Winners of the Dunfermline Press Community Champion awards
THE incredible efforts and successes of the people of Dunfermline, West and Central Fife were celebrated last night (Thursday, June 15) with the successful return of the Dunfermline Press / Central Fife Times Community Champion Awards.
Awards recognising inspiring local people from the worlds of sport, business, charity, music, schools and everyday life were presented at a glittering ceremony, hosted by radio presenter Bryan Burnett in the Glen Pavilion in front of around 250 guests.
Stories of bravery, generosity, community spirit and achievements were celebrated – with more than a few tugging the heartstrings.
Press editor Kevin McRoberts said: “It really was a wonderful, moving and inspiring night, with all our brilliant finalists deserving of the plaudits they received for some truly outstanding and extraordinary achievements.
“So many people have made such a positive impact in our communities over the last year, and indeed, the last few years, not least during the Covid pandemic, and I’m delighted and proud that the Dunfermline Press and Central Fife Times have been able to recognise and reward at least some of them.
“I’d also like to say a huge thank you to Bryan Burnett for being a brilliant host, our judges, who had the difficult task of deciding the finalists and winners, to all the sponsors, Fife Council, TechnipFMC, Stagecoach and Bandrum Nursing Home, for their invaluable support, and to Feragaia for providing the non-alcoholic welcome drinks.”
Jemma Thomas, of Crossgates Primary School, was named our Champion Teacher of the Year, and we had five Little Champions of the Year – Liam Taylor, Lola Stevenson, Jamie Tierney, Freddie Settle, Luca Kobelt.
Young boxer Niamh Mitchell picked up the award for Sporting Champion of the Year, while Dunfermline Police Scotland Youth Volunteers (PSYV) were the winners in the Youth Community Champion category sponsored by Stagecoach.
The Health & Care Award – new for 2023 – was won by Kenny Armour and James Scade, of Andy’s Many Club; Boards for Bairns received the Young Enterprise Champion of the Year award sponsored by TechnipFMC; the Entrepreneurial Award went to Robyn Drummond Fitness; and Dave Roper – perhaps better known as ‘Duloch Spiderman’ – was named Charity Champion of the Year.
The Live Music Award went to Kirsten Adamson, who opened and closed the ceremony with performances on stage. The evening also included performances by the other finalists in this category – Eve Hind Davidson, 12-year-old Noah Brotherton, who received a special commendation, and Moonlight Zoo.
Perhaps the most popular winners on the night were the volunteers of Peacocks in Pittencrieff Park who collected the Community Champion of the Year award sponsored by Bandrum Nursing Home; while singer Billy Reekie received the Heart of Gold award sponsored by Fife Council.
There were also two special presentations at the end of the ceremony. A Judges Award was presented to the volunteer organisers of the hugely-popular Outwith Festival in Dunfermline; and a Special Recognition for Services to the Community award went to Sarah Yorke.
You can read more about all our winners on the Dunfermline Press website over the next few days and in next week’s paper.
This year’s Community Champion Awards event was the first to be held since 2019 due to the Covid pandemic, and was made possible by the generous support of our sponsors.
Councillor Gordon Pryde, on behalf of Fife Council, who sponsored the Heart of Gold award, said: “What a fabulous evening we have had recognising those in our communities who have given their time, effort, and talent to make such a difference.
“As the Vice Convener of the City of Dunfermline Area Committee it has been such a privilege to present the Heart of Gold Award. It has been truly inspiring to hear of all amazing contributions that have touched the lives of so many others.
“All the nominees should be incredibly proud of their achievements in making such a wonderful and special impact in our communities throughout Dunfermline and West Fife.”
TechnipFMC sponsored the Young Enterprise Champion of the Year.
Greig Dempster, the company’s PMA Manager, said “We’re pleased to make a difference in our communities by supporting the Young Enterprise Champion Award, which recognises young people who have succeeded in starting a business, with the benefits that brings to our society.
“Congratulations to this year’s winner Boards for Bairns for demonstrating great business skills and being an inspiration in our community. This is well-deserved recognition – you should be very proud.
“We’d like to thank the Dunfermline Press Community Champion Awards for giving us the opportunity to celebrate our unsung local heroes.
“We hope our support can help to continue the great work you are doing to recognise the efforts of local people.”
And so we now look forward to next year and the Community Champion Awards 2024. It’s never too early to think about who you would like to nominate…