TARA’s For Community Champions

Thetford’s annual feel good evening, the TARA awards returned this year with a host of unsung heroes recognised for their achievements in the town. The awards – Thetford Awards Recognising Achievement were launched in 2015 by local businessman and Councillor Mark Robinson. The Black Tie event celebrated 20 finalists, chosen from 140 nominations in 9 different categories. The evening was hosted by Mark and Mark Jefferies, with entertainment from local magician James Samuel and the Guildhall Singers. Corinne Fulford was recognised for her Outstanding Contribution to the community, and Jane Howard was awarded the Lifetime Achievement. Corinne’s contribution to the town includes being the driving force behind the statue of Captain Mainwaring, organising its unveiling event and subsequent stage show. In addition to helping to create the Dads Army Museum, she campaiged for, and delivered the skatepark, organised Thetford’s Great Festival and established the town’s unfunded Tourist Information Centre - amongst many other things! Jane is well known to many as their school dinner lady or colleage at Tesco, however from adversity she has also raised enormous amounts of money to provide essential heart screening to young people after the tragic death of her son Stuart. Other organisations recognised included Thetford Open Gardens, Ed Sheridan from Thetford Bulldogs and Tesco Thetford. Speaking about the event Mark Robinson said, “I’d like to congratulate all the finalists, and offer my heartfelt thanks to the event sponsors Upp. com, Thetford Town Council, our guest presenters and everyone else who worked so hard to make the evening such a success.”

Above: TARA organiser Mark Robinson introduces this year’s finalists Photos: Maria Cooke