Hat-trick of Bridlington winners at the Chairman's Awards

Bridlington had three reasons to celebrate at the East Riding of Yorkshire Council Chairman's Awards on Tuesday night.
Volunteers from the Kingfisher Cafe with host Clare Frisby and Cllr Caroline FoxVolunteers from the Kingfisher Cafe with host Clare Frisby and Cllr Caroline Fox
Volunteers from the Kingfisher Cafe with host Clare Frisby and Cllr Caroline Fox

The annual ceremony celebrates contributions made by individuals and organisations over the last year which has helped to make the county a better place and this year, three of the trophies were picked up by local projects.

The Kingfisher Cafe in West Street won the Chairman’s Community Award for groups, for its work helping the homeless community in Bridlington.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Chair Rosie French said: “We were so surprised to win as we had stiff competition from the other two nominees.

Bridlington RNLI chairman Richard Dunk with the lifeboat teams awardBridlington RNLI chairman Richard Dunk with the lifeboat teams award
Bridlington RNLI chairman Richard Dunk with the lifeboat teams award

“Doing what we do means that people can claim benefits as we can provide an address for them and we also help the needy too as well as providing a point of contact for their families.

“We have some great volunteers who help out and we’ve also had great support from members of the public too.”

Tuesday’s ceremony was held at Bridlington Spa, just a stone’s throw from the town’s new lifeboat station which won the Chairman’s Built Heritage Award for commercial developments and major schemes.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Richard Dunk, chairman of the Bridlington Lifeboat management group which has overseen the project from start to finish, said receiving the award was just another fantastic achievement in the history of the lifeboat.

The new Bridlington Lifeboat Station.The new Bridlington Lifeboat Station.
The new Bridlington Lifeboat Station.

He said: “April and May have seen two historic moments for the lifeboat – we’ve had the naming and dedication ceremony and now this is just the icing on the cake.

“We have a great team of dedicated volunteers as well as great support from the community and the public and this award is for them.”

The trophy for the Chairman’s Built Heritage Award for single new dwellings and conversions, also stayed in Bridlington and was given for the successful restoration of The Scriptorium, a Grade II listed former convent in Old Town.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

It has been brought back to its former glory, with historic features restored to create spacious and attractive living accommodation.

The Scriptorium, before it was transformed from a convent into a family home.The Scriptorium, before it was transformed from a convent into a family home.
The Scriptorium, before it was transformed from a convent into a family home.

Bridlington also had two runners-up at the ceremony, which was hosted by broadcaster Clare Frisby.

Sue Shilladay was shortlisted for the individual Community Award for her decades of work with cadets in the region and swimmer was recognised in the Sport Award for talented performers.

The finalists were all nominated by members of the public and invited to attend the ceremony where the winners were presented with their awards by the chairman of East Riding of Yorkshire Council, Cllr Caroline Fox, in her last engagement as chairman.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Cllr Fox said: “As my civic year comes to an end I feel privileged and extremely proud to be presenting these awards.

“During my year of office, I have seen first-hand the hard work and dedication of countless people, who work tirelessly within their local communities.

“I have been touched by the great warmth and generosity of spirit, which the area represents, and impressed with the good work being undertaken by many.

“The contribution of local people who give their time and work for others in a voluntary capacity with no though of reward and, without whose efforts, many of the good things we perhaps take for granted in the East Riding would simply not happen at all.”