Awards open for Kenilworth as town introduces The Worthies

Run by the Chamber of Trade in association with the KWN, the new community and business awards will praise worthy figures working for the community each year.

Designed to shine recognition on businesses, community stalwarts and youngsters across nine categories, there will also be an overall “Worthy” award for one special winner.

Categories include large and small business, restaurant, pub, sports team, organisation, young entrepreneur and people of the year.

And entries will open next week for nominations to get the ball rolling before the public vote goes live.

Launching the new initiative, Richard Hales, chairman of the chamber, said it is time to offer much-needed praise to the hidden corners of the community who do so much for Kenilworth.

He said: “The Worthies is a perfect opportunity to thank and recognise people and businesses which help put the worth in Kenilworth.

“This is about the people and what they give back to our town and there are so many of them there should be no shortage of nominees.”

Seánna Holland, vice chamber of the chair, said it is now down to the people of Kenilworth to get out and get voting for their heroes.

She said: “There are a lot of award ceremonies locally, but nothing specifically for Kenilworth, which we wanted to do something about.

“We are very excited, and hope everyone will get behind us. We want to represent the town and give people deserved recognition.

“It’s not about making money, it’s about the people that make our town special.”

Applications open online here and through forms at the Holiday Inn from September 1.

A shortlist will be put out to the public vote later this year, and the grand Worthy winner will be decided by the judging panel before an awards ceremony in May.

Kenilworth and Southam MP Jeremy Wright is backing the new scheme, and the KWN will join the judges and ceremony to showcase the process over the coming months.