Dunfermline Press Community Champions Awards 2017 finalists are revealed

A record number of nominations were received for the 2017 awards, which aim to recognise and reward the people who make our communities a better place.

The event will be held in the Glen Pavilion in Dunfermline on Friday, June 2 and will celebrate the achievements and tireless endeavours undertaken every day by ‘ordinary’ people in communities throughout West Fife.

Shortlisted for the Entrepreneurial award are Faodail, Soapy Pawz and The Sweet Stop.

Those up for the Champion Teacher of the Year award are Craig Masson, Jacqueline Moore and Jennifer Hodson.

In the running for the Community Champion of the Year title are Inkcredible Creative, Jackie Easton and Michael O’Hare.

In the Heart of Gold award, the finalists are Evonne McLatchie, Helen Ross, Eileen McKenna and Christine McGrath from Lochgelly Community Development Forum, Margaret Patterson and Samantha Stewart.

For the Charity Champion of the Year award, those shortlisted are the Captain David Seath Memorial Fund, Laura Bennett Permanent Cosmetics, Margaret Summerville, RealLiving.

The Sporting Champion of the Year finalists are Cara Smyth,
Dunfermline Boxing Club, Pitreavie Race Runners, Stephanie Inglis and Tain Bruce.

The Young Enterprise Champion of the Year contenders are Aaron McHale, Lewis Buchan and the The Creepy Wee Pub while the finalists in the Youth Community Champion Award category are Heather Johnston, Juliet Wallace, Lacey Watt and Lauren Watt.

Those shortlisted for the Little Champion of the Year award are Alastair King Junior, Ava Stark, Christopher Paxton and Elize Bauld.

Up for the Live Music Award are Deni Smith, Domiciles and The Dicksons.

Nominations were judged by our panel, Press editor Simon Harris, Jim Leishman, Community Inspector Gavin Cameron, of Police Scotland, and Corinna Crawford, of Fife Voluntary Action.

Said Simon: “The ceremony is going to be a fantastic night celebrating all that is positive about the West Fife community and everyone at the Press is really looking forward to it.”

Paul Ashraf, general manager, Amazon, said: “I am delighted that Amazon is sponsoring the Dunfermline Community Champion Awards for the first time. We are proud to employ more than 1,700 people in full-time permanent roles and be part of the Fife community. I have been impressed by the number and high standard of entries across the various categories. I would like to congratulate the finalists and look forward to recognising their achievements at the awards evening in June.”

Pete Clarke, senior vice-president of Canvas Holidays, said: “Canvas Holidays are delighted to sponsor the Little Champions Award, we’ve been truly inspired by the courage and passion of these wonderful young people. We would like to say a huge congratulations to the finalists in all the categories, who have made such fantastic contributions to the local community. We’re really looking forward to the big event!”’

A spoeksperson for Fife Council said: “Fife Council wish to congratulate all those nominated in the Youth Champion category and especially the finalists whom we look forward to meeting at the awards ceremony in June. Young people are doing so many wonderful things in our communities and we believe that this is one way to recognise the hours of volunteering that they provide and the good causes that they are supporting.”

Scott Flynn, general manager of Macklin Motors Ford, said: “We are again delighted to sponsor the Community Champion of the Year award. We would like to congratulate the finalists, each one would be a worthy winner, and it is great to see how much work they do in the community. We look forward to the awards evening in June, it is a privilege to be in the company of all of the finalists in the various categories, and humbling to hear about their efforts in helping others or in their achievements.”

David Tibbs, partner, Oliver & Robb Architects, said: “We at Oliver and Robb Architects would like to offer our congratulations to those who have been shortlisted for the Press Community Champion Awards 2017. For the second year, we are the proud sponsor of the Entrepreneurial Award and are delighted that so many businesses and individuals have been recognised for their endeavours. As a local business, it is great to witness the passion and pride we have for our communities and what can be achieved. The ceremony promises to be a fantastic night where we look forward to meeting everyone.”

Andrew Cort, managing director, TechnipFMC, said: “TechnipFMC are delighted to be supporting the Young Enterprise Champion Award. Congratulations to all those nominated for the category and especially the finalists, who we look forward to meeting. As a leader in the energy industry, we are committed to innovation, smarter design and seamless ways of working. We know what it takes to be successful in business and are delighted to be supporting the next generation of business talent through the Young Enterprise Award.”