Community organisations and individuals recognised with Chronicle Community Star Award

At a ceremony in Winchester Cathedral during the University’s annual graduation celebrations, Wessex Dance Academy; Ron Fenech, chair of the Winnall Community Association in Winchester; and Jool Heller-Dixon, manager of the Carroll Centre in Stanmore, were presented with awards by Chronicle editor Ian Murray.

The award highlights and rewards the contribution of exceptional community organisations and individuals in Hampshire and the surrounding area.

It is open to individuals and organisations which share the university’s commitment to serving the common good and reflect the institution’s values of intellectual freedom, social justice, diversity, spirituality, individuals matter, compassion and creativity.

“The University of Winchester is a values-driven institution with a strong commitment to the Hampshire community,” said Professor Joy Carter , vice-chancellor of the university.

“There are so many organisations and individuals doing commendable work in their local communities, and these awards are a wonderful way to highlight and reward their tireless commitment.”

Mr Murray added: “It is fantastic to be associated with this award and to join with the university in ensuring that local people and organisations get the recognition they deserve.”

Award winner Wessex Dance Academy is a dance-based alternative learning programme which works with young offenders and people at risk of offending to help reframe their behaviour and cultivate transferable skills, attitudes and self-belief.

Fellow recipient Ron Fenech became the volunteer chair of Winnall Community Association after he retired from the fire and rescue service.

He has since created a new vision for a community centre that would better meet the needs of Winnall residents.

New developments include an ICT centre and a new kitchen to host the Age UK lunch club.

In the four years since Jool Heller-Dixon has been the manager of the Carroll Centre in Stanmore, the centre has stepped up its brief of supporting young families to achieve success.

Jool has also provided social work placements and teaching on BSc and MSc Social Work programmes at the University of Winchester.

Furthermore, the vice-chancellor’s Community Engagement Award, again run in partnership with the Chronicle, was also presented at ceremonies last week (Oct 18-21).

The award recognises and celebrates the work of students and staff from the university who have made an outstanding contribution to the community and, in doing so, have advanced the mission and values of the university.

This year’s recipients were student Jack Barlow and staff member Hannah Curtain.

Jack, a BA Film Studies student, is a committed volunteer with the Winchester Hub which connects students with the local community through volunteering opportunities.

His work as hub communications officer over the last two years has inspired fellow students to engage with community projects, contributing to a rise in applications for volunteering placements.

Hannah is the university’s creative director of foundation music. She is recognised for her outstanding work on the Cathedral Group Choirs Festival.

She conducted a major piece of work for a choir of more than 200 people and a 30-piece orchestra in front of a capacity Cathedral audience, completing additional lessons in conducting for six months before the concert.

“It is fantastic to be associated with this award and to join with the University in ensuring that local people and organisations get the recognition they deserve.”