A NIGHT of celebration, recognition and fun took place at the inaugural Cirencester Community Awards ceremony this week.

An excited crowd of around 100 guests, who were dressed to the nines in suits and glitzy dresses, gathered at the Kings Head Hotel in Cirencester on Wednesday, October 11 to shine a light on our town and its many, many success stories.

Cirencester Radio and Cirencester Community Development Trust organised this initiative to bring the community together and to say thank you to everyone who supports our bustling market town.

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard: Cirencester Radio programme-maker Dan Woodward acted as MC for the eveningCirencester Radio programme-maker Dan Woodward acted as MC for the evening (Image: Adrian McPherson)

Four awards were given out to some of the most dedicated and hard-working people across the Cotswold capital.

The awards were launched in August with community organisations or charities of any size encouraged to nominate themselves or others for one of three categories: Team, Sustainability, Innovation.

There was also a special award for an individual to become a Cirencester Champion.

His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of Gloucestershire Edward Gillespie presented the awards to the deserving winners.

The full list of winners is as follows:

The Cirencester Community Team Award
Winner:     Parkinson's UK
Finalists:     SARA (Severn Area Rescue Association)  
The CHURN Project

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard: Kevin Young, Erin Hughes, Lord Lieutenant and David WrightKevin Young, Erin Hughes, Lord Lieutenant and David Wright (Image: Adrian McPherson)

The Cirencester Community Innovation Award 
Winner:     Cirencester Open Air Swimming Pool

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard: Shirley Bond with Lord Lieutenant Shirley Bond with Lord Lieutenant (Image: Adrian McPherson)

The Cirencester Community Sustainability Award 
Winner:     Barton Lane Allotments
Finalists:     U3A (University of the Third Age) 
Friends of St John Baptist Churchyard

The Cirencester Champion Award
Winner:     Glen Moreman
Finalists:     Bill Irving 
Corinne Lamus

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard: Bill Irving, Glen Moreman and Lord Lieutenant Bill Irving, Glen Moreman and Lord Lieutenant (Image: Adrian McPherson)

Carole Boydell, chair of Cirencester Radio, said “There were so many ways in which local people showed how much they value and support their community.

"From our main sponsor of the evening, RCH100 to the host of businesses who generously gave their time and expertise, it was an honour to bring everyone together to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of everyone involved in the community, business and civic sectors. 

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard: Lord Lieutenant of Gloucestershire Edward Gillespie OBE and Carole Boydell, chair of Cirencester RadioLord Lieutenant of Gloucestershire Edward Gillespie OBE and Carole Boydell, chair of Cirencester Radio (Image: Adrian McPherson)

"We were delighted to receive so much positive feedback after the event from organisations who, as well as having a great time, had made new contacts – and caught up with old friends.

"Get ready for Cirencester Community Awards 2024!”