Age Takes Centre Stage Awards 2019 - the winners

And the Winner is……..

1 Connect – individual Award

June Taylor

The cuppa club and its spin off groups have brought so many people together over the years and created true lasting friendships between people who would have never met if it wasn’t for all June’s had work organising and making things happen. It’s a lot more hard work than it seems!

The judging panel felt her work was ‘A real achievement in alleviating loneliness’

2. Give – individual Award

Squadron Leader Tom Bargewell

A lifelong passion from joining the Cadets as a youngster serving in the RAF, Tom then supporting the next generation through raising funds, many writing grant applications to meticulously looking for ways to maximise fund through things like tax claims to bring in thousands of pounds to the Cadets Welfare fund. The judges felt that Tom had done great things, gone that extra mile, in ensuring his passion was accessible to all.

3. Youth – Individual Award

Rosie Goggin

As a Befriender for 2 years now, Rosie visits Elizabeth, an elderly lady that lives alone. Elizabeth says of Rosie ‘Rosie is wonderful, a true friend and I really look forward to her weekly visits.

The judges felt that in a time when there are so many thing that put young and old at odds, it’s great to see some intergenerational inspiration – age is just a number, we are all people.

4.Be Active – Group Award

North Shields Polytechnic Athletics Club

Specifically Tommy Brannon, John Brettall, Alan Catley, Vaughan Hemy, Neil Ellerby, Karen Nash, Susan Mole, Chris Mole, John Renny and Joan Renny. All have played a key part in growing the club over many years and ensuring members the almost 700 member aged between 7 and 80+ are reaching their health and fitness milestones.

The judges felt the commitment and sense of community lead and encouraged by the over 50’s to ensure wellbeing was a great achievement, especially as the group has literally been running for decades.

5. Take Notice – Group Awards

Tynemouth Decorators

Through their ‘Helping Our Community Facebook Page’ as well as day to day contacts they’ve taken their skills and helped many older people and charitable organisations supporting the most vulnerable in our communities. Making someone home space a place they want to be and feel proud and comfortable in is a real gift that can often be overlooked.

The Judges felt that there is a true feeling of this organisation wanting to ‘give something back’ and it would be great if there were more businesses out there with such a commitment to doing it this way.

6. Keep Learning – Group Award

engAGE at Linskill Centre

The variety of activities this group of volunteers supports and delivers ensures that the centre users have so many opportunities to learn new things and make new friends.

The judges felt the work they do must be a constant learning curve for them while providing new opportunities for the wider community. Brilliantly leading by example.

And some feedback from the participants:

June Taylor Winner of the Connect category said “I was so pleased to have been nominated but I did not expect to win anything! I am totally delighted to have won this award.
I think that over 100 people have now benefitted from the Cuppa Club and I am just pleased that I have been able to help people to come together. Lasting friendships have been formed; some people now go out for meals together; go shopping together and even go on holiday together. Thanks to Age UK for this award and for the support I have received from them”

Bob Carpenter nominated in the Keep Active
“I am very happy and proud to have been nominated , it’s nice to see that all the hard work is appreciated”.

Bob Smith and Barry Cardno (note spelling Cardno is correct) Nominated for Walking Football Skills

Barry said “Over the moon to be nominated, and even more pleased to have been nominated in two categories”. Barry said “ we are honoured to be given the chance to get involved and help people of all ages, genders and abilities to access walking football.

Squadron Leader Tom Bargewell Winner of the Give category said “its such a pleasure to be nominated in this category. I thoroughly enjoy working with the youth of North Tyneside there are so many wonderful children in this area”

Rosie Goggin -Youth Category Winner
“Me and my mam Sue have been trying not to cry all afternoon, listening to everybody’s amazing stories.”
“I’m really happy, so chuffed and proud of myself. I can’t believe it!”

engAGE Woolies said “it’s incredible to think of so many people give their time for free as volunteers in North Tyneside”

Stephen Hull of Tynemouth Decoraters winners of the Take Notice category said “the team at Tynemouth Decorators are very humbled by this award we just try to give back something to others who need a helping hand. I’d like to take the opportunity to thank everyone in our company for going that extra mile including our paint suppliers for their kind donations too”