Pride of Swindon 2017 opens its doors to new nominations

The great and good of Swindon gathered at the Major’s parlour for the launch of The Pride of Swindon 2017.

Now in its ninth year, the event aims to honour unsung heroes in the town who make a difference in their community.

The launch was attended by previous winners of the award and representatives of the sponsors, including Macdonald’s, Nationwide, Voluntary Action Swindon, Swindon 105.5 fm, Intel and the Zurich community trust, the Swindon Advertiser and Positive Media Group - the company behind the Link Magazine.

Swindon Mayor Eric Shaw said: “I’m surprised by the age range of a lot of the volunteers who have been nominated in the past. It’s great to see such a diverse group of people. It’s a great pleasure to be part of it.”

He explained that the Pride of Swindon awards had developed a life of its own in the years since its launch, adding that the quality and quantity of those who are nominated each year mean that it is possible to hold the event on an annual basis rather than every two years which had been considered.

“We are looking for people who are making a difference to this town. We are looking for people who are going above and beyond. It can be someone who has saved a life or people like Phoebe who are increasing awareness of a condition. Pride of Swindon is one of the best events of the year. The judging takes place in February and it’s wonderful because we spend two hours talking about the positive things that people have done in the town.”

John Gilbert, Chief Executive of Swindon Borough Council added: “Having a more tolerant society is crucial and having new volunteer coming through the system is really important. Life is not easy, but it can be made easier if people volunteer.”

One of those at the event was 12-year-old Phoebe Maddison, a winner last year, who was nominated for her campaigning and fundraising on behalf of Diabetes UK.

The Isambard Community School pupil, who lives with type one Diabetes, explained that she had raised more than £10k for Diabetes UK though charity events at her school as well as the release of a charity CD.

Among last year’s winners were people who had overcome adversity, battled to improve their communities and those who had put in a lifetime of volunteer work for the good of the town.

Closing date for nominations this year is January 27^th 2017. See the mayor’s page at the Swindon Borough Council’s website www.swindon.gov.uk for more details and a nomination form.