20 Nov Inspirational volunteers dubbed Torbay’s Community Champions

VOLUNTEERING and working in the community clearly comes naturally to some, and once they start, a lifetime of commitment often follows.

The judges in the Torbay Community Champion Awards struggled to narrow down the nominations for the Lifetime Award and only managed a shortlist of four instead of the usual three – Louise Gilson, Pat Goss, Norman Mcnamara and Eileen Deacon.

Louise was summed up with the words: ‘It is impossible to list everything that she has done for her community. In 2002 she set up the Goodrington Action Group focussing on Youngs Park, following which she joined the Goodrington, Roselands and Hookhills Community Partnership.

“Louise was part of the Paignton Resort Team Meeting – a group which promoted Paignton Town Centre – which developed into the Paignton Town Community Partnership where she held the position of Vice Chair 2008 – 2012 and Chair 2012 – 2023. During this time Louise led the work to build the Geoplay Park on Paignton seafront.

“She currently sits on the Oldway Mansion & Grounds Steering Group, the Paignton Town Community Partnership Steering Group and is an active member of the Goodrington, Roselands and Hookhills Community Partnership. She already has a lifetime of achievements – yet Louise is still active, and her work continues.”

Pat was described as: “A true unsung hero, selflessly dedicating her time and energy to making the world a better place. For over 36 years, she has volunteered at Rowcroft Hospice, including serving as Chair of a local Friends of Rowcroft group for more than 15 years. Her commitment goes beyond the hospice, as Pat generously supports numerous other local charities – touching countless lives and inspiring those around her.

“She started with Rowcroft Hospice in the early-to-mid 1980’s answering the phones on reception. In 1986, she joined a local Friends of Rowcroft group and in 2008, took on the role of Chair – a position she’s held for over 15 years. Under her leadership, the group has held numerous fundraising events and activities, raising over £970,000 and counting. In addition, Pat participates in a variety of other hospice-related activities, including as a collection tin volunteer and a dedicated member of the Rowcroft Choir.

“Pat is a wonderful volunteer who goes the extra mile to make a difference in people’s lives. Whether it’s by organising events, raising funds, or simply being a listening ear, she is always finding ways to make a positive impact.”

When it came to Norman, better known as Norms, he was described as: “An international advocate making a major impact around the world. The Purple Angel program has ambassadors worldwide advocating to improve dementia care.
Norms has started an amazing MP3 program that offers calmness to many, reducing anxiety, and bringing joy and hope back to individuals living with dementia, as well as their families and the professionals who care for them.

“He started the World Rocks Against Dementia WRAD – a musical program that has also gone international raising awareness and funds to improve dementia care. Norms has helped expand the Memory Cafes as well.

“He has inspired so many people globally to step up and step in to make a difference. His ability to communicate the true needs of those living with dementia and their families hits home with professionals and families. He has authored books and created more collaborations than most on a shoestring budget. He is recognised around the world for the difference he has made.”

And finally, in the Lifetime Award category, Eileen was summed up thus: “Neighbourhood watch groups look out for their neighbours and help keep their communities safe. Eileen is the lead coordinator. Their Feel Safe Scheme has been fantastic in helping support vulnerable people in their community with their safety, from fitting new locks on doors to sensor lights on dark pathways to help people feel safe in their own homes.

“Eileen has worked tirelessly for Neighbourhood Watch for 20-plus years and is still active at the age of 92. Eileen is extremely dedicated and works very hard for communities across Torbay. Eileen is inspirational.”

But even in this category, there could only be one overall winner, which went to Normms Mcnamara, who was also voted the worthy winner of the Community’s Community Champion of the Year.

Special awards were also made to the Torbay Food Alliance, the Vaccination Centre marshalls and the Torbay Community Helpline for their work during COVID.