Glossop celebrates its champions at annual awards

The community came together to celebrate its local heroes at the second annual Glossopdale Community Champions Awards on Saturday 3rd October.

Organised through a collaboration between The Hummingbird Project and The Bureau, the awards, held at Glossopdale School and Sixth Form, recognise the volunteers, individuals, organisations and businesses who make a genuine difference. 

This year’s judging panel comprised of Adam Corbally, who also hosted the evening, Jackie Bird MBE, Deputy Lieutenant for Derbyshire, Clare Batchelor from High Peak CVS, and Claire Webber, editor of the Glossop Chronicle (photo below).

Jo Gregory, co-founder of the awards and founder of The Hummingbird Project, said: “What a night! The Glossopdale Community Champions Awards were a true celebration of everything that makes our town so special. With double the number of nominations this year, our judges had an incredibly tough job, and every single person shortlisted should be so proud. 

“What touched me most was seeing how this community came together to make the night happen: local businesses and organisations gave their time and resources for free, our sponsors stepped up, and our small team of volunteers poured their hearts into it. 

“Glossopdale can sometimes be overlooked, sitting on the edge of both Derbyshire and Greater Manchester, but on Saturday we showed exactly what an extraordinary community can do. 

“And the celebration isn’t over yet. Voting for our People’s Choice Champions opens soon, with full details of how to vote shared on our socials and website. We’ll announce the winners at the Christmas light switch-on on Sunday 6th December.” 

Photo: Host Adam Corbally with co-founders Jo Gregory and Mat Gregory.

Fellow co-founder of the awards Mat Gregory, of The Bureau, said: “The Glossopdale Community Champions Awards provides a unique opportunity to bring together people of all ages from all backgrounds to celebrate the people and activities that make the valley such a special place to live and work. It is a privilege to be part of the team that helps bring this celebration together.” 

Judge and host Adam Corbally said: “It was a real honour to help judge this year’s Glosscars nominations and a privilege to be the MC and host for the evening. The atmosphere was electric, with gorgeous Glossopians putting the gloss into Glossop! 

“In Glossop, we’ve got it all. Stunning scenery, brilliant businesses, wonderful places to come together, amazing heritage and history. But as I always say, the best thing about Glossop is the people, and this evening absolutely proved it. 

“A massive thank you to every single person who got involved in every single way, and especially everyone who came out on the night. It really was an event to remember.” 

The event was supported by an incredible group of local businesses, organisations and community partners, whose generosity and support helped make the evening possible. 

The evening was filled with entertainment, including performances from FAB Choir, Simon David Groarke and talented young aerialists. Guests also enjoyed food from Perfect Platters by Julie, kindly sponsored by Glossopdale Freemasons. Photojenix provided a photobooth, while the Glossop Chronicle supplied goodie bags for the winners. 

One guest perhaps summed up the feeling of the evening best, describing it as “undoubtedly one of the most inspiring and uplifting events I’ve had the privilege to attend”. 

All ticket proceeds will go back into the Glossopdale Community Champions fund, helping to support the celebration of the people and groups who make the area such a special place to live and work. 

View all of the official photographs at: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1WkE5y83qY/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Official Glossopdale Community Champions merchandise is now on sale!  Order online here:

https://notreallyheregroup.shop/collections/hummingbirds