Friends committee member receives national award

Founder member Mike Hughes received the 'River Champions UK Award (Urban River Restoration)' on 9th September 2020.

Under normal circumstances the UK River Prize Awards Ceremony at Nottingham's River Restoration Centre would have included a celebratory meal as well as the presentations, and attended by over 300 delegates. This year the conference and ceremony took place via Zoom, whereby delegates were able to see 'a video of my exploits' as Mike put it!

The award was in recognition of Mike's work, over the last seven years, in monitoring, helping develop and improve watercourses and drainage systems. Mike has imparted his extensive knowledge to children and adults alike, teaching them about the importance of clean watercourses to the environment in the Telford area. Working with the Environment Agency, Shropshire Wildlife Trust, ARC, Telford and Wrekin Council, Wellington and Hadley Town Councils, local primary and senior schools (particularly Dothill Primary School and The Charlton School) and Dothill and Apley Woods Local Nature Reserves and other TGSP affiliated groups, Mike regards this as an award to all these organisations, not just to him personally.

'Thanks to all those who said such lovely things about me and the work I have done with their various organisations, including the FDLNR, over the last seven, nearly eight years now. I was very touched. Thank you very much, I regard this as an award for all of us.'

Many congratulations, Mike, from all the Friends, it's well-deserved.

For an update on this award, please go to: River Champion award update

Another committee member receives award

Founder member Keith Jones has received the 'Mayor & Leader Recognition Award', for his leadership and inspiration.

The Telford and Wrekin Heroes awards (part of the Community Pride initiative) celebrate the borough’s wonderful people and the fantastic work they do in their local communities. There is no awards evening this year but the Council hope to hold a thank-you event at some point.

Keith is a tireless volunteer, dedicated and passionate about Dothill Local Nature Reserve. He carries out many behind-the-scenes tasks, putting in several extra hours, as well as leading the working parties on Tuesdays. On receiving the award, Keith said he was very pleased; "For my contribution to be recognised is very much appreciated.”

It's well-deserved, Keith. Thank you for all your inspiration, commitment and hard work for the Friends, the Reserve and the community.

Another award for the Reserve

Hot on the heels of Keith Jones receiving his award, we have been blessed with another! We have received the 'Mayor & Leader Recognition Award' in the category of Volunteer Group.

The Telford and Wrekin Heroes awards (part of the Community Pride initiative) celebrate the borough’s wonderful people and the fantastic work they do in their local communities. For obvious reasons, there has been no awards ceremony this year but the Council hope to hold a thank-you event at some point.

This award recognises the contribution of our very loyal and dedicated Friends group in maintaining and conserving the nature reserve, and we are very pleased to receive it.

Congratulations from our Chairman Jerry Williams, and thanks to all for your support, enthusiasm, encouragement and hard work.  

Latest comments

29.10 | 09:14

Wellington UDC Sewage Works were just beyond the end of the blocks going north.
https://maps.nls.uk/geo/explore/side-by-side/#zoom=17.3&lat=52.71466&lon=-2.53383&layers=193&right=BingHyb