Pride of Shropshire awards
Teina McGarry had zero self-confidence when she went for a job interview as a volunteer worker with family support service Home-Start.
Teina McGarry had zero self-confidence when she went for a job interview as a volunteer worker with family support service Home-Start.
Three years later the 44-year-old has won the Pride of Shropshire awards top title for her contribution to life in the county.
Teina was handed the crown at the gala dinner and awards ceremony last night. The event was attended by more than 160 guests.
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To learn about the nominees, click here
The event was compered by Radio Shropshire presenter Eric Smith at Shrewsbury Town's Prostar Stadium.
Teina's huge learning curve was recognised by the judges who chose her for the individual Learner Award. Based at Home-Start's Whitchurch office, she appeared to have no self-confidence when she went for her job interview three years ago, recalled her co-ordinator Delia Beckett.
But Teina has since gone on to support two families in difficulty as well as attending development programmes.
Delia said: "I have watched as Teina has increased in self-confidence and has made a difference to our organisation."
Teina's was one of nine category awards. This year's Courage Award went to Adam Edwards and Christopher Morris. The pair, from Windsor Road, Oswestry, led elderly residents to safety from their homes at Windridge Court, Llwyn Road, following a suspected arson attack.
This year's Volunteer Award went to Severn Hospice fundraisers Reginald Steventon and Nancy Wood. Reg turned 90 in March and Nancy celebrates her 80th birthday this year but they still travel the length and breadth of Shropshire and beyond, raising £30,000 during the past 20 years.
The pair from Bomere Heath run car boot sales while Nancy also helps at the hospice shop in Wem, said Betty Willis, of Heath Farm, Shrewsbury, who nominated them.
The Entrepreneur Award went to David Riley from Wellington who, after a distinguished career in the Shropshire fire service, launched family retail firm Heritage Pine. David has now launched another company, Rebound Sports.
The Carrot and Carp Project is winner of the Environmental Project Award. The site at St Martins, near Oswestry, is run as a fishing pool and allotments.
Val Davey dedicates much of her time to helping fellow residents in Lindale Court, Copthorne, Shrewsbury, making her a worthy winner of the 2009 Good Neighbour Award.
Sven Worrow won the Healthy Life Award for his involvement in the Changing Tracks alcohol project in Belmont, Shrewsbury, working with young people who are abusing alcohol, helping to raise their self-esteem.
Student Rachel Shaw, 16, from Oswestry, is a British Red Cross carer and a worthy winner of the Carer Award.
Lawley Green Space Group in Telford won the Community Group Award for their efforts in developing a two-acre plot for environmental and wildlife projects to create a better sense of community on their housing estate.
Shropshire Council leader Keith Barrow praised all the finalists. "The judges must have faced a tough challenge. You are all winners."
He praised the sponsors of the event, a joint venture between the Shropshire Star, Shropshire Partnership and Market Drayton dairy giant Muller. He also thanked local company Lightsource who choreographed last night's slick awards show.
By Neil Thomas
