A feel-good boost for our community

The Guernsey Press’s Pride of Guernsey Awards is a perfect opportunity to do that.

On Saturday evening we had nearly 40 shortlisted nominations from more than 140 received gathered for our annual awards evening.

All of those original nominations were for people or teams, whether paid or unpaid, who do great work in our community, and it’s good to recognise that, even in a small way.

All the nominees who attracted big public support, taking them on to the judging shortlist, had lovely stories behind who they are, or what they do, and it was humbling to be able to share the awards with them.

The Pride of Guernsey Awards have become part of Guernsey’s calendar over the past six years now. They’re intended to recognise people who do fantastic things in, and for, our community – from grandparents to medical professionals, from teachers to neighbours.

It is a challenge for the written word to outline just how special the awards evening can be – but when you look out over 150 guests, all of whom are rapt over the nominations for each category, and all of whom who are genuinely pleased for the winners, it’s a very special feeling you don’t find at every awards ceremony.

Bailiff Richard McMahon has been a guest at each Pride of Guernsey ceremony so far. He says that recognising people, especially the unsung heroes, who stand out for all the right reasons was very worthwhile.

And importantly, he added, it allows us to focus on those who never seek recognition.

The Guernsey Press would wish to thank all involved, but particularly our readers who nominate these island champions, and the people who vote for them.

We were proud to launch the Pride of Guernsey Awards back in 2016, and are still proud of the awards today.

We would just love to bottle the atmosphere of the evening and share it – it’s a genuine feel-good factor which we could all use from time to time.