Boston Heroes Celebrated: Honouring Community Contributions

Last night, our esteemed Boston Heroes of 2023/24 gathered at The Beonna All Saints Church to commemorate the spirit of community.

The Boston Heroes Campaign, established in 2021, aims to champion Pride of Place and recognise the heroes among us, particularly those who stand tall, going above and beyond to help our residents enjoy a better quality of life.

This year's awards spotlighted individuals, groups, and organisations who exemplify extraordinary dedication to serving others and making significant contributions to the Boston Borough area. The categories included Youth Champion (under 18s), Individual Champion, Outstanding Achievement Champion, and Group Champion.

Judges Adam Kelk, Head Verger/Commercial Manager of The Parish of Boston; Lelde Plesa, Area Manager & CED Project Manager at PAB Languages; and Axel Sedgwick, Student Enrichment Co-Ordinator at Boston College, faced the daunting task of selecting winners from a pool of 93 nominations.

In the Youth Champion category, sponsored by Pilgrim Foodservice, Emily Greatrix emerged victorious. Emily, a kickboxer for Team GB, not only excels in her sport but also demonstrates exceptional dedication to her studies, currently preparing for her GCSEs. The runners-up, We'll Meet again Museum - The Lincolnshire Poachers (Living History Group), were recognised for their commitment to enhancing the visitor experience at the museum through interactive displays and historical reenactments.

Fenside Community Kick Off claimed the Outstanding Achievement category, sponsored by Greenyard Frozen. Their dedication to nurturing young talent in the community and preparing them for league teams garnered plenty of praise. Boston Big Local was named runner-up, acknowledging their decade-long efforts in delivering impactful projects and initiatives, leaving a lasting legacy in the town centre.

Willoughby Road Allotments took home the Group Champion title for their outstanding support to the community, while Inspire Lincs was recognised as runner-up for their decade-long commitment to providing lifelong learning opportunities to young adults with learning difficulties.

In the Individual Champion category, Dave Scotney was celebrated for his tireless efforts, delivered over countless hours, in maintaining Kirton as a clean and safe environment. Joint runners-up Konstantin Long and Leanne Hills were lauded for their selfless acts of kindness and unwavering dedication to uplifting the community.

Cllr Anne Dorrian, Leader of Boston Borough Council, said: "I am incredibly proud of the remarkable individuals, groups, and organisations that make up our community. The Boston Heroes Awards shine a spotlight on the selfless acts of kindness, dedication, and innovation that enrich the lives of our residents and contribute to the vibrancy of our borough.

"Each nominee and award recipient represents the very best of Boston, embodying the spirit of service and unity that defines us as a community. Their tireless efforts and unwavering commitment to making a positive difference inspires us all.

"I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all the winners and runners-up, and my sincere gratitude to everyone who participated in this year's Boston Heroes Campaign. Your contributions do not go unnoticed, and your impact resonates far beyond our borders. I'd also like to thank the sponsors of this year's event whose contributions have made this event better than ever!"

Cllr Emma Cresswell, Portfolio Holder for Communities (People), said: "Being the portfolio holder for community, I am truly humbled by the incredible individuals and groups honoured at the Boston Heroes Awards. Their unwavering dedication to serving our community portrays the essence of compassion, resilience, and unity.

"From empowering our youth to preserving our cultural heritage, each awardee has left an lasting mark on our community, enriching the lives of all who call Boston home. Their tireless efforts remind us of the boundless potential within our community to effect positive change.

"I commend the winners and runners-up for their outstanding contributions and extend my deepest gratitude to all those who work tirelessly to make Boston a better place. Let us continue to champion kindness, inclusivity, and service, ensuring that Boston remains a beacon of hope and opportunity for generations to come.

"Congratulations to all and thank you for your exceptional service to our community."

Special thanks to Scott Dalton from BBC Radio Lincolnshire for hosting the evening, Mayor of Boston, Cllr David Brown, for presenting the awards, and Leader of Boston Borough Council, Cllr Anne Dorrian, for her inspiring opening speech. We extend our gratitude to our event sponsors: Greenyard Frozen, Pilgrim Foodservice, White Hart Hotel, T & B Containers, Fresh Linc, and South & East Lincolnshire Community Lottery. And a heartfelt appreciation to The Beonna Community Choir for setting the tone with their enchanting performance.

Let's continue to celebrate and support the unsung heroes who make our community shine bright.