Why we got our Pride of Tendring awards (From Clacton and Frinton Gazette)

Why we got our Pride of Tendring awards

10:00am Wednesday 20th March 2013 in News

COMMUNITY champions have spoken of their ongoing work which led to them being presented Pride of Tendring awards.

For Adrian Killick volunteering at youth clubs was part of everyday life.

Despite owning his own business and while having his own family at home, he still found time to help others.

Over 47 years he cooked, ran a football team, did charity events, and drove the minibus.

"I just enjoyed it though," he said.

"The young people are lovely once you get to know them."

Adrian, of Rush Green Road in Clacton, worked at Stourvale Youth Club in Manningtree, after having attended the club himself as a teenager, and then Simply the Best at Walton Community Centre which works with disabled youngsters.

In February Adrian, aged 68, was presented with his Pride of Tendring award at Clacton's Town Hall, and just weeks later was presented with his MBE at Buckingham Palace as part of the New Year's Honours List.

Gary Smith, headteacher of Market Fields School in Elmstead Market was also given a Pride of Tendring Award. 

Every day Mr Smith greets the children at his school at the gate.

And that is just part of what he does to make his special school extra special for the children that go there.
 

But despite others thinking he deserves recognition for his work, he says it is all in a days work.
 

“I was humbled by it all,” he said.
 

“You just do what you do.

“The children are so genuine, they have a real love of learning and are so responsive.

"Every day I am filled with joy at what I do."
 

Mr Smith's good work has also seen the number of children at the school increase.

During his time at the school pupil enrolment has gone from 69 to 185.