, Welwick

Chairman’s community award – individual

Winner – Doris Northgraves, Hornsea

Doris Northgraves is a remarkable 91-year-old woman who has spent over 40 years fundraising for various charities.

Despite her age, she still tirelessly organises tombolas and has raised an impressive £47,000 since 1997.

Doris also goes above and beyond for her neighbours, cooking for them and lending a helping hand.

Her unwavering dedication to supporting those less fortunate has left a lasting legacy of kindness and generosity. Doris is an inspiration who continues to make a difference in the lives of others.

Nominees

Elouise Evans, Goole

Jane Denton, Hornsea

Val French, Barmby Moor