Divisional all stars take a bow...at glittering awards night

It was a night to remember for all of the outstanding nominees and for the eight national winners the evening just got better and better.

Winner of the Team Recruitment and Organising Award went to the Asda Northern Ireland reps who between them recruited 1,100 new members in a six week period last year.

The team travel hundreds of miles between stores and have spent a roller-coaster 12 months building the union in all 13 stores.

Charlie Curly and Catherine Bond accepted the award on behalf of their 11-strong team. “What a fantastic night,’ said Charlie, an Activist for 14 years. “We never expected to win and we were humbled by it. There was some very strong competition so to win the award was extra special, we’re overwhelmed.

“The night itself really makes you feel special. It’s professional, well-run, and very enjoyable, we’d love to be back next year.”

Winner of the Equalities Award was Southern division’s Su Patel who has taken the new equalities agenda and driven it forward.

She is the chair of the divisional forum and also sits on the national equalities advisory group.

“We have had a very busy time in our division,” said Su. “We have gone out of our way to survey all sections of the membership and ask them what they want us to do.

“We have also invited speakers on diversity issues and held courses to help reps understand the disability agenda.

“We also made sure the division was represented on the Pride marches.” The former Academy graduate works for Sainsbury’s and has been a rep for six years.

“The awards night was fabulous,” said Su. “The atmosphere in the room was very supportive. I met up with some old friends and met some new ones as well.

“The venue was great, it had easy access, and the accommodation was very good too.”

Winner of the Individual Organising Award was Midland’s Division’s Mark Halfpenny who looks after more than 1,200 members at his Corby Industrial branch.

This was Mark’s second visit to the awards night, he narrowly missed out on the health and safety award last year. “It was even better this year for me,” said Mark.

“And not just because I won a national award! I could see the improvements that had been made since last year. The platform and room looked better, the timetable was tighter and everything seemed to run smoothly. The guests were well-looked after too.”

Mark’s 1,200 strong branch includes Avon Cosmetics, CTO Holdings and his own workplace RS Components, where he has been a member since 1986 and has been the convenor there for 7 years. “I certainly didn’t expect to win, I was more than happy with the divisional award.

“I was interviewed on camera after the ceremony had finished so it was a packed evening for me. It was an excellent night.”

Winner of the Individual Recruitment Award was Eastern division’s Tracey Low who nearly did not make it to the awards night because she had been seriously ill and was still recovering.

“I decided to drive up to Manchester from Ipswich and after an hour or so I thought ‘I’m not going to make it’. Luckily I persevered and ended up having a great night.”

Tracey’s phenomenal recruitment record saw her sign up more than 1,500 members last year. She also recruited more than 30 reps. “I must have the gift of the gab!” said the former academy graduate. “I find listening and talking to people very easy and I can be very persuasive.

“I was delighted to win the award and I was very impressed with the evening. To me it showed the union cared about its activists and recognised and rewarded their hard work. I was impressed with all the nominees and it shows how strong Usdaw is across the country.

“There was a real feeling of togetherness and comradeship on the night. I was thrilled to bits I won.”

Southern Division’s Hollie Weeks was the winner of the Most Promising New Activist Award.

The 21 year-old Sainsbury’s worker has been a Rep and Health and Safety Activist for two years and is set to spend some time as a stand down rep next month.

“I was very surprised to win and have to thank my Area Organiser Chris Skilton for all his support.

“I had a brilliant night. It was good to meet the union’s top officials and put faces to names. It was also very good to receive a personal thank you from John and Paddy.

“We danced the night away into the early hours. Everyone was friendly and it’s nights like these that make it all worthwhile.”

The struggle to win recognition at high street giant Marks and Spencer saw the North West M&S reps win the campaigns award.

Patricia page and Lyndsay Bletcher accepted the trophy on behalf of their colleagues.

“This is for our members and our network of activists in stores who help us recruit,” said Patricia. “It’s not been easy and it can be very frustrating, but we’re not going to walk away or take the easy way out.

“This award has really re-energised us and it’s great to be appreciated. We had a fantastic night.”

Colleague Lyndsay agreed. “We are in a difficult situation and it was clear the other reps realised this, they were all very supportive.

“We have to say a big thank you to Area Organiser Sean Bell, Divisional Officer Mike Aylward, National Officer John Gorle and General Secretary John Hannett for all their support.

“We’ve more action days planned so we’re not standing still.

“The night was a lovely social occasion with a great spirit about the place.”

Unfortunately two of the national winners could not make it to the ceremony. Winner of the Health and Safety Award Keith Jackson and Winner of the Union Learning Rep Award Fatema Lightwala will be presented with their award in their North West and Midlands Divisions respectively.

“On behalf of the executive council – congratulations to all of our nominees – and we look forward to receiving such a strong list for next year’s awards,” said John Hannett.

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