An evening to celebrate our special people
After months of build up and a tough judging process, South Tyneside’s stars were finally honoured at the eighth annual Pride of South Tyneside Awards, which took place at The Customs House on 22 July 2010.
The event was organised by South Tyneside Council, The Customs House and The Shields Gazette and recognises the simple acts of kindness and things that people do every day that contribute to the strong community spirit, which makes South Tyneside a special place.
There were 10 categories with 11 winners walking away with a pride award. For their hard work in helping to put South Tyneside on the map, the joint winners of the judges’ special award were X Factor 2009 winner, Joe McElderry and England fly half, Katy McLean.
Unfortunately, Joe could not be at the event as he is currently cutting his debut album, while Katy is training for the Women's Rugby World Cup. Joe was represented by his dad, Jim while Katy was represented by her sister, Gemma.
Soloist, Jade Thirwall picked up the coveted young performer(s) of the year (under 21s) award, but along with Joe and Katy, could not attend the evening due to an unavoidable commitment. Her nominator, John Staw, represented her at the awards.
Crime fighter, Lynn Eagleton was awarded the winner of the safer neighbourhoods category. Although unable to collect the award in person, she was represented by her sister Joanne Eagleton on the night.
Laura Parkes, prize draw winner with Geoff Ford, Ford Component Manfacturing Ltd and Ford Aerospace Ltd
Role model of the year finalist, Laura Parkes scooped £100 from the finalists’ prize draw. The prize was courtesy of Ford Component Manufacturing Ltd and Ford Aerospace Ltd who sponsored the evening’s prizes.
Our finalists were not the only stars of the show. The awards also saw celebrity presenters gracing the stage to announce category winners. Metro FM’s Anna Foster, actor, Dale Meeks, David Miliband MP and Angony Aunt, Denise Robertson also sent recorded messages of congratulation to all the finalists, which added to the excitement.
The winners of this year's awards
The night also showcased South Tyneside’s performing talent with Starset Theatre opening the show with Don’t Stop Believin'. This was followed by show stopping acts by the three young performers of the year finalists who continued to wow the audience with a repeat of their performances from April’s young performer(s) of the year (under 21s) talent show. Jade’s two performances of the evening were not hampered by her absence as pre-recordings were broadcast on the big screen. 2009’s young performer winner, Emilie Fleming starred in the finale with her performance of Don't Rain On My Parade.
Once again, our thanks extend to everyone involved in this year’s awards, especially our family of sponsors who made the whole event possible.
Experience the Pride of South Tyneside Awards 2010 on DVD
To experience the excitement of the event or enjoy the occasion over again, a DVD of the night can be pre-ordered (release date August 2010) through The Customs House box office by calling 0191 454 1234 for only £13.
