The Bedford Independent Everyday Heroes Awards 2021, in partnership with the Harpur Trust, are now open for nominations so you can join us and celebrate those who make Bedford brilliant.
“We’re very excited that nominations are now open for our Everyday Heroes Awards,” said co-managing editor at the Bedford Independent, Paul Hutchinson.
“Thanks to the passion, creativity, and charity of its people, Bedford is a fantastic town and it’s only right that we take time to recognise those heroes on our doorstep.”
You can make your nominations at the easy-to-fill-in form below between now and 4 March 2022.
Finalists and their nominators will be invited to an awards ceremony hosted by Bedford School at the Quarry Theatre at St. Luke’s on 28 April 2022, COVID restrictions permitting.
Categories offer a chance for a wide range of people to be recognised, celebrating everyone from a young achiever to a fundraiser from those who raise the profile of the town to an unsung hero.
With COVID still adding pressure to everyday life and those in need, for the second year running, we’ll have two categories that recognise those who have gone above and beyond during this difficult time.
“Many of the people recognised in last year’s awards felt they were ‘just doing what anyone would do’ but that’s not the case, and it’s why they need to be recognised,” added Paul.
“We have got a lot to thank these everyday heroes living next door, up the road, or in a village nearby for and these awards give us a chance to do that in some way.”
This will be the second everyday heroes award and will cover the period between 01 January and 31 December 2021.
To nominate a brilliant Bedfordian, fill in the form below telling us which category you think they deserve to win and why.
Details of the categories are below, but if you have any questions, please contact admin@bedfordindependent.co.uk.
Access the form here, or a downloadable form is available upon request here.
Categories
The Bedford Independent Everyday Heroes Awards 2021 will focus on individuals and teams, with separate awards for businesses and registered charities coming later in the year.
Special thanks to all our category sponsors who make these awards possible. If you’d like to support any of the remaining categories, please contact Julia@BedfordIndependent.co.uk.
Volunteer of the Year sponsored by The Harpur Trust
Do you know someone who tirelessly volunteers for a charity or good cause within Bedford Borough? Whatever they do, we want to hear about how they’ve helped make Bedford a better place in their free time.
Excellence in Education sponsored by Bedford School
An award that recognises excellence from an induvial in teaching, coaching or other educational disciplines. We’re looking for someone who has gone above and beyond in helping a young person or class to recognise their potential and shine.
Raising the Profile of the Town (Individual) sponsored by The Quarry at St. Lukes
Do you know someone who has achieved something that has put Bedford Borough on the map? If so, this award is for them. As an individual, they may have organised an event, campaigned to make our town better, or shouted loud about the positives of Bedford on social media. Whatever it is, tell us how they’ve helped shine a light on our borough.
Young Achiever (Individual) sponsored by Bedford Heights
This award honours an individual aged 21 or under who has achieved over and above the expected. We’re looking for young people showing sporting, community or charitable excellence and the positive impact it has on Bedford Borough.
Raising the Profile of the Town (Team) sponsored by Bedford Radio
If you know of a group of people or an organisation that helps Bedford punch above its weight then this is the award you need to nominate them for.
We’re looking for teams* who have organised events, promoted Bedford as a great place to come or consistently delivered great things to see and do for local people. If they help make Bedford a great place to live then we want to celebrate what they do.
*Two or more people
Fundraiser of the Year (Individual) sponsored by White Hart Press
We’re looking for someone who has worked hard to raise awareness and cash for their chosen charity.
Whatever they’ve raised funds for, and no matter how much, we want to hear the creative ways they gained support and why it was important to them to support their cause. Individuals will be judged on passion, creativity and commitment to their cause.
Fundraiser of the Year (Team) sponsored by Polam School
We’re looking for a team* who has worked hard to raise awareness and cash for their chosen charity. Whatever they’ve raised funds for, and no matter how much, we want to hear the creative ways they gained support and why it was important to them to support their cause.
Individuals will be judged on passion, creativity and commitment to their cause.
*Two or more people
Unsung Hero sponsored by Brewpoint
This could be to recognise someone who looks out for their neighbours, gives back to their community or has recently shown an act of bravery. This is our broadest category, and we want to hear inspirational stories about great Bedfordians.
So, if you know someone who has done something outstanding to help others, that doesn’t fit into any of our other categories, then this is the award for them.
Covid Hero – Individual sponsored by Explore Bedford
This award honours an individual who has gone above and beyond in any capacity during the pandemic
Covid Hero – Team
This award honours a business/organisation that has gone above and beyond in any capacity during the pandemic.
Any category without a sponsor next to its title is available for any local business to get behind and show they appreciate Bedford’s everyday heroes.
Nominations for the Bedford Independent Everyday Heroes Awards 2021, in partnership with the Harpur Trust, will open on 9 November.
Finalists and guests will be invited to an awards ceremony on 28 April 2022 at The Quarry Theatre at St. Luke’s hosted by Bedford School.
Due to COVID restrictions, a ceremony for 2020 winners was not possible but you can watch a belated reception for winners here.