Paula Hadfield, Committee member from Yeovil Area Association, was thrilled when it was announced that she was the winner of The Turnbull Award, making her CSSC Volunteer of the Year!

From the many nominations, Paula was selected as one of five finalists who attended CSSC's Annual Conference in Manchester on 16 June 2009. At the special presentation, Paula and her co-finalists were introduced to the 250 strong audience before CSSC Chairman, David Bell, announced that she would be taking home the coveted award.

According to the submission, Paula's motivation and considerable drive ensure that Yeovil AA is a vibrant association. It is primarily for this contribution that the Volunteer Committee came to the conclusion that Paula should be the recipient of The Turnbull Award for 2008. This is fully supported by CSSC Head Office.

Paula, through her efforts, determination and commitment, was able to commit to producing a wide range of activity for CSSC members in Yeovil and the surrounding area throughout 2008. As has been recognised, this was by no means an easy task! It meant engaging with many members and potential members, taking responsibility for arranging trips locally and further afield, looking after the AA's cinema ticket scheme and being able to provide effective and persuasive leadership to the AA committee.

Paula's inter personal and communication skills ensured that she was able to stimulate and motivate colleagues and other members to get involved. Although a committee member, she often took the lead in setting up new events and making sure there was regular communication with members.

If Paula had not risen to the challenge during 2008, the Area Association would simply have stagnated and local members would not now be reaping the benefits of Paula's hard work and commitment to make a difference.

Many congratulations to Paula!

Picture: Paula is pictured receiving the award by CSSC Chairman, David Bell

Volunteer of the Year Finalists

There were four other finalists nominated for The Turnbull Award:

Helen Cooke, Secretary of the Isle of Wight Area Association

Helen was the linchpin of the Association during 2008. Had Helen not shown considerable enthusiasm for her role during 2008, the Area Association would have functioned at a low level.

Helen sought to improve the Area Association's activity programme, which has seen the AA offering a far wider range of activities. She has also set up and taken part in awareness talks with many eligible employers across the island.

She has continually been alert to the benefits of partnership working and, through her efforts, the Area Association now enjoys positive relationships with most employers across the island.

Lesley McCartney, Secretary, York Area Association

In early 2008, Lesley committed herself to chairing the local CSSC netball club. She attended the York Area Association AGM where she became AA Assistant secretary. When the Secretary retired, she took over the role. As an effective administrator, she has been able to provide a distinctive approach to both roles. Her positive and encouraging attitude helped ensure the Area Association offered a wide and varied programme of activity in 2008.

Ashley Robinson, London region volunteer

Ashley is one of those people who gets on and makes things happen, with the minimum of fuss. This is why he is just the sort of volunteer anyone would welcome working with!

In April 2008, Ashley suffered a stroke which kept him away from work for some months. Although this limited his involvement, it did not deter him from volunteering. He played a key role in the London region St Lucia Challenge, whilst still finding time to manage the CSSC Barbarians RFC.

For a number of years, Ashley has been highly regarded as a keen and efficient CSSC volunteer. This year, he organised a Help for Heroes rugby event at Chiswick, which netted over £5000. It is envisaged that Ashley will, at some stage in the future, receive the Turnbull Award.

Clair Wilson, National Hill Walking Organiser

Clair has been the driving force behind the emergence of Hill Walking within CSSC. Her boundless enthusiasm ensured this activity continued to perform at a high level during 2008. Hill Walking was awarded the Hayward Trophy for the best Sports Body for 2007 at CSSC's 2008 Conference.

Clair's contribution is indisputably distinctive. Without her, Hill Walking would not now be a key feature of CSSC's national programme of activity.

Picture: (from left to right): CSSC Chairman David Bell, Clair Wilson, Ashley Robinson, Guest speaker Darren Campbell, Leslie McCartney, Helen Cooke and Volunteer of the Year, Paula Hadfield.