The Countryside Alliance this week announced its five-strong shortlist of Rural Heroes of 2009. Two Hampshire men – one from Emsworth and one from Kings Worthy - will go head to head with other shortlisted heroes from West Sussex, Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire.
The Rural Hero category is part of the annual Countryside Alliance Awards which celebrate the skills, produce, traditions and enterprise of the countryside through the characters who work so hard to make it tick. Rural Heroes are nominated by public vote having done something inspirational for rural life. The winner will be announced at a Parliamentary reception on 3 February 2010. This year’s shortlist is:
John Trapmore, Emsworth, Hampshire – Jill says: “John volunteered his Transit van and his driving services to breast cancer fly fishing charity Casting for Recovery and is now an indispensable member of the team. He lives on the Hampshire coast and yet happily moves CfR's marquees, tackle, clothing etc from the store in Northamptonshire to wherever they are needed. It's not just the incredible mileage he drives for nothing more than expenses, it's the commitment he shows to the charity and its aims. John is always smiling, helpful, courteous and never, ever complains no matter how fraught or tired he must get. John's love of fishing extends to helping organize a junior boat fishing competition at Langstone every year.”
Eric Norgbey, Kings Worthy, Hampshire - Jill says: “Eric and his wife have, through their pharmacy, brought a breath of fresh air to the community and this has inspired many of the residents. He takes good care of the old folk and goes out of his way to help. Eric deserves to be recognised and all residents in Kings Worthy are behind his bid. He is proof that being kind and considerate is noticed and appreciated, and that nice guys don’t have to finish last.”
Others on the shortlist are:
Tim Rollings, Wisborough Green, West Sussex. Tim runs Fishers Farm Park, an educational farm for youngsters to teach the next generation about the countryside. Tim also employs local young people in an inspiring youth development programme and has been likened to a rural Simon Cowell: firm, fair and misses nothing!
Mick Leivers, Newstead Village, Nottinghamshire. Mick delivers alternative education and training to young people who are struggling with mainstream education. Mick also runs voluntary groups and has been the lead person responsible for recently securing 220 acres of former pit tips to develop into a community run Country Park.
Canon Rev Alan Robson, Market Rasen, Lincolnshire. Alan has been Lincolnshire’s Agricultural Chaplain for the past 10 years and set up the Lincolnshire Farmer Support Group to help isolated farmers. He has also set up the Epic Project. This is a Lincolnshire centre for environmental innovation to explore new technologies and responses to global warming.
Prospective Winchester MP Steve Brine commented; “I have been aware of this competition, formerly known as the Best Rural Retailer, for many years and always supported it because local shops and businesses deserve the praise they bring.
"Kings Worthy Councillor, Stan Howell, and I immediately thought of Eric Norgbey when nominations opened and it would seem local people have voted with their feet to recognise the excellent service he gives to residents – always with a beaming smile that brightens up the most miserable of customers! Fingers crossed for Eric on 3 February.”
Pictured above; Steve with Eric at the Kings Worthy Fete in May 2009.