In partnership with Term Times Magazine, we launched our first Community Club Awards over the summer and asked readers to nominate the clubs, organisations and people who make a huge difference to families in their community.
At Hegarty Solicitors supporting and being part of the local community is really important to us, and saying a big thank you with the community club awards to community groups and organisations that make a difference to the lives of families in the local area, is just a small way we like to give back to the communities and towns we are part of. You can find out more about the work we do to support local charities and community groups by visiting our community page.
Out of the many nominations received, we are pleased to announce our three worthy winners.
And the winners are...
Gold: Peterborough Amateur Boxing Club
Our Gold Award goes to Peterborough Amateur Boxing Club nominated by parent Leah Clifford whose own children attend the club.
Leah told us, ‘They really do change young people’s lives; they spend many evenings a week and most weekends doing things for the club, all for no credit or recognition. They are simply amazing.’
Peterborough Police Boxing Club was set up in 2013 by police officers Chris Baker and wife Vicki Baker. The club aims to divert young people away from crime and anti social behaviour by giving them a positive activity. They now run sessions four nights a week and often have boxers in competitions at the weekends. Children can start competing from the age of 10.
Club Secretary and Coach Vicki Baker says, ‘Boxing really shapes the lives of young people by teaching them discipline and respect. A number of our boxers have won the national championships and have gone on to box for England.
‘In boxing, anyone can achieve – whether it’s having a healthier lifestyle, gaining confidence or wanting to compete. What we consider small wins are often huge benefits for a young person and their family.’
The club wins £200 and will use it to promote female boxing and get more females involved in the sport which is still largely male dominated.
Vicki says, ‘Being nominated by a parent shows just how much boxing has had a positive impact on their child's home-life and education. This makes us feel proud to work in the heart of the community with so many young people.’
On Saturday 7 October they have a boxing show at the Queen Katharine Academy, Mountsteven Avenue in Peterborough. This will showcase all local fighters from the club in a family and community event. Tickets are available on the door which opens at 2.30pm.
Silver: Little Miracles South Holland
Our Silver Award winners are Little Miracles South Holland which was nominated for the support it gives families that have children with additional needs and disabilities.
The charity offers support through a variety of services such as activities, family support, trips and counseling. In December 2022 they opened a new Disability Support Centre complete with sensory room which has made a huge difference to the number of families they can help.
The charity has won £150 Elizabeth Batterham from the charity says, ‘We are absolutely thrilled to have been chosen for this award.
‘Now we have survived the extensive programme for the summer holidays we are working towards plans for October Half Term and Christmas and creating a programme suitable for all ages and all needs, and the financial contribution towards this from this award will help make this so much easier.’
Bronze: Beat This C.I.C
The winners of our Bronze Award are Beat This C.I.C from Peterborough, nominated by Dee Trajdos for providing amazing music sessions for home-educated children.
Dee told us, ‘My children enjoy music makers and weekly Little Chimes sessions. They have a brilliant and unique approach to working with children, especially with children with SEND.’
Beat This is a Community Interest Company (or CIC), which is a social enterprise with a conscience. They use music and technology to help children, young people, adults and people with additional needs develop skills, interact and express themselves through music. They also provide professional development to their practitioners and volunteers.
They have won £50 and Benny Turner from Beat This says, ‘Many of the people that we support are disengaged from mainstream society or education. The funding received from Hegarty Solicitors will go towards helping us to develop a new multi-sensory experience for young people with complex needs.’
An integral part of the local community
As one of the biggest law firms in the area, Hegarty is an integral part of the local community in both Peterborough, where we established our first premises back in 1974, and in Stamford, Market Deeping and Oakham. We take our corporate social responsibility very seriously. We are committed to making a positive impact on the community we work in and to providing a working environment that embraces equal opportunities and diversity.