Pride of Andover: Awards given to local unsung heroes

The Pride of Andover awards saw more than 100 people turn out for a special night at the The Lights on October 14. 

The Pride of Andover Awards have been celebrating those who quietly make a difference to other peoples’ lives since 2007.

This year also saw a touch of celebrity, as renowned bassist Simon Gallup from English rock band The Cure co-hosted with 18-year-old Dmitrijs Meiksans, an award-winning youth activist and marketing director. Simon also gave his appearance fee to The Countess of Brecknock Hospice, a specialist palliative care unit within Andover War Memorial Hospital.

Simon Gallup (Image: Kimberley Barber) Ten awards were handed out across a range of categories, such as Fundraiser of the Year, Community Champion and Young Person of the Year, plus more. 

The top honour - the Spirit of Andover Awards - was picked from the winners by the judges. 

This went to Libby Hilling who set up a wellbeing garden on the grounds of the Leckford Estate called the Garden for Mind project, on behalf of Andover Mind. 

She said:  "I was absolutely delighted to be selected as a finalist so to be up here collecting two awards is unbelievable. I am very proud. I love Andover, as it's already been said tonight, it's an amazing place. It's a community and I feel very proud to be part of the community." 

(Image: Kimberley Barber) Another highlight of the evening was a passionate speech given by the winner of the young Person of the Year award, Khiana Tawona. 

Khiana organised a culture day at her school so everyone could share the values of other cultures and backgrounds. 

She said: "I am so grateful. I will forever and always remember this day. I may just be a teenager by I am passionate. I am passionate about unity and I passionate about embracing everyone and diversity because our differences are what makes us stronger and I will forever pioneer for that." 

The night was sponsored by New Street Dental Care and the categories were also sponsored by a range of Andover businesses such as Bulpitt Print, Ocado Group, The Dee Dee Trust, AB Building Products, Andover New Street Youth Football Club, The Rock House, Parker Bullen Solicitors, Andover Aesthetics Practitioners, The Commercial Centre and Bear Behind. 

Sultan 'Sid' Dajani, a pharmacist who had also previously won an award for his community work, said he was delighted to be able to sponsor the night. 

He said: "These are ordinary people doing extraordinary things." 

Organiser Karen Hamilton thanked everyone for their support. 

She said: "What a night, and what an amazing bunch of wonderful people whop represent Andover in the best possible way. On behalf of the committee, a huge thanks to everyone who made this event such a success." 

Libby Hilling (Image: Kimberley Barber)

Fundraiser Award: Highly Commended – Beth Matthews

Beth Matthews: From the age of eight, Beth has displayed remarkable tenacity, especially when her sister was born with Down Syndrome. With unwavering determination, Beth ensured her sister experienced all of life's adventures, while also overcoming her own challenges and pursuing her personal goals.

Beth’s passion for giving back shines through her efforts in raising funds for the Countess of Brecknock Hospice, organising three successful events, raising awareness and support for this vital local charity.

Fundraiser Award: Winner – Mark Thorne

Mark Thorne: For over two decades, Mark has been a champion of community spirit, balancing his full-time job with raising funds for local charities. He raised £3,600 for Icknield School, supported the Jamie G Sporting Trust, and is organised an upcoming golf day fundraiser. A devoted husband, dad, and grandad, Mark always puts others before himself and never says no when a charity needs help. 

Community Champion: Highly Commended – Rooting for Andover

Rooting for Andover was recognised for its impact on the Augusta Park community. Over the past couple of years, this group has transformed a neglected area into a community garden, now flourishing with fruits, vegetables, and plants. This team goes above and beyond, hosting events like a Halloween haunted garden, Easter fetes, and summer kids’ gardening clubs, bringing the whole community together.

Community Champion: Winner – Katie Vincent

Katie Vincent has been a driving force behind the Andover Stall Holder Group, helping local traders connect with events across the region. Her efforts shine through at the Andover Carnival, where she adds exciting stalls and experiences to the high street. 

 Young Person of the Year: Highly Commended – Rosa Waite

Rosa Waite: Before joining Guides at age 10, Rosa was an active 2nd Andover Brownie, earning badges and making the most of every opportunity. As a young carer for her mother, Brownies gave her a special place to enjoy fun experiences with friends.

Rosa’s passion for helping others continues in her school’s choir, where she sings and signs using Makaton at community events, including performances at care homes. Despite rain or shine, Rosa walks or rides to Guides with her mother, remaining fully committed, completing all her badges, and even helping the Brownies too.

Young Person of the Year: Winner – Khiana Tawona

Khiana Tawona is a compassionate young leader with a natural ability to bring people together and solve problems with grace and empathy. Noticing the importance of inclusion, Khiana took it upon herself to organise a Culture Day at her school, bringing together 927 pupils for a day of unity and celebration. Students proudly wore traditional dress, participated in fashion shows with their flags, danced, gave speeches, and embraced the rich diversity of backgrounds and cultures. Khiana’s passion for promoting peace and respect extends beyond her school walls, making a lasting impact in her community. She is always there to help her teachers and classmates, driven by strong values and kindness.

Sports Award: Highly Commended – Alex Lamb

Alex Lamb supports young people with special educational needs in Andover.  A successful businessman, Alex spends his spare time ensuring these young athletes can play football by entering multiple teams into a disability league. Self-educated and always striving to provide the best care, Alex completes courses in his free time to better serve the players at Streets Ahead. Many of the players wouldn’t have the chance to compete in mainstream leagues, which is why Alex’s advocacy for equal opportunities is so vital.

Despite breaking his leg and facing mobility challenges, Alex still shows up to training, demonstrating his unwavering commitment. His passion and dedication have led the group to great success, creating a safe and inclusive space where everyone can enjoy football and just be themselves.

Sports Award: Winner – Chris Duncan Smith

Chris Duncan Smith has gone above and beyond in creating a gym that is not only a safe space for all but also a hub of community spirit. By opening his doors to military personnel and emergency services, Chris ensures that everyone has a secure environment to train in, fostering a sense of camaraderie. His commitment to giving back is evident in the charity events he’s organised, where tinned food has been used as payment for seminars, which is then donated to local food banks. Chris's gym remains the top grappling gym in West Hampshire, providing a welcoming and safe space for people from all walks of life to train and enjoy martial arts. His passion for helping others and promoting a sense of community through sports has made a lasting impact.

Inspiring Others: Highly Commended – Tony Evans

Tony Evans has touched so many lives through his kindness and dedication. Tony opens his home to foster children, offering them love, guidance, and a safe environment until they find their forever homes. His compassion extends far beyond fostering, as he also serves as a trustee for Home Start, supporting families in need. He also spends his time helping the elderly with odd jobs around their homes and gardens on a weekly basis. For over two years, Tony has visited a family once a week to clear their garden of debris, overgrown vegetation, trees, and weeds, allowing their son to have wheelchair access to the outdoors.

 Inspiring Others: Winner – Stuart Randall

Stuart Randall was recognised for his outstanding contributions to the Picket Piece community.  Stuart's unwavering dedication has transformed the area, creating a vibrant and inclusive environment for all. Through his initiative, Stuart has organised numerous family-focused community events that not only bring joy and entertainment to families but also help raise funds for local services and projects. His commitment to inclusivity shines through, especially with his efforts in organising the village’s first LGBTQ+ event, fostering a sense of belonging for everyone. Stuart's proactive leadership was key in securing funding to extend the Village Hall, which will provide much-needed recreational space and generate income for the village. His passion for community engagement doesn’t stop there—he's also behind the Picket Pedallers cycling group, the Picket Pickers clean-up initiative, and worked with One Stop to fund an additional defibrillator for the village.

Services Award: Highly Commended – Debbie Burgess

Debbie Burgess was  recognised for her incredible dedication and support at James' Place Adult Daycare Ltd over the past three years.  Debbie's unwavering commitment to our members shines through in everything she does—whether it’s cooking delicious meals, tending to the garden, organising fun trips, or leading arts and crafts sessions. Her joyful spirit brings energy to singing, dancing, and simply chatting with everyone.

Most recently, Debbie played a vital role in community project, 'Village in Bloom,' where she painted numerous flowerpots and planters, helping to prepare them for judging.

 Winner – Tanya Hale

Tanya Hale has been honoured for her outstanding contributions to the Yellow Brick Road Projects Team. As the longest-serving member, Tanya is an invaluable asset, going above and beyond to help others both within the charity and beyond. Tanya leads each You Matter group with confidence and expertise. Recently, she made a significant impact by assisting a 21-year-old facing mental health challenges in applying for and securing a job working with children with learning difficulties.

Arts Award: Highly Commended – Suzanne School of Dancing

Through their bi-annual shows, Suzanne School of Dancing has raised thousands of pounds for local charities, showcasing not only their immense talent but also their unwavering commitment to making a difference. Organising these shows requires immense effort and dedication, and they do it all with pride, passion, and love.

Winner – Oblivion Dance

As a family-run company, Oblivion Dance has grown from offering just one class a week to providing a wide range of dance classes for all ages, with over 100 students, from tiny tots at 3 years old to adults, they truly embody inclusivity and community spirit.

Their dedication goes beyond teaching dance; Oblivion Dance not only offers children a fantastic opportunity to socialise and learn dance but also fosters personal growth in a supportive environment. Their commitment to professionalism and service to the community is unmatched, proving that nothing is too much trouble for them.

Heart of Gold: Highly Commended – Kate Davis

As a dedicated medical practitioner, Kate Davis tirelessly helps others during her long 12+ hour shifts, but her kindness doesn’t stop there. After work, she goes above and beyond to support friends and colleagues, never hesitating to lend a hand or a listening ear. Her willingness to take on any challenge is truly inspiring, as she embraces the many roles she plays in her community.

Heart of Gold Award: Winner – Joel Kirby

Over the past few years, Joel Kirby has shown unwavering commitment to charitable activities, spearheading initiatives that bring joy and relief to countless families. His efforts to provide Christmas meals for 50 families each year have become a beloved tradition, ensuring that no one goes without during the holidays. Additionally, Joel organised free transport for prom, allowing school leavers to celebrate this significant milestone without worry. By consistently addressing various needs—whether it's holiday meals, educational support, or other forms of assistance—Joel has built a legacy of generosity and service.

Sue Sheppard Award: Highly Commended – Billie-Kay Cooper

Despite personal challenges, Billie-Kay Cooper found the strength to continue through troubling times, her determination shone through, and after beating cancer, she embraced life with renewed vigour. Now, she attends morning gym sessions and cares for her grandchildren, making the most of every opportunity to travel and enjoy life.

Billie-Kay's journey serves as an inspiration to anyone in our community, showcasing the power of resilience and hope.

Sue Sheppard Award: Winner – Libby Hilling

Driven by her own experiences, Libby Hilling has created a supportive space for those facing mental health challenges, in just six months, Libby made incredible progress, dedicating over 1,000 volunteer hours while balancing her job and motherhood.

Mayor of Test Valley Award: Winner – Alexei Roberts

With 20 years of experience in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and a recent gold medal win, Alexei Roberts is dedicated to teaching the next generation. He shares valuable training principles and life lessons with kids, young adults, and adults in Andover. Notably, Alexei has made a profound impact on a kinship foster child struggling with concentration and low self-esteem, turning his challenges around by instilling values and nurturing a love for the sport. His efforts have fostered confidence and respect among vulnerable and disabled children, always going the extra mile to support them.

Spirit of Andover: Winner – Libby Hilling

In 2023, Libby Hilling secured a funded secondment through the JLP Golden Jubilee Trust to work with Andover Mind in developing a new wellbeing garden at the Leckford Estate. The Garden for Mind project was inspired by her desire to create a supportive space for individuals living with mental health challenges, stemming from her own experiences with childhood bereavement and personal recovery.

In just six months, Libby achieved remarkable strides in planning, securing funds, researching, and connecting with suppliers. Beyond her secondment, she has dedicated over 10 months and more than 1,000 volunteer hours to lead this project while balancing her job and caring for her two teenagers.

Thanks to Libby's efforts, the project has generated over £50,000 and mobilised more than 60 companies to contribute to transforming the garden into a vibrant therapeutic space. This project will serve as a legacy to her dedication and hard work.