ADAS announce Citizen of the Year

There was a packed Scout & Guide Hall for last night's ADAS (Audlem District Amenities Society) annual general meeting.

It was an emotional moment as Ralph Warburton announced the winner of the ADAS Citizen of the Year award and presented the Reg Burough trophy to a clearly surprised and shocked Janice Spibey.

Ralph described how Janice has raised huge amounts for St Luke's Hospice over recent years, participating in the Midnight Walk for many years and raising over £11,000 in donations and sponsorship.

He related how the trophy was in memory of Reg Burough who had worked for many years on Audlem Cemetery with Ralph and was introduced last year with Audlem lengthsman Gavin Davies the first winner.

David Latchford presented the two highly coveted 'Best Kept' awards, explaining that these were not 'Garden' awards but described a whole property and how it sits in its environment.

The winner for the private property was Ann Pearce, who explained that much of the credit must go to her gardener who provides so much help.

The 'Commercial' award, which has been won by a very wide range of public and commercial spaces over the years including the cemetery and the Public Hall, was given to Ian Haughey of Hoc's Fat Pigeon in Cheshire Street.

The election of ADAS officers saw Mike Haines become secretary while Julie Hesketh was a popular choice for chairman with Ralph Warburton, who has chaired ADAS for many years, becoming Vice Chairman and strongly endorsing the election of a younger chair for the organisation.

Ralph gave his annual report on ADAS' achievements which we plan to bring to you in more detail shortly. Notable was the additional income generated from village businesses and residents to make up for the Cheshire East council contribution for Britain in Bloom being reduced to zero this year.

An addition to the Audlem calendar had been the Big Switch On with the village tree being illuminated and the shops open for the evening and over forty five other illuminated trees creating a wonderful festive atmosphere.  

The meeting finished with a convivial gathering over wine and refreshments and a chance to talk about another, the 42nd, successful year for ADAS.

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