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People Awards draw range of nominees
From the Salisbury Journal, first published Wednesday 8th Sep 2004.
WITH less than six weeks to go until the Journal People Awards, the nominations are flooding in.
From sports stars to medical professionals, charity workers to lifesavers and business leaders to those who help sick or elderly neighbours, the range of nominees is impressive.
The awards are divided into several categories and the winners will be announced at a ceremony at Salisbury Playhouse on Sunday, October 17.
Run in conjunction with Spire FM and supported by Salisbury Playhouse, the awards will recognise the unsung heroes of Salisbury and the New Forest.
Our nominees are of all ages and come from all walks of life but they all show dedication, courage and the will to help others. It is not too late to put forward other contenders - simply fill in the form below and send it to us.
Wassail organiser puts in the hours to raise charity funds
THE Wassail Party is one of the most popular events in Salisbury's social calendar.
Since it began in 1980, the annual party has raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for local and national charities.
Making sure the parties go with a swing are John Powell and members of the St John Singers.
The hours of hard work that go into organising the event inspired a Journal reader to nominate Mr Powell for a People Award.
The Wassail party, which takes place the week before Christmas, started in the Guildhall but was so popular it moved to the City Hall, to accommodate up to 500 guests.
Charities that have benefited include Hope and Homes for Children, the Salisbury branch of the Alzheimer's Society, Salisbury Hospice and the Samaritans.
"It's wonderful how the parties have grown, and we never have any problem selling tickets," said Mr Powell.
There will be a break after this year's 25th Wassail party, although Mr Powell still wants to continue fundraising.
"We always have lots of applications from charities and I'm delighted we have been able to help so many," he said.
"I hope we'll continue supporting charities in the future."
Jack helps disabled enjoy freedom of the skies
OVER the past 10 years, more than 130 severely disabled people have enjoyed the freedom of flying, thanks to Jack Simpson and his dedicated team.
Mr Simpson is the general manager of the Aviation for Paraplegics and Tetraplegics Trust, based at Old Sarum airfield, and his commitment to the charity has earned him a People Award nomination.
The trust offers wheelchair-users the chance to enjoy the experience of flying with one-off trips, and the opportunity to gain a private pilot's licence.
"The reaction we get from members is amazing," said Mr Simpson.
"They absolutely love it and their families think it's wonderful, too."
Qualified pilots supervise the flying lessons but Mr Simpson keeps his feet on the ground, running the office, taking care of the club's two microlights and looking after members' families and carers while they take to the skies.
He also promotes the club to ensure more disabled people have the opportunity to fly.
"We have close links with the spinal unit at Salisbury District Hospital," he said.
"Everyone who comes here is so positive and has such a great time.
"Seeing their enjoyment is the reason I do it."
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