NORTHUMBERLAND BADMINTON ASSOCIATION VOLUNTEER AWARDS
At the Annual NBA Presentation Evening on Saturday 29th June, at The Blue Flames Club in Longbenton, clubs whose teams won their Leagues were presented with their trophies by the NBA President and Chairman Dennis Gray. Then followed the presentation of this year’s NBA Volunteer Awards, once again kindly provided by Yehlex. This year these awards went to:
Russell Perry – for his very many years of service to his club, NESLC (formerly know as The Ministry) and for services to badminton in the County – Russell helped out with juniors, assisting at many junior tournaments and matches.
Norma Waterfield – NBA Secretary since 1997, and a member of the NBA Management Committee since the mid-1980s, Norma has run numerous different events with husband Mike over the years, including the international Under 19 Tournament and Team Event, and served (with Mike) as the Badminton England Development Officer for 5 years. She has also achieved a lot in North Tyneside. Norma represented the County over a long period – 24 years, and played when Northumberland had Derek Talbot and Elliott Stuart on the team and played in the top division.
Russell and Norma received their awards from Dennis Gray in the absence of Ian Little of Yehlex who was unable to attend for the first time.
Following these awards there were two more special awards. Recently Sport Newcastle held their Unsung Heroes Awards Evening. Ellen Davison was successfully nominated for a Young Unsung Heroes Award and on the night received her award from Russell Perry! Once again Russell did the honours so that Ellen could be recognised at the Presentation Evening. Ellen has been an outstanding young volunteer and has worked her way through coaching awards. Russell also presented Alison Thompson with her Unsung Heroes Award – Alison was unable to attend the actual Sport Newcastle ceremony. Alison has been a member of the Management Committee since 1993 and League Secretary since 2009. She is also a Senior County Selector. Alison has also been Secretary of Elmfield BC for very many years. Both of these volunteers thoroughly deserved their awards.
