Magnificent response to the launch

YOU’VE done the easy part – now, for our judges, comes the hard part! We had a magnificent response to the launch of our second annual Dunfermline Press and Central Fife Times Community Champions Awards, with more than 100 nominations across the 10 categories. It’s clear from your nominations that finding unsung heroes, the ordinary people who do the extraordinary every single day to make West Fife such a special community in which to live wasn’t difficult. But choosing the winners will be almost impossible. That’s the task facing our three judges when the judging for the awards takes place at the Dunfermline Press office. On our judging panel is Dunfermline Press editor Simon Harris, Fife Voluntary Action worker Cat Cockburn and community inspector Ian Flynn. Simon has been with the Press for nearly 20 years, since joining as a senior reporter in September 1998. He has since been sports editor, news editor, deputy editor and became editor of the Press in August 2009. His role as group editor now sees him also oversee the Press’ sister titles, the Central Fife Times, Alloa Advertiser and Fife & Kinross Extra. Cat Cockburn, born and brought up in Dunfermline, works for Fife Voluntary Action and has done since November 2014 as volunteer development officer (employability) she works and supports charities, not-for-profit organisations and voluntary groups. Fife Voluntary Action support voluntary organisations and individuals across Fife. Cat is delighted to be returning to the judging panel for the second year. Ian Flynn, Community Inspector, Dunfermline Police Station, has more than 27 years’ police service with the Ministry of Defence Police, Fife Constabulary and now Police Scotland. Being born and brought up in West Fife, he has spent most of his police service in the area. Ian is responsible for the Dunfermline community officers and the Dunfermline Community Investigation Unit. The judges will shortlist three finalists per category from the nominations. If you are shortlisted, we will be back in touch after tomorrow. Finalists will be invited to the Community Champions awards evening on Friday, June 3 at the Glen Pavilion in Dunfermline where the award category winners will be announced. The evening will include a drinks reception, three-course meal and entertainment. Tickets on sale now. If you would like to be part of a special evening that recognises and rewards the stars of our communities, contact the events team on 01383 747500.