Renfrewshire’s shining stars

Home > News and Events > News - release archive > 2006 > March

Star compere for the night, Q96 FM Production Manager Ciarán O’Toole, outlined the history of the awards and the wide range of contributions that the nominees have made to the community of Renfrewshire. The audience was then treated to a screening of a specially commissioned short film in which each nominator of those short-listed for the awards explained why they thought the person they had nominated was deserving of an award. Event host, Provost Burns along with the award sponsors then presented the winner of each category with their award and prize.

Provost Burns said: "It was a fantastic night that celebrated the selfless dedication and enthusiasm of the people who make a real difference to so many lives in Renfrewshire. I would like to offer my congratulations again to all the winners. These awards are our way of paying thanks to these special people.”

However, Provost Burns was clear to stress these awards are not just about the winning. He continued: “The awards, like the nominees, are very special. Choosing the winners wasn’t an easy task for the judges. We had an extremely high standard of nominations this year, all which were well deserving of an award. ” The winners of this year’s awards are:

Carer’s Award donated by former Provost Nancy Allison JP
Craig Chalmers, 17, of Elderslie, who since the age of four has helped care for his father and who passes on his experience through his volunteer work with the Young Carers’ Development Project in Paisley.

Community Volunteer Award donated by Ciba Specialty Chemicals plc
Jack Boyd, 75, of Paisley who has been a volunterer for the Accord Hospice for 16 years.

Special Needs Adult Award donated by Scottish Power Sharon Henderson, 33, who has learning difficulties, is enjoying an independent lifestyle after years of living in residential care. Sharon works part-time at a supermarket and fundraises for a community charity.

Special Needs Young Person Award donated by Provost Burns and Mrs Burns
Kevin Coyle, 14, who attends Kersland School in Paisley. Despite being blind, having to get around in a wheelchair, and having to deal with the effects of brain damage suffered during a childhood operation, Kevin is known for his sense of humour, positive approach and his kindness to others.

Special Needs Child Award donated by Glasgow Airport Ltd
David Hopkins,12, who attends Langbank Primary has mild learning difficulties but is a leading light at his school, helping to organise the recycling scheme and encouraging other children.

Achievement Award donated by Renfrewshire Chamber of Commerce
Chris Williams, 46, of Paisley who has fought back after a brain tumour and a stroke and now helps others through his volunteering work at the Disability Resource Centre.

Good Citizen Award donated by Diageo and Acre Industrial and Cleaning Services Ltd.
Pat Mellon,77, of Paisley, a volunteer with St Mary’s Church and Millside Tenants and Residents’ Association.

Each of the award winners received a framed certificate, an Award trophy (retained for one year) with their name inscribed, a £500 donation to charity of the winner's choice, a return flight for two persons with one night's accommodation in a four star hotel in London and £200 spending money. In addition, all shortlisted candidates were presented with a framed certificate as a memento from Renfrewshire Council.

Press release 13 March 2006