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"Stacey shines and Biddulph
blooms at prestigious awards
TEAN-based weaver Stacey
Harvey-Brown toasted a double success and Biddulph sports stars
shone at a glitzy celebration of Moorlands creative talents.
Stacey was named arts organiser of the year and landed a special
achievement title at the Staffordshire Moorlands Council Arts
and Sports Awards on Friday (11 March). And Biddulph teams and
individuals claimed five accolades for their sporting successes.
The annual event, held at the Alton Towers Hotel, recognises the
leading artistic and sporting achievements in the district over
the last 12 months.
Stacey’s recognition follows her work in helping co-ordinate
the Open Studios initiative which gives visitors a
behind-the-scenes look at how artists work, the chance to gain
valuable tips and even buy an original piece of work. Aside from
creating woven textiles in her Loom Room studio in Tean, she has
written a handbook for artists and is aiming to involve the
Moorlands in cultural trails in the Peak District.
Biddulph sports achievers included Biddulph High School, which
was named school of the year for a string of athletics,
cross-country, netball, football and swimming successes; boxer
James Biddulph who won the junior sports achiever title after
being named Midlands and national cadet champion in the 57-60kg
class. Biddulph Amateur Swimming Club celebrated on three
fronts, winning team of the year for feats including finishing
fifth in the Staffordshire League and sixth in a national
Masters relay contest, and landing coach and volunteer of the
year accolades. Coach Geoff Kirkham helped the club’s 10-11
year old girls relay squad to gold and silver at the Relay
Championships and coached five water-polo players to selection
in the Midland District League. Club vice-chairman Phil Matthews
was named top volunteer for his work as a coach, gala organiser,
trainer, fundraiser, timekeeper, judge and starter referee.
Moorlands triple paralympic gold medallist Lee Pearson MBE was
guest of honour at the event which was attended by around 250
civic dignitaries, sports and arts professionals and their
supporters.
Councillor Keith Harrison, cabinet member for healthy living,
said: “The Moorlands is blessed with numerous community groups
and dedicated individuals and it is through their endeavours
that local people are provided opportunities to both observe and
take part in a multitude of arts and sports activities.
“This event is the key showcase in bringing together and
recognising those individuals and groups who have shown great
commitment, energy and talent in their chosen fields.
“I’d like to thank Biddulph, Cheadle and Leek sports
councils for their support. The winners from similar awards
nights each of the three councils arranged made up the
nominations for the sports categories in this district-wide
awards.”
Other artists who were honoured were:
- Stephanie Prince, who won the
young person of the year award for dancing feats which
include being world champion for both Solo (classic line)
and Pro-am (professional and amateur) dancing.
- Churnet View Middle School
teacher Ann Horan won the voluntary arts individual title
for the professional standard of her concerts and
productions.
- Composer, arranger and
conductor Ashley Thompson of Cheddleton won the professional
artist of the year accolade. For the last eight years he has
been the musical director of The Pheonix Singers – a mixed
amateur choir based in Leek. He has enabled the choir to
perform to critical acclaim in such varied programmes as
Sweeney Todd and Amadeus.
- Longsdon Amateur Dramatic
Society, which won group of the year in recognition of its
two productions a year.
- Cheadle Primary School, which
won school of the year in recognition of its school
orchestra, recorder group which has over 50 members and has
performed at Lichfield Cathedral and dance club which has
performed at the county show.
Other sports achievers were:
- Stacey Weatherer from Leek who
won the senior sports achiever accolade for her efforts in
New Century Tae Kwon Do. Among her achievements she claimed
the PUMA English Open Championships gold – sparring and
gold – destruction.
- Blythe Cricket Club official
Colin Dawson was named the Alan Hurst contribution to sport
winner. In a 45-year career at the club, he has undertaken
most roles, from player to president, and recently became
child protection officer. As a coach he has helped develop
the potential of junior players, resulting in Blythe juniors
collectively having their most successful season in
2004".
Ends
Note to editors
The arts and sports awards is supported by Lafarge Cement,
Sherwin Rivers Ltd Printers and Your Leek Paper.
11/3/05
www.staffsmoorlands.gov.uk
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