SOME of the best organisations and people of Basingstoke were celebrated at the Place to be Proud of Awards at Haymarket on Thursday evening.

The Camrose Centre, Basingstoke Foodbank, Basingstoke Academy of Dance and Absolutely Offices were among the charities and businesses that won awards at the colourful event organised by Destination Basingstoke.

There were also individual winners who have been recognised for their dedication to Basingstoke and beyond.

READ MORE: Place to be Proud of Awards postponed

The Camrose Centre for homeless and vulnerably housed people won the Community Project Award sponsored by Face TV.

Basingstoke Gazette:

While Basingstoke Foodbank won the Judges’ special award, Absolutely Offices won the Business and the Community Award sponsored by Farleigh Wallop Estate.

Basingstoke Academy of Dance won the Arts and Entertainment Award sponsored by the Basingstoke Community Radio.

Among individual winners were musician Anna Palmer who won the Young Role Model Award sponsored by Queen Mary’s College, and Margaret Macklin who won the Unsung Hero Award sponsored by Festival Place for being a volunteer food hub co-ordinator since 2020.

Faye Wheeler from The Blue Spot Campaign won the Health & Wellbeing Award sponsored by Lilly UK for her efforts in raising awareness about Mongolian Blue Spot.

Nsima Udoh won the Volunteer of the Year Award, sponsored by Beaufort Financial, for his selfless determination to help those affected by the war in Ukraine.

Charlotte Nightingale, who has devoted her time to caring for others, won the Good Neighbour of the Year Award sponsored by Manydown Basingstoke.

Effie Blankson won the Community Leader Award sponsored by Disastercare South Central. Effie is a businesswoman who has been an avid volunteer since her teenage years.

SEE ALSO: Best photos from Place to be Proud of Awards 2022

Luan Squire, who manages the Viables Community Centre, won the Above and Beyond Award sponsored by Castle Trust Bank. 

The awards, returning for the 18th year, were hosted by the past winner and local hero, Dave Holby-Wolinski together with Felicity Edwards from Destination Basingstoke.

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