The Pride of Reading Awards returned in style to celebrate its 20th anniversary edition as the community came together to recognise some extraordinary individuals.
A welcome from the cast of Matilda, Berserk Productions with ‘Now That’s What I Call Reading’ was followed by an exceptional three course lunch delivered by chef Simon Shares and the team at Reading FC Conference Events.
Following a welcome to the event from co-founder Andy Murrill and a celebration of all the sponsors from Andy Briggs, Destination Director, The Oracle, it was time to hand out the awards.
The awards came thick and fast with 23 award winners recognised for their exceptional work among a host of fantastic nominees.
List of winners
Special Recognition – Sponsored by Vale & West – Jelly
Welcome All Award – Sponsored by Deloitte – Reading Refugee Support
Volunteer of the Year – Sponsored by AB Walker – Chance to Dance
School of the Year – Sponsored by Qwerty – King’s Academy
Young person of the year – Sponsored by The Abbey – Dora Abbi
Cultural Contribution – Dave Haul & Shane Daunt, Heavy Pop promotions
Employee of the Year – Sponsored by Reading Buses – Michael McGarry, Ebb & Flow
Business in Action – Sponsored by Boyes Turner – Hickies
The Green Community Award – Sponsored by Tomato Energy – Freely Fruity
Entrepreneur of the Year – Sponsored by Rabbits Vehicle Hire – Damian & Martina Jones of Pop Classics
The Inspiration Award – Sinead Gibson
Young Person of the Year – Sponsored by Qwerty Limited- King’s Academy Prospect
Business in Action (over 50s employees) – Sponsored by Boyes Turner – Francis Construction
Putting Reading on the Map Award – Sponsored by Jacobs the Jewellers and the Purple Turtle – Thames Lido
The Fundraiser of the Year Award – Sponsored by Cherubs Floral Design – Debor Baldree of Reading Kindness Rocks and Georges Lalahy from CISCO
Local Hero Award – Sponsored by Green Park – Donna Ferjani & Fiona Hale
Community Champion – Sponsored by Reading Football Club – Mary Dodds
Community Event of the Year – Sponsored by Kingdom Rooms – Reading Pride
Charity of the Year – Sponsored by Roc Search – Babies in Buscot Support (BIBS)
Business in Action (under 50s) – Sponsored by Boyes Turner – Hickies Music
Community of the Year Award – sponsored by Hilton Reading – Burghfield Santas
Hospitality Award – Sponsored by Cream Design – The Kitchen at Reading College
The Independent Retailer of the Year – Sponsored by Reading Today – Eclectic Games
The Chris Tarrant Award – Sponsored by The Oracle – The Stephens Family
