12:30pm Friday 19th March 2010
By Passing Shots
WITH the council’s two big cheeses sat in the front row at the Wyvern Theatre, I would have never lived it down had I fallen flat on my face in front of leader Rod Bluh and chief executive Gavin Jones.
After my pantomime comments last week about the council and wi-fi (I hear Monday’s scrutiny committee were not amused about my ramblings for not taking wi-fi seriously – oh yes I am!), I am sure the sight of a prostrate editor would have earned a standing ovation.
As it was, I had just presented a trophy at the council’s Excellence Awards, was walking off when I totally misjudged the rim of the stage.
I found a foothold on an adjacent disabled platform, but no-one, it seems, noticed the slip as I got to my seat without breaking stride.
This was the third year I have attended the council’s excellence awards; the last two years they have been held at Steam, and this time they had been postponed following January’s big freeze.
Rod and Gavin both commented how we don’t often celebrate and sing the praises of our staff.
At the heart of any organisation is its people, who deserve to be recognised, praised and rewarded.
An organisation is only as good as the quality of its staff.
On Monday afternoon it was the likes of the Arts Centre, Steam and organisers of the Radio 1 Big Weekend who took many of the awards.
But there were some great individual stories too, such as Ray Kyson, who is Mr Fix-It at Lainesmead Primary School and who won school volunteer of the year.
The guy is incredible; highly motivated and committed to a school where staff recognise that Ray is one of their most valuable team members.
Almost 24 hours later, I was at the Blunsdon House Hotel to celebrate the Prospect Hospice awards.
Here, for two hours, we honoured the staff and volunteers who make the Wroughton-based hospice a special place to stay.
Whenever I have visited the hospice, I have always been touched by the warmth and friendliness of the place.
It is a very positive experience, and those were emotions I felt on Tuesday evening.
The BBC’s Sandy Martin invited to winners to make a speech, but without exception every one of those who received an award offered the briefest of words.
They were reticent and shy, they do their jobs not to seek reward, but because they love doing and helping others. It was such a humbling experience.
Chief executive Vicki Morrey will be leaving Prospect later this month. She is an inspirational character and a lot of credit for the success of the hospice lies at her feet.
Vicki is a lady of vision and purpose who has delivered what she promises.
Two very different awards ceremonies, two different organisations, but one common factor – they value their employees.
© Copyright 2001-2012 Newsquest Media Group
http://www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/trade_directory/