Pride in Harlow Awards

After months of build up Harlow’s stars were finally honoured at the first ever Pride in Harlow Awards, which took place last Friday (1 February 2008).

The awards were organised by Harlow Council and Ten-17 FM as part of the town’s 60^th anniversary celebrations to recognise the town’s special people who help make Harlow a great place to live in.

There were 14 individuals and four organisations nominated for the awards. On the night each person received a certificate from the Chairman of Harlow Council, Lorna Spenceley, to acknowledge his or her contribution to the town.

The awards were brought to a tense finish when the Pride in Harlow winners and runners up were announced. Walking away with the winning awards were local resident Albert Hobdell and local group Harlow Women’s Aid. Albert is the Chairman of the Harlow Neighbourhood Watch scheme. He has worked tirelessly co-ordinating the scheme for over 20 years. Harlow Women’s Aid run refuges around Harlow and has helped thousands of women and children escape domestic violence.

Local netball coach Carol Bull and the Harlow Community Transport Volunteers took away runner's up awards. Carol has run Tegate Netball Club in her own time for over 20 years. The Harlow Community Transport Volunteer drivers provide an essential service to elderly or disabled people with restricted mobility, taking them wherever they need to go.

Harlow Council Chairman Lorna Spenceley, said: “The awards have been a great way to raise pride in our town. There are many individuals and organisations that do so much for our town and make Harlow a great place to live in. As part of the town’s 60^th anniversary we wanted to celebrate the town’s community spirit, which has been here since the town was built, and recognise the town’s special people.”

The awards took place at the Civic Centre and were attended by more than 50 people.


The Pride in Harlow winners and runners up receiving their awards