Spotlight on volunteers who work to improve Barnsley communities

An awards scheme to spotlight those who work for the benefit of communities across part of Barnsley have been launched for the third year by councillors who believe volunteers deserve more recognition.
Shining example: Elsecar Park volunteers have featured in previous Stars of Hoyland awardsShining example: Elsecar Park volunteers have featured in previous Stars of Hoyland awards
Shining example: Elsecar Park volunteers have featured in previous Stars of Hoyland awards

The Stars of Hoyland awards first took place in 2016, covering the Hoyland Milton and Rockingham council wards, are were repeated last year as a result of the initial success.

The six councillors who represent those wards decided to repeat the process in 2018 and have now thrown open the programme for nominations, which have to be in by the middle of next month, ahead of an awards ceremony which will take place at Barnsley Town Hall in early December.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Councillors are aware of the large contribution volunteers make in society and have tailored the categories to try to recognise the different forms of contribution people make.

They include young volunteer, an environmental award, good neighbour and volunteer of the year, along with a charity fund raiser award.

There will be winners in each of the two wards, with other joint awards for the best business contribution, outstanding contribution in art and culture, with another for those supporting sport and recreation.

Nomination forms are available from Hoyland library as well as councillors and they must be in by November 14 at noon.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Coun Tim Shepherd said: 'The awards have been very successful and we have had excellent nominations in all of the classes.

'If people know someone who they think doesn't fit into a category, they should still nominate them and we can decide which is the most appropriate category.'

The only stipulation for nominations is that those involved must live in the two wards, or conduct their work there.

The award ceremony will take place on December 6 and will be attended by Barnsley East MP Stephanie Peacock.