The Bristol Gold Star Awards endeavour to demonstrate that those who go forward and exceed all expectations can belong to every walk of life. Without a doubt, every single one of the winners has had a significant impact on the Bristol community that surrounds them.
The awards are now in their 25th year and despite the city of Bristol changing dramatically over this time, the underlying mission behind the awards still stands. A mission to put these unsung heroes into the spotlight and to appreciate them for their extraordinary achievements. To recognise their constant selflessness and to give them a tremendous thank you on behalf of the community of Bristol.
The stories of those who have been nominated has been unbelievable once again and this year proves to be the greatest yet for one of the most inspiring events of the year.
First up, the Gold Star Environmental Hero award winner (Sponsored by Bristol Waste)
Bethan Walker of Simply Green Zero Waste
Bethan has successfully opened Nailsea’s first ‘zero waste’ shop, Simply Green - Zero Waste. It originally started with her running a zero waste stall at a market in the town but the immense popularity of the stall has called for her to take over a vacant shop in the high street.
Selling a variety of products such as dried cereals, baking ingredients, pulses, flour, herbs and spices, there is also an impressive range of cleaning products and toiletries all stemming from a zero waste background.
Customers are encouraged to bring their own reusable containers or have the option of purchasing reusable glass jars from the store.
Bethan’s underlying goal is to continue to introduce the zero waste movement to Nailsea and still provide customers with high quality produce which in turn won’t harm the environment.
Secondly, the Gold Star Local Hero award winner (Sponsored by CR Windows)
Mamas Swaps and Freebies
This group of ladies have been described as being “completely selfless” and strives to help and support their community through running a facebook group for mothers to have access to second hand items that are either available for a ‘swap’ or as a ‘freebie’.
As a group, they understand the everyday struggle that mothers often face whilst they endeavour to support their children on a low income basis. They have been noted as going above and beyond by embarking on trips, picking up items and even delivering them free of charge to families who are desperately in need.
"This group and the admins have supported me in being able to support my little boy when money has been tight. Through being in this group I've felt like I'm not alone in tricky situations!
“I'm so thankful for the admin for setting this up and enabling me to provide everything that my little boy needs without having to stress about money.
“I also love the way that clothes and toys are being 'recycled' as such. What an amazing idea and thing for each of them to do."
To find out more about why we run the Bristol Gold Star Awards and to secure those all important tickets for the awards evening on 10 December, then click here to visit the awards website.
