Award winners go ‘the extra mile’
10:51am Wednesday 14th May 2008
THE inaugural Mike Oborski No Barriers awards celebrated individuals, businesses and other organisations that have gone "the extra mile" for people with disabilities.
The awards, presented last Friday, were set up in memory of long-standing Wyre Forest district and Worcestershire county councillor, Mike Oborski, who died last year but had initiated the project, based on a similar scheme in Poland.
Conservative councillor, John Campion, leader of the district council, said: "This evening has laid the foundations for what we want to do in the future - and will continue to honour a great man."
Representatives from several community organisations were part of the judging panel.
The evening also featured a welcome by district council's chief executive, Walter Delin and a personal perspective from Liberal district and county councillor, Fran Oborski, who said her late husband would have been proud of the ceremony.
She added: "I am convinced he is looking down and smiling like mad."
Award winner, Roy Hedley, chairman of the Wyre Forest Talking Newspaper, said: "We are very honoured to receive the award and flattered to be in the company of so many people that do good work."
Award winners were: Phil Bowden, The Wash House, for providing employment opportunities to young people with a range of learning disabilities and behavioural difficulties. Tesco Petrol Station, Corporation Street, Kidderminster, for helpful and attended service for customers with disabilities and the installation of a service call system.
Fred Ballard, Shirley Gledhill and Jean Larkham, of Kidderminster Disabled Club, for providing weekly activities, holidays and support to older people with disabilities on a completely voluntary basis. John and Carole Bates for their commitment to elderly people with disabilities and for providing transport, support and activities on a completely voluntary basis.
Wyre Forest Talking Newspaper for providing a free and invaluable service to blind and visually impaired people on a completely voluntary basis. Eileen Foxhall for tirelessly working to improve facilities for people with disabilities in the Wyre Forest district for more than 20 years.
The Granary for providing step-free access to the entire venue and excellent disabled facilities. Jubilee Swimming Club for providing free exclusive swimming for people with disabilities on a voluntary basis.
Vale Vets in Kidderminster for providing fully accessible facilities and helpful service to customers with disabilities. Janet Ince for going out of her way to help people with disabilities by providing transport and other support.