CSSC Volunteer of the Year - The Turnbull Award

Congratulations to CSSC's Volunteer of the Year, Paul Mackintosh, who received the prestigious Sir Andrew Turnbull Award at CSSC's recent Annual Conference.

Paul's motivation and considerable drive ensured a CSSC HFC was opened at HMP Full Sutton in 2009.

In his supporting letter the Deputy Governor confirmed Paul took the project from conception to reality. This included seeking senior management buy in and then surveying all 800 staff to guage their level of interest and support.

Paul is an acting senior officer working within the prison with responsibility for the preparation and delivery of meals for 600 prisoners. According to the Deputy Governor he has a heavy work load and works a shift pattern that requires a strong commitment from him. Despite this, he was able to find the time, invariably on a voluntary basis, to realise the opening of the HFC in 2009.

The HFC has proved to be a major asset for the prison. Working within a stressful environment of a high security prison, the HFC has offered a healthy alternative to staff to unwind.

Before presenting the Turnbull Award to Paul, Peter Fischer, CSSC Executive Chairman emphasised how he is continually impressed by the hard work of the hundreds of volunteers who readily give up their time to make things happen. Without them CSSC couldn't begin to offer as much as it does for its members.

Peter also thanked those at Conference who had submitted nominations. In doing so he said 'I'm sure none of you could have not been impressed by the citations for the five finalists. Sadly there can only be one winner. It is primarily for their significant role in creating the CSSC Health and Fitness Centre at HMP Full Sutton that I am delighted to announce the Volunteer of the Year for 2009 is Paul Mackintosh'.

Paul was one of five nominees shortlisted from the many nominations submitted for the Volunteer of the Year. All five attended Conference to learn who had been recognised with the Turnbull Award - Volunteer of the Year.

Other Volunteer of the Year finalists were:

Steve Brattan - CS Golfing Society

During 2009 Steve was a key figure in moving the Society away from its very traditional approach to offering golf. In 2009 Steve organised the first ever CSSC Golf Festival, bringing together the CSSC National Handicap and Scratch Finals. The event attracted considerable positive feedback from competitors.

It is firmly believed that if Steve had not been involved with the Society in 2009 it would still be following the same methods of delivery and not experimenting with new style activities to widen participation.

Ihor Lewyk - CSSC Chess, West Riding and Craven Area Association and Yorkshire region

2009 was the first time Ihor undertook the role of CSSC National Chess Organiser. He organised the first Chess event at the CSSC Games. In doing so, he ensured the continuation of CSSC Chess following the closure of the SRB. He was also able, through tact and empathy, to reconcile many of the differences amongst the various Chess factions within CSSC.

Ihor also found the time during 2009 to run many other events either for the Yorkshire region or his local AA - West Riding and Craven. These included managing the AA's five-a-side Women's Football team in a local league, staging the very successful Yorkshire Region Poker tournament and the Yorkshire Region Speed Chess event.

His enthusiasm for CSSC is such that through his efforts alone, CSSC Chess is assured of a successful future.

David Moore - East Yorkshire Area Association

The resurrection of Hull AA now known as East Yorkshire during 2009 after a long period in the wilderness is primarily down to David. During 2009, David through hard work and instant enthusiasm drew together a new committee, which in no time generated a wide range of activities.

As well as initiating and supporting all types of benefits and activities for members, David organised the teams and individuals entries into the CSSC Games. He found volunteers to become departmental reps, to run a cinema ticket scheme, to take on the role of publicity officer, to organise theatre and London trips and concerts etc. He undertook himself to run a cash back and gym subsidy scheme and Rugby and Football season passes. He introduced an expenses/grants policy, so that all members knew in advance what help they could expect.

East Yorkshire AA can now boast a vibrant activity programme which is a tribute to David's hard work and commitment during 2009.

Andy Shaw - North West Region and Preston and Chorley AA

Andy in 2009 was instrumental in driving the North West Region's Etrading project through, and ensuring that it was completed on time, on budget and on track. The Etrading project is a huge step in the right direction as it allows members the opportunity to purchase tickets online at any time of the day - for the same price wherever they are in the region.

Andy successfully worked with the Areas in the region to ensure that they all agreed on a common subsidy level for all tickets. Once this was agreed, the hard work of designing the website and working the logistics began. Andy was the driving force behind the project and ensured that it was completed as promised.

He put in an awful lot of time into the project. Invariably there were a few teething errors, however these were swiftly dealt with. Andy also gave up his time to talk to other volunteers in other regions about Etrading, which in turn will help other regions to progress the idea.