The dedication and service of Nottinghamshire’s Armed Forces community were celebrated at the third Boots and Beret Awards, held in September in Nottingham. More than 260 guests, including Armed Forces champions and dignitaries, attended the event organised by Nottinghamshire County Council.
Sponsored by ARC Partnership, SCAPE and Via East Midlands, the ceremony presented eight awards:
• Inspiration Award (sponsored by Experian): Rick Harrington, Forces in the Community
• Reservist Award (sponsored by Heckler and Koch): Lt Colonel Anita Jackson, Army Reserves
• Health and Wellbeing Award (sponsored by Ideagen): Amanda Morledge, Armed Forces Clinical Champion, Nottinghamshire Veteran Covenant Healthcare Alliance
• Cadet Forces Adult Volunteer Award (sponsored by Business Support Service, NCC): Squadron Leader Rachel Needham, Trent Wing Air Cadets
• Employer Award (sponsored by Anderson Green): West Nottinghamshire College
• Employee Award (sponsored by Gleeds): Krystyna Robinson, B49 Ward Receptionist and Armed Forces Champion, NUH NHS Trust
• Projects and Events Award (sponsored by Pick Everard): Andrew Glassborow, Worksop Royal British Legion
• Community Award (sponsored by Motorfinity): Neil Fowkes, Forces in the Community
A special award was also presented to former Honorary Colonel Nicky Weston DL of the Nottinghamshire Army Cadet Force for her tireless dedication to young people in the cadets. The evening featured a performance by the Nottingham Military Wives Choir, with guest of honour Brigadier Adam Fraser-Hitchen ADC DL.
Councillor Kelvin Wright, the County Council’s Armed Forces Champion, hailed the event as a great success.
“It was a privilege to attend the Boots and Beret Awards, and it was lovely to see so many people come together to support the tireless efforts of both those who have served and continue to serve the Armed Forces,” he said. “Even those who did not win an award are all winners in the eyes of the military community, and I would like to thank them for their ongoing support.”
Worksop Royal British Legion Volunteer Group, winner of the Projects and Events Award, was recognised for its exceptional community engagement. The group organises events to unite veterans, serving personnel and local residents, including the popular Armed Forces Weekend at Worksop Rugby Club.
Andrew Glassborow said: “We love organising it, and Worksop has strong military connections. It’s grown bigger and better every year, and this award recognises all the hard work we do.”