A POPULAR awards ceremony celebrating the individuals and organisations which make Ulverston an amazing place to live and work is set to return after a six-year hiatus.
The Heart of Ulverston Awards were last held in 2018, but team members at PR and communications agency 32West, which was founded in the town, were determined to bring the much-loved event back this year.
They enlisted the support of local businesses and organisations, and excitement is mounting in the town as members of the awards steering committee, sponsors and suppliers gathered to launch the Heart of Ulverston Awards 2024.
Frank Stretton, a director at 32West, said: “The Heart of Ulverston Awards were always an occasion everybody in the town looked forward to, and we’re delighted to be bringing them back this year.
“The awards are held in recognition of the amazing achievements and efforts of local people, businesses and organisations which make Ulverston such a fantastic place, and we’re very pleased to announce their return for 2024.
“So many individuals go above and beyond for the benefit of the town and their neighbours, and we feel it is only right that they should receive some form of credit for their selfless actions.
“The awards couldn’t happen without the support and contribution of all members of the steering committee, sponsors and suppliers, so a huge, heartfelt thank you goes out to each and every one involved in bringing the Heart of Ulverston Awards back.”
The Heart of Ulverston Awards is an invite-only, black-tie event and will be held at Ulverston’s Coronation Hall on Thursday, May 16. It is being organised in conjunction with headline partners UlverstonBID and Cumbria Teaching Agency, along with support from local businesses and organisations.
A new website - www.heartofulverston.co.uk - has been launched to raise awareness of the awards and share stories of local people and businesses, and is the best place people can nominate their local heroes.
The Mayor of Ulverston and chair of UlverstonBID, Councillor Michelle Scrogham, is a member of the awards steering committee.
She said: “Celebrating the people and businesses that go above and beyond in making Ulverston a better place to live and work brings the community together.
“Hearing stories of our unsung local heroes is very special, and recognising these often dedicated and compassionate individuals creates a culture that doesn’t just benefit the awardee, but all those involved in community effort.
“The Heart of Ulverston Awards are not solely about those individuals doing great things, they place a spotlight on the characteristics that create a successful town and community for all.
“Please nominate those special people you know, and help us make sure the Heart of Ulverston Awards 2024 are ones to remember.”
Tony Martinez, the founder of Cumbria Teaching Agency which works with schools across the county, is excited to be involved in the Heart of Ulverston Awards 2024.
He said: “We went to the Heart of Ulverston Awards the last few times they were held and we were blown away by the amazing stories of local people who give up their time to support and promote their local community.
“It’s fantastic that so many people in the community have all united to make sure such an important event will go ahead once again.
“I am delighted to be involved in bringing this event back because it’s great to celebrate how wonderful Ulverston and our local people are.”
LOCALiQ, the media company which publishes The Westmorland Gazette and The Mail in South Cumbria, is the media partner for this year’s Heart of Ulverston Awards, helping to publicise the evening.
Joy Yates, regional editor for Newsquest Cumbria, said: “LOCALiQ is delighted to be a partner in the relaunched Heart of Ulverston Awards.
“We are proud to be keeping our readers of The Mail and Westmorland Gazette up to date with all the news in connection with the awards leading up to such an uplifting event on May 16.
“There are many incredible and extraordinary individuals and groups in Ulverston and we want to tell their story and applaud each and every one.
“Please nominate your local champions and help us make these awards the best ever.”
There will be a total of 13 awards categories on the evening: Lifetime Achievement, Sports Performance of the Year, Employee of the Year, Teacher of the Year, Sports Volunteer of the Year, Business of the Year, Community Group of the Year, Outstanding Courage Award, Best Hospitality Venue, Business in the Community, Citizen of the Year, Helping Hand Award, and Apprentice of the Year.
To nominate somebody you think deserves special recognition go to www.heartofulverston.co.uk. The deadline for nominations is Friday, March 22.
The Coronation Hall in Ulverston will provide the stunning venue, which will be made extra luxurious by the room decorations from professional florists and venue designers Bluebell & Ivy, based on Queen Street.
Catering will be provided by the expert team at Southcott Events Catering, while Chattaway Inns, which boasts The Farmers and The Rose, both in Ulverston, in their portfolio will provide drinks on arrival and wine for the tables.
Cumbria Crystal is once again supporting the event by providing engraved crystal rose bowls for the winners of each category.
Businesses and organisations across the community have thrown its support behind the Heart of Ulverston Awards. Category sponsors include: Cumbria Teaching Agency, Ulverston BID, Bender UK, Rachael Bell Wealth Management, JF Hornby, Chattaway Inns, Ulverston Town Council, Bluebell and Ivy, Westmorland & Furness Council, 32West, Siemens Energy and LOCALiQ.
Limited opportunities for sponsorship still remain. Anybody interested in lending their support should contact Frank Stretton at frank@32west.co.uk.
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