Roll call for town's community champs
Former Tiptonians of the Year are being invited to a ceremony to launch this year's awards. The scheme was founded in 1991 and is organised by Tipton Civic Society.
Former Tiptonians of the Year are being invited to a ceremony to launch this year's awards. The scheme was founded in 1991 and is organised by Tipton Civic Society.
It celebrates community stalwarts in the Black Country town and next week's will be the 19th. A launch event will take place at Tipton Library on Saturday, September 12, where a roll of honour naming all past recipients of the award will be unveiled, and nomination forms will be handed out to start the search for this year's unsung hero of Tipton.
Rob Williams from the Civic Society, who founded the award with Barry Whitehouse, said: "We are trying to get as many former winners to come and join us at the launch where we will unveil the roll of honour.
"The roll will be unveiled by Chris Martin, from Tipton and Coseley Building Society, who sponsored the plaque. All winners' names will be in gold writing.
"No-one else does this kind of award in the borough and I'm very proud to have been associated with this from the beginning. It is to recognise people who are unknown."
Former winners include Joan and John Bayliss in 2005, Pauline Hodgetts in 2003 and Joe Gripton in 1997.
Joan and John Bayliss, were giving the honour for their work at Tipton Royal British Legion, which included raising thousands from the annual Poppy Appeals.
Pauline Hodgetts was rewarded for her work to save Tipton Baths and Tipton Harriers veteran Joe Gripton for his work with Tipton Sports Academy.
Ray Brothwood, a member of Tipton Civic Society, won the first award for his work with the Special Olympics team in Tipton and for his tirelesss fundraising.
Other winners include former Sandwell councillor Fred Perry, who was awarded the tile after raising thousands of pounds for charity.
Last year lawyer and Boys Brigade member Phil Watts won the accolade for his community work.
Mr Watts founded Tipton Boys Brigade in 1979. He also helped set up Rainbows, Brownies and Guides groups in Princes End where he has lived all of his life.
Any former winners can attend the launch and roll of honour unveiling at 10.30am on September 12 in Tipton Library.
