The Haines Award 2017
Two Minehead Middle School pupils whose initiatives in fund-raising impressed the judges have been given this year's Haines Award for Service. The Award is made by the local churches to Middle School pupils in recognition of service to others and given at the annual Prize Giving Evening. It is named in memory of Ruth and Frank Haines, local residents and church members, who gave much service to local and international charities.
Toby Williams supports a variety of causes for which his heart is obviously touched. The CLIC Sargent and Matt Thompson organisations work for children with cancer are amongst them. He joins his Granny in sending knitted hats to a project that they both support. He enjoys evenings with older people at a local residential home and he's not shy at getting sponsors for fund-raising schemes. The judges were impressed by his modesty as well as his effectiveness and felt he deserved the Haines Award for 2017.
Anthony Knight was Highly Commended for his involvement in many activities. He uses his musical abilities to take part in fund-raising concerts, such as the Bumble Band, or to join a busking group at a supermarket. He likes visiting a local residential home and playing for the residents as well as talking with them. On a quite different interest, he took an initiative to get support for a commemorative plaque to be produced and installed in the Middle School to mark the centenary of Arthur C. Clarke's birth in Minehead. The judges were impressed by the range of Anthony's contributions and the satisfactions that they clearly bring him.
Rev David Croucher, Chair of Christians Together in Minehead, says"These are two admirable young people. They are amongst the many who give their time and talents for the benefit of others in our area. We are glad to recognize that through this award and appreciate the importance that the School attaches to it."
Haines Award winners, Toby Williams and Anthony Knight, with Haines family members Ralph, Andrew and Howard Butcher
(Photo by Chris Lawson)
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