Sleafordian of the Year

Winner: Sylvia Lawes

THE Sleafordian of the Year Award is presented to one of the winners from the categories open to public nomination, as chosen by the judging panel.

The 2009 honour was presented by last year's winner Russ Mathieson to Sylvia Lawes, recipient of the 2009 Volunteer of the Year Award.

Sylvia has is best-known around the town for her work with the Toy Library, an organisation she took under her belt in 1993 following recovery from breast cancer treatment.

Until very recently, Sylvia was at the library six days a week, only taking a break every Sunday – when the library was closed!

Now approaching her 80th birthday, she limits herself to just one day a week but continues to deal with the library's administration work.

Visibly shocked to receive her award, on approaching the podium Sylvia simply said: "I'm gobsmacked! I really don't know what to say.

"I would like to thank the Town Council and anyone else who voted for this award.

"I didn't expect it and I really am lost for words. Thank you very much indeed!"

Speaking to the Target after the event, Sylvia said: "I'm still a little gobsmacked I think!

"I was so overwhelmed at the ceremony I didn't quite know what to say, but I am very grateful to all those who voted for me to receive this wonderful honour.

"I take great pleasure in working at the Toy Library and enjoy helping others, I love it."

She added: "I always try to live by my Guiding promise, which back in my day was to promise to do my duty to God, to serve the Queen, to do my best for others and to keep the Guide Law."

Volunteer Award

Winner: Sylvia Lawes

Sponsors: FGS

SPEAKING on behalf of award sponsors FGS, Sleaford Town Council's town development manager Debbie Scott presented the Volunteer award.

"This is the category that we always get the most nominations for – obviously Sleaford's voluntary sector is very active," she said.

"Almost inevitably someone who volunteers crops up in more than one setting, it must be a way of life.

"This year's winner is no exception, working with at least three different organisations as well as helping to care for her sister and generally rushing about town.

"She came to the area from Surrey in 1989 having spent a couple of years doing up the property in Heckington that was to be her home for the next 20 years.

"In Surrey she'd worked with the Queen Elizabeth Foundation For The Disabled for 10 years, finding work for the ceramics department of their sheltered workshop.

"Having been involved with Guiding in the past, she soon joined the Lincolnshire Trefoil Guild, becoming County Chairman within a year.

"She also got involved with Age Concern Boston and helping with their lunches – a role which she continues to this day, and in Sleaford she signed up as a reader for the talking newspaper project.

"But it was in 1993, as she was recovering from treatment for breast cancer, when she was approached for help to start the organisation we most know her for.

"Our winner became a very familiar sight, travelling in from Heckington on the train,

"For more than 15 years she has been the stalwart of Toy Library, setting it up and running it with help of a small band of other volunteers – most of whom she admits are not youngsters themselves, in fact mostly over the age of 70 apparently.

"She is cutting back her hours now, as she turns 80 this year, but still does one day per week and all the administration duties.

"She obviously loves working with children and their families and is keen for new people to come along, join in with the story-telling and play sessions as well as borrowing toys.

Sylvia said: "I have very much enjoyed running the Toy Library so thank you very much for the award but I really couldn't do it without the help of my volunteers who give a sterling service to the children of Sleaford.

She added: "All the children enjoy the toy library and we have a lot of fun."

"As I intend to fully retire in a couple of years – at the age of 82 – if there is anyone who would like to come and learn how to run the toy library, I would love to teach you!"