The Merit Award scheme was set up in 1978 as a way of recognising highly meritorious service given by individuals to CSSC. Individuals have to be nominated by members or organisations within CSSC.
The standard of service required is very high; the individual must have given highly meritorious and sustained service to CSSC in a voluntary capacity. The individual must also have shown integrity in representing his or her Area, Region, Sports Body or Departmental Association. The individual must have had a positive and distinctive impact on the activities of CSSC in one or a number of roles.
The number of awards is solely within the discretion of the CSSC Chairman, subject to a maximum of ten per year.
Recipients receive a silver badge engraved with their name and a certificate signed by the CSSC Chairman.
Dudley Davenport
Dudley has been continually involved with Lincoln AA since 1968.
During his long service he stepped down as chairman for 2 years because he was seriously ill with cancer. Despite this he continued to arrange trips 
and manage the National Trust scheme from home. Once back on his feet he resumed the post as chairman. Under his guidance, Lincoln has always been one of the better AAs in the Midlands & this was recognised when they received a Highly Commended Award at CSSC Conference three years ago. The AA boasts a vibrant and lively activity programme including annual golf & ten pin bowling competitions, a variety of trips, a discounted gym membership scheme as well as a subsidised swimming initiative at 2 local pools for members & their families.
Dudley joined the Midlands Regional Executive in 1997 and has served ever since. Whilst not always wholly in favour of some CSSC policy changes he has always backed them as necessary. In the last few years he has played an integral part in organising the Region's very successful overseas conferences.
It's worth pointing out that he still has residual problems from his cancer and during 2009 went through a very stressful time when an immediate family member also suffered from the same disease. However, he continued to serve CSSC throughout this time.
Annie Jackson
It is primarily for her significant role as Secretary of the Valuation Office DA (VOSSA) that Annie was nominated for a Merit Award.
Annie has been secretary of VOSSA for fifteen years. Her influence and enthusiasm ensured VOSSA grew from a very small section of RCSL to a Departmental Association in its own right. Annie's commitment and effort has helped maintain the strong sporting traditions of VOSSA despite an ageing workforce and a decline in sporting activity within the department. She has worked tirelessly to keep alive VOSSA's national teams and competitions including national Cricket and Football teams, the thriving VOSSA Football 5 a as well as events such as Snooker and Tennis.
Annie joined CSSC Management Board in 2008, and was re-elected once again this year. For the past two years she has made a valuable contribution to Sport & Leisure Committee taking a keen interest in all sports. Her Departmental Association experience has been a great asset to the committee providing sound advice and direction when needed. Through her involvement in Golf she has taken a keen interest in CSSC Golf, in her first year supporting the CSSC Ladies organiser run her event. Upon the resignation of this organiser she was keen to take up the challenge and continue the development work that had been started. Indeed she has now taken this work further through connections within the CS Golf Society, and is investigating the possibility of combining events.
In addition to her work on CSSC Management Board, she is a co-opted member of the CSSC London Management Board. She was a Barbados Challenge organiser in 2005, 2006 and 2007.
Annie has been a valuable member of the CSSC Games Volunteer Team attending the last 3 CSSC Games. In 2007 as an Assistant Zone Manager then in 2009 as Zone Manager. As a Zone Manager she was responsible for running the three sports in her Zone.
It is fair to say that without her unstinting and energetic input VOSSA would not be providing the wide range of activities and opportunities they do.
Ian Mathers
Ian joined the CS Angling Society 1982 as a member and quickly became involved in the Society's affairs firstly as Publicity Officer and then from 1987 as Chairman.
Also from 1983-1985 he organised the Society's Civil Service National Angling Competition.
During his tenure as Chairman, the Society experienced many highs and lows, and Ian was always available to sort things out; always leading from the front. For example, at one time the Hon. Secretary died unexpected leaving a number of important things undone and with minimal records available. This vital post was filled by Ian for about 12 months despite him being in full time work at the time. This required considerable dedication and often a very long working day for Ian. Similarly, when an Hon. Membership Secretary suddenly resigned, it was Ian who picked up the pieces, took over the job at the busiest time of the year when subscriptions were being renewed, and kept the key function going until a replacement was found some time later.
The Hambridge Fishery bank restoration project required considerable effort on Ian's part. He conceived the need for the project, liaised with the riparian owner, English Nature and the Environment Agency, overcame very many objections, hurdles, and setbacks, found a suitable civil engineering consultant, obtained estimates, identified contractors and supervised the project to a successful completion. All this involved burning the midnight oil, an input of much emotional energy, and many journeys to and from Ian's house at Harrow to Newbury. Had Ian not put 100%+ into this project, the Society would have lost, through erosion, the use of a big part of the fishery and CSSC would have been left with a much less valuable asset.
In 1986 he was awarded the Society's Neale Trophy for work he had done to increase the membership of the Society although the potential Civil Service membership base was contracting at the time.
The Society awarded Ian the Neale Trophy again for his work in the initiation and active supervision, to a very successful conclusion, of the project to safeguard a stretch of the Hambridge Fishery [River Kennet].
In 2006 he was elected Society President; a role he still holds.
For more information about CSSC's Merit Award scheme please contact Hedley Featherstone, Volunteer Development Manager
