The annual Audentior Awards, honouring the outstanding work carried out by individuals and organisations in the community, was held on 24 October at Watford Colosseum.
Audentior 2014
Hosted by Mayor Dorothy Thornhill and Chairman George Derbyshire, the Audentior Awards celebrated Watford’s local heroes, and raised over £1500 for the Chairman’s charities – Herts Inclusive Theatre and Arthritis Research UK.
Mayor Thornhill said: “This evening is our way of saying thank you to those people who give many hours of their time to the local community to make life in the town better for all our residents.”
This year, there were two Mayors Awards – for Reverend Tim Roberts, for his many years of commitment to the community through the Wellspring Centre; and also for Dr Tim Robson, for his service to the homeless, starting with the establishment of the Watford New Hope Trust in 1990.
Such was the strength of nominations for the Chairman’s Award for Volunteer of the Year – we had a winner and runner up for 2014. Mr Peter Ward, central to the organisation of the Watford Music Festival won overall, and Mr T. Sri Mohan was awarded runner-up for his work with minority ethnic groups and youth organisations like the scouts.
The Charitable Business Award went to local estate agents, Imagine. Led by Mike Cole, they have raised thousands of pounds for local charities, through walks, runs and bike rides.
Again, we had a winner and runner-up for Charitable Group Award. Watford Credit Union, which helps families in the town save and borrow money; were given the winners award; with Green Canteen taking the runner-up prize. Developed in partnership with Herts Mind Network, the Green Canteen is a social enterprise where participants can pick up gardening and horticultural skills; with produce sold to the local community.
Finally, the Special Achievement Award went to Mr Maurice Saunders – a great figure in Watford and leader of ex –servicemen’s groups in the area. In this year of commemorating the beginning of World War One, it is fitting that we recognise someone who has served and given so much for his country.
Entertainment was provided by Herts Inclusive Theatre; who performed Got To Pick A Pocket Or Two from the musical Oliver and The Cassio Operatic Society, who sang a few numbers from their show – The Wedding Singer, currently playing at Watford Palace Theatre. Guests were also treated to close-up magic at their tables by local magicians Lee Bell and Steve Rowe.
With kind sponsorship from Intu Watford, Freedom Communications, McNicholas and Warner Bros Studios Leavesden; and flowers provided by Amie Bone Florists; the evening was a huge success and much fun was had by all.
Release Date: 28 October 2014
