Unsung heroes of Andover recognised at awards ceremony
The Pride of Andover awards took place at The Lights theatre
Last updated 27th Oct 2021
The community spirit of Andover has been celebrated at a special night of awards.
There was special atmosphere at this year's Pride of Andover as around 200 guests attended the celebration at the Lights theatre.
Like so many events last year's wards were postponed due to the pandemic and many of this year's recipients were honoured for their efforts to help people during the various lockdowns.
A full list of winners is here:
Fundraiser Award: Kevin Rush
Community Champion: Andover Isolation Team - Vicky Harber, Tori Rist, Nicky Chalk, Tamsin Dalley, Nicky Bates
Sports Award: Adam Phillips
Inspiring Others: Dani Lou Kiely
Young Person: Dmitrijs Meiksans
Services Award: Chrissi Kelly
Arts Award: Louise Vincent
Heart Of Gold: Kelly Hull
Sue Sheppard Bravery Award: Paul Williams
Mayor of Test Valley Award: Tania Hall Andover Clothing Exchange
Spirit of Andover (winner of Winners Award): Kevin Rush
Organiser Karen Hamilton said afterwards:
"I feel proud to be part of Andover and tonight for me was just perfection. Andover is like a secret society, we get a lot of negative press saying there's not a lot going on but underlying there's a huge 'empire' of volunteers, connection and support."
Kelly Hull won the Heart of Gold award for putting others before herself, despite working full time and having four children to care for, but she says it comes naturally to her:
"I was always brought up with the kind of thought that you helped you helped your neighbours you helped your friends you help people around you to make it a better place so for me it's never been any different."
Kelly's spirit was on show in abundance as winner after winner told their stories of selfless community support.