4th Annual NWFS awards ceremony
The 4th NWFS Annual Awards Ceremony took place in Eastbourne, hosted by Des Prichard Chief Fire Officer, East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service, and Mani Gilbert-King, Chair NWFS on 1st October 2011.
Stuart Irwin
A Bronze Award was presented by Mani to Stuart Irwin, of FSSAA and Royal Berkshire Fire & Rescue Service. Stuart’s nomination was proposed by Elly Clifton and seconded by Helen Durman, and voted for unanimously by the network’s National Executive Committee.
Julie Gilbert-King, NWFS Local & Sports Rep, read the citation for Stuart’s Bronze Award,
“in recognition of his tremendous commitment to supporting women in the Fire Service through sport, in particular, FSSAA Fire Service Rugby. Stuart, as an FSSAA committee member at National Level, formed, administrated and campaigned on behalf of UK Fire & Rescue Women's Rugby to ensure that women within the UK FRS are given the best possible support, funding and organisation”
Stuart attended the ceremony with his wife, and is pictured here receiving his award from Mani Gilbert-King.
Christine Svenson
An NWFS Silver, was awarded to Christine Svenson of Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, proposed by Cheryl Rolph, seconded by Anne Waters and voted for unanimously by the network’s National Executive Committee.
Cheryl Rolph, NWFS HR Director, read the citation for Chistine’s Silver award
“in recognition of her longstanding support of NWFS and women’s issues, having served for a long period of time as a Regional Representative before standing down in 2004. Christine played a pivotal role in the weekend conference of 2010 which was held in Tyne & Wear and she has continued to be an excellent role model for women in the service, as well as pledging her time to supporting the aims of NWFS”
The Silver award and certificate was presented by Mani Gilbert-King. Christine said “I was absolutely thrilled to receive the silver award, it was totally unexpected. I am very proud to be part of the NWFS and I am looking forward to wearing the silver brooch with pride.” Christine is pictured here with friend and colleague from Tyne & Wear, Laura Lawrence.
The award presentations were followed by motivational speaker Mary Keightley, and then Des Prichard brought the proceedings to a close with a few inspiring words, recapping the sentiments of the evening. Guests were then escorted to “Chambers” in Eastbourne for an evening of celebration, buffet and networking.
