UNSUNG HERO AWARD: JILL ALDRIDGE

JILL Aldridge has been dedicated to her sport for decades and decades, so it was only fitting that when she received the Unsung Hero Award, the stalwart was pleased for her sport as much as herself.

Aldridge’s contribution to her sport has been immense. She has run Croft Netball Club for more than 40 years and spends plenty of her midweek nights running the senior and junior sections, while she often turns out at Dorcan at weekend, to support, coach or umpire.

An inspirational figure who goes about her business quietly and effeciently but with plenty of enthusiasm, Aldridge has spurred on numerous youngsters within the club.

Many of those players have gone on to play for Wiltshire, clubs outside the county and at national league level.

Netball has been on the up recently with the sport boosted by the news that England whitewashed world number one outfit Australia 3-0, handing them a first-ever series win against the side from Down Under.

And seeing the sport receive attention off the back of that, Aldridge was also pleased to see netball get publicity at local level.

“I’m really happy to win the award and it’s nice to have the recognition really,” she said.

“That’s not just for me but for netball, because we’re a sport that doesn’t get a lot of publicity, although of course England beat Australia three times recently with a local girl (ex-Lawn player Anna Mayes) as head coach, which was really good.”

With an interest in netball that has run through most of her lifetime, Aldridge has had plenty of reasons to stay involved.

She said: “There’s lots of girls that come along and you meet loads of people. I’ve got lots and lots of friends in netball and that’s really nice.

“Everybody needs something to do, don’t they?

“I don’t work any more because I’m too old and it just gives me something to think about, otherwise what would I do.

“Netball has kept me fit, young at heart, young in mind - I think I’m the same age as all the girls that are here at the awards - and I’ve met loads of people which has been really good.

“I keep saying I’m not going to carry on but it’s one of those things, especially when you organise alot of things, it’s difficult to get out of.

“It has become a big part of my life and I feel for my long-suffering husband, because I’m out a lot with netball.”