Today, we reveal the name of the winner of the Ripon Community Diamond award.

Independent judges, the Mayor of Ripon Councillor Eamon Parkin and the Bishop of Ripon, the Rt. Revd. Dr Helen-Ann Hartley, had a socially-distanced meeting over the weekend to consider the nominations.

They decided the award would go to Suzanne Bowyer, who works at Community House in Allhallowgate, Ripon.

Since the first lockdown in March, Suzanne and a colleague have been focusing on the crucial role of keeping families and individuals fed.

Caroline Bentham, who nominated her, said:

“Suzanne and a colleague took over the food banks in March, when those who were running them had to give up and shield.

“They have had to deal with calls from the public who are trying to access the services that normally use Community House.

“Suzanne has helped mums at the end of their tether, who can’t get hold of a health visitor. She and her colleague do their work quietly, with no ‘look at me, aren’t we great attitude.”

Cllr Parkin told the Stray Ferret:

“It was heart-warming to read all the nominations and see the way in which people have gone the extra mile to help others in these difficult times.

“We read about the kindness shown to children, the elderly and disabled, hungry families and people just needing a helping hand.”

Dr Hartley added:

“It was a difficult task because of the very high standard of nominee that we had to select from.

“We congratulate all nominees and thank those who nominated them.”

Read more:

• The start of the search for Ripon’s Community Diamond
• Former Ripon Grammar School student is a natural for poetry

Throughout January, readers of the Stray Ferret were able to nominate a person who lives or works in the Ripon area, saying why they thought their nominee deserved the title of community diamond.

As well as the honour of being named as the city’s community diamond, Suzanne will receive a fabulous prize worth up to £1,000, donated by Red Buttons Jewellers and Hedley Hall.

Red Buttons, which shares The Vintage Room premises in Queen Street, Ripon, with Mr Hall and his antiques, collectables and vintage models business, will create, for the winner, a customised piece of jewellery, featuring the diamond in a gold or white gold setting.

The presentation to Suzanne will be arranged when The Vintage Room is back open after the current Covid lockdown is lifted.

The Mayor of Ripon Councillor Eamon Parkin and Bishop of Ripon the Rt Revd Dr Helen-Ann Hartley will shortly have the difficult task of selecting the city’s community diamond.

Nominations close at the end of January and the independent judges already have a very high calibre list of 17 nominees to choose from.

Over the next few days we will look at some of those who have been nominated by readers of the Stray Ferret for their outstanding service to the Ripon community.

Each of the nominees that we will feature is the potential winner of the Ripon Community Diamond Award and an incredible prize worth up to £1,000, donated by Red Buttons Jewellers and Hedley Hall.

Red Buttons, which shares The Vintage Room premises in Queen Street, Ripon, with Mr Hall and his antiques, collectables and vintage models business, will create, for the winner, a customised piece of jewellery, featuring the diamond in a gold or white gold setting.

Read more:

• Search for Ripon’s outstanding community diamond
• A shot in the arm for Ripon

Sally Alcock

Sally is a cook at Ripon Cathedral C of E Primary School and has been nominated by her sister Tracey Harrison, who said:

 

“She goes out of her way to help anybody. For the children at the school she makes Christmas decorations, cards and provides gift bags with sweets in so that nobody misses out.

“I am disabled and so are my parents and since the first lockdown in March she has done our shopping and never missed a week.”

Lou Grant

Lou is co-owner. with her husband Tim of Oliver’s Pantry in Fishergate.

Nominator Diane Adkin said:

 

“Lou helps the homeless and YMCA in Ripon and her joy and vitality has helped many people to have the strength to go on each day.”

Known for being ‘amazingly positive,’  Lou has raised spirits and enabled many people cope throughout the Covid pandemic and lockdowns with upbeat messages, help and practical advice shared on social media.

Jade Kelly

Jade works at the Navigation Inn in Canal Road and was nominated for answering a long-distance call for help

Kate Hopwood, who now lives in Australia, made the nomination and said:

“Jade saw a post I put on FaceBook after my 82-year-old mother was conned into buying £300 worth of fish from scammers.

“Jade immediately said she wanted to help to make her feel better, offering a donation from the pub. My mother is proud and didn’t want money, but loved the flowers Jade gave her.”

Annette Kite

Annette’s Ripon-based cleaning business has been affected by the pandemic, but that hasn’t stopped her from helping others

Anthony Holdsworth, who put her name forward for the award, said:

“During the first lockdown and for many weeks afterwards, Annette prepared, cooked and delivered hundreds of meals for elderly and those in need.

“She also sourced and managed food donations from local businesses to aid her support programme. All this was done at her own home, with no expectation of reimbursement for her time or utility costs.”

More of your nominations will be revealed over the coming days, so keep following the Stray Ferret to find out who else has been put forward for this amazing prize.