Marlow's unsung heroes celebrated (From Bucks Free Press)

Marlow's unsung heroes celebrated

2:20pm Sunday 7th October 2012 in News By James Nadal

A RAFT of awards have been given out to some of Marlow's unheralded heroes.

The first ever Marlow FM Hidden Gems Community Awards took place in front of 200 guests at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Fieldhouse Lane.

Diners included Olympic medallist Greg Searle, who added to his recent success by scooping the Courage Award.

The other Marlow residents who won gongs were of the more unsung variety.

Teacher of the year was Kirsten Harjette, who works at Holy Trinity School.

She said: "What a huge honour it was to be nominated and then to go on and win this wonderful accolade."

Mrs Harjette said she was overwhelmed and thanked all who voted for her.

She said: "I'm lucky to have supportive and inspirational colleagues, friends, family, parents and children. The award sits in pride of place and will be treasured always." Other notable winners included Richard and Judi Mills for their charity work which has raised over £100,000 for meningitis research following the death of their son Harry, aged 11, in 2007.

Ali Leibowitz, who runs the Marlow Parents online forum, and Lorri Spragg, creator of the Build on Books charity, also were awarded for their work.

Much needed cash - £4,500 - was raised on the night for the fledgling radio station thanks to auction prizes, donated by Marlow businesses, including a signed Olympic Shirt, tickets to The Jonathan Ross Show, dinner for two at Artichoke Restaurant.

The event was planned and organised by a committee of radio station volunteers headed up by Marlow FM's fundraising and events director Jennie Carr. Co-organisers Suzanne James, Donna Thacker, Pat Reading, Alison Crook and Kathryn Payne were delighted with guests' positive reaction.

Managing Director Tim Ashburner thanked all of them and hailed the event, which took place on Saturday, September 29, a great success.

"Even the hardened onlooker couldn't fail to be moved by the recipients and their stories and more importantly they were all truly grateful that their own community held them in high regard," he said.

The FULL List of winners The Marlow FM 97.5 Hidden Gems Award Winners for 2012 are:

Garden of the Year

White Lodge Old People's Home

Nicki Bruce

Pub or Restaurant of the Year

The Royal Oak

Best Cup of Tea

Burgers Artisan Bakery

Amateur Arts Award of the Year

The Marlow Players

Young Persons' Club of the Year

Crypt CafŽ Youth Groups

All Saints and Marlow Methodist Churches

Sports Team of the Year Sponsored by Marlow Town Council

Great Marlow School Swans Rowing Club

Teacher of the Year

Mrs Kirsten Harjette

Holy Trinity C of E School Community Event of the Year

Children's 'Olympic' Torch Relay

Marlow Town Council - July 10th

Services to Charity Sponsored by Make-a-Donation

Richard & Judi Mills Harry Mills Meningitis Research Fund

Services to Community Sponsored by Marlow Town Council

Ali Leibowitz

Marlow Parents

Courage Award

Greg Searle

Outstanding Achievement Award

Lori Spragg

Build on Books Charity