Last updated at 15:29, Friday, 12 March 2010

A charity chief executive, a teenage volunteer, a longstanding local volunteer, a farming and rural champion and an international sportsman were recognised for their achievements last night at Carlisle City Council’s Civic Awards presentation.

From left, front row, Sheila Goodliffe, Julianna Gallop and Elsie Baty. Back row, Mike Mitchelson, Bill Borthwick (who accepted the award on behalf of his son Steve) Nick Utting and mayor William Graham

The awards have been the highlight of the Civic Dinner since 2002.

This year’s winners are:

Sheila Goodliffe. She has spent 42 years in health care management. Since 2004, she has been chief executive of the Eden Valley Hospice.

Under her guidance, the hospice has gone from strength to strength. This organisation provides care for people with life-limiting illnesses.

She has put the hospice on a better financial footing and she has established the Eden House Children’s Hospice through the Jigsaw Appeal.

After receiving the award she said: “I’ve had a wonderful time. I met the Queen last year but this is even better.”

Julianna Gallop. As a young volunteer, has supported youth workers in the city as well as getting involved in the Town Twinning Youth Exchange for the last two years. She has been a vital volunteer in teams who have prepared and staffed events such as the Skatejam, fundraising activities and graffiti art projects.

Elsie Baty. Has been involved with Botcherby Community Centre for 50 years. She was one of the first volunteers in the centre and was one of the founder members of the Botcherby Residents Action Group, BRAG, and currently helps the Carlisle and District Credit Union.

Nick Utting. Has been a familiar face for more than 40 years, not only in the region’s farming community but also in the city’s business sector.

‘Mr Cumbria Farming’ started with the National Farmers Union Mutual Office in 1972 and worked for more than 40 years for the NFU in his role as secretary. until his retirement last December.

He said: “I’ve had a great career and loved every minute of the job. This award is great.”

England rugby union captain Steve Borthwick. Is at the height of his sporting career. He was born in Carlisle and attended Belle Vue School before his family moved to Preston. He went onto play for Bath and Saracens.

His rugby union career first began by representing his school and also Preston Grasshoppers.

This is where his England career started and he went on to play for the Under 18s and Under 21s.

After a 10-year playing career at Bath, he moved to Saracens and has been the captain for the last two years. His first international cap for England was in 2001, against France, at Twickenham.

This weekend, he will be captaining England for the 21st time, in the Six Nations Championship against Scotland at Murrayfield.

Steve’s award was received on his behalf by his father Bill, who said: “Steve was on the phone earlier and thanks everyone for the award which he is very proud to receive.”

The leader of Carlisle City Council, Mike Mitchelson, said: “We established the Carlisle Civic Awards in 2002 as a way of recognising some of the outstanding contributions that some of our citizens of Carlisle have made. “The awards reflect the drive and determination of people within our local communities. I’d like to pass on my congratulations to all the winners and thank them all for their contribution to Carlisle and all who live and work here.”

The awards were held at The Shepherds Inn, Carlisle.

First published at 14:14, Friday, 12 March 2010
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk