Hearts of Holbeach Awards provides winners all round
The best of business in Holbeach has been celebrated at an inspirational awards ceremony held online - but the real winner is the town itself.
Food providers, caterers, sports and community groups, shop workers and pubs were all recognised during the first ever Hearts of Holbeach Awards on Friday.
Organised by Holbeach district councillor Tracey Carter, the awards attracted 280 nominations from the public, with more than 5,000 votes cast across ten categories.
The Crown Hotel, in West End, lifted two awards for Community Champion and the overall Business of the Year title.
Landlords John Budworth and Martin Forward helped elderly and vulnerable people in the town during the first lockdown by providing them with food hampers, toiletries and other essential items.
The pub is also raising funds for Holbeach Hospital, Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire Air Ambulance and the Royal British Legion, having set a target of £1,000 for each charity.
Hearts of Holbeach Awards 2020 open for nominations
John said: "We thought that we might get the Community Champion award, but we didn't think we'd get the overall Business of the Year title so that was quite a surprise.
"It just shows that people are supporting us in all the things we've done throughout the year."
The other winners were as follows:-
Shearers Butchers (Damgate) - Most Innovative/Adaptable Business;
Hearts of Holbeach Awards 2020 - public voting now open
Cards and More (High Street) - Best Window Display and Best Customer Service from a Business;
Tonwood Home Hardware (Chapel Street) - Best Customer Service from a Business (Highly Commended);
The Crown Hotel (West End) - Community Champion and Overall Business of the Year;
Milkshake Madness (Boston Road South) - Best Food Premises;
Dave Lowe (Tesco Superstore, Boston Road South) - Best Customer Service (Individual);
South Lincs Vet Group (West End) - Best Service Industry Business;
Holbeach Community Larder (Church Street) - the Community Group award.
Royals Gym (Fleet Street) - Sports Group Award.
There was a special prize for Moulton teenager Lily Sandell (13) who has spent the year fundraising for both the Brain Tumour Charity and Childhood Tumour Trust.
In recognition of Lily's efforts, The Crown pledged to donate £500 to her chosen charities.
Coun Carter said: "The Hearts of Holbeach Awards went brilliantly, there was a fabulous atmosphere, it was lots of fun and everyone was cheering each other on.
"I've had messages from people saying how it brought tears to their eyes and how it reminded them that we have a town to be truly proud of.
"This has been an extremely positive thing for Holbeach, I absolutely loved it and I think all the winners are delighted."
