Closing date fast approaching for People of the Year nominations

There are only a few days left to get your nominations in for the Ulster Star’s inaugural People of the Year Awards.
Aoife Loughran, operations manager at Lisburn Bowl, the new 10-pin bowling alley, with Rikki Thompson, advertising executive with the Ulster Star, and Alistair Bushe, regional editor, announcing Lisburn Bowl's sponsorship of the volunteer section of the Ulster Star's People of the Year Awards.  US1534-526cd  Picture: Cliff DonaldsonAoife Loughran, operations manager at Lisburn Bowl, the new 10-pin bowling alley, with Rikki Thompson, advertising executive with the Ulster Star, and Alistair Bushe, regional editor, announcing Lisburn Bowl's sponsorship of the volunteer section of the Ulster Star's People of the Year Awards.  US1534-526cd  Picture: Cliff Donaldson
Aoife Loughran, operations manager at Lisburn Bowl, the new 10-pin bowling alley, with Rikki Thompson, advertising executive with the Ulster Star, and Alistair Bushe, regional editor, announcing Lisburn Bowl's sponsorship of the volunteer section of the Ulster Star's People of the Year Awards. US1534-526cd Picture: Cliff Donaldson

Interest is high in the accolades that are aimed at recognising the contribution, commitment and achievements of a wide range of people in the Lisburn and Castlereagh area.

You can still make sure your person of the year is in with a chance of bagging an award.

To make a nomination, please use the entry form from page 26 or pick one up at the Star office, complete and return with your Entry Statement (no more than 2000 words) to [email protected] or [email protected]. You can also post four copies to Events Dept, Ulster Star People of the Year Awards, 2 Esky Drive, Carn, Portadown BT63 5YY.

Fred Scott, from Co-Operative Funeral Care, Dunmurry, with Rikki Thompson, advertising executive with the Ulster Star, and Karen Fitzmaurice, events manager, announcing Co-Operative Funeral Care's sponsorship of the Ulster Star's People of the Year Awards.  US1534-527cd  Picture: Cliff DonaldsonFred Scott, from Co-Operative Funeral Care, Dunmurry, with Rikki Thompson, advertising executive with the Ulster Star, and Karen Fitzmaurice, events manager, announcing Co-Operative Funeral Care's sponsorship of the Ulster Star's People of the Year Awards.  US1534-527cd  Picture: Cliff Donaldson
Fred Scott, from Co-Operative Funeral Care, Dunmurry, with Rikki Thompson, advertising executive with the Ulster Star, and Karen Fitzmaurice, events manager, announcing Co-Operative Funeral Care's sponsorship of the Ulster Star's People of the Year Awards. US1534-527cd Picture: Cliff Donaldson

A maximum of two award categories can be entered, and each entry must be on a separate entry form with separate typed supporting statements explaining why your entry merits an award. This must include sections covering the following: Reasons why your entry should win addressing the category criteria, List Achievements of the past 12 months.

Individuals and/or organisations within the Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council area are eligible to enter or be entered.

The closing date for receipt of completed entry forms is Monday 31 August.

For further information or enquiries please contact Julie Forde on 028 3839 5504, [email protected] or Karen Fitzmaurice on 028 3839 5564, [email protected]. Star Editor Damian Wilson said the awards are aimed at recognising the people who worked tirelessly for local communities.

“These awards are all about the people of Lisburn,” said Mr Wilson.

“I spent large parts of my childhood on the Low Road and in those days the Low Road was a community within itself.

“Everyone knew everyone else and always tried to help their neighbours.

“Lisburn has changed a lot since then but it is still full of communities like this, from the likes of Ballymacash to the Old Warren.

“So I would ask you all to spread the word of the Person of the Year Awards as much as you can and make sure these people are nominated.”

Local MP Jeffrey Donaldson said he was delighted to give the awards his backing and said he hoped they would be a boost for the city.

The Lagan Valley MP said a lot of people were criticising the city but he stressed that Lisburn still had a lot to offer and the awards would highlight all the positive things in the city.