John Wiseman is one of our two latest recipients of Merit Awards. Read on to find out why he
was nominated and what he had to say about his award.
This is why John Wiseman has been chosen as an award winner:
John Wiseman is an infectiously enthusiastic, energetic and dedicated individual, a long serving servant and member of CSSC and in short is the embodiment of volunteering In CSSC. Here are a few things John has been involved in:
- John has been a member of CSSC since about 1981
- NW Region cricket 6s organiser for the last 17 years
- Member of Chorley Area Association (AA) committee since 1990, and has been the Secretary since 1994.
- From 1992 - 2009, 17seasons, ran an 11 a-side "Preston and Chorley Civil Service" football team in a local Preston League.
John has been an eager and dedicated participant taking part in many Regional, Area and Departmental events from the very start. Since around 1981 he has participated at Regional and Area Association level in football 11s, cricket 6s, road relay, road race, athletics, cross country, fell running, rugby, bowls and ten pin bowling. John is one of those rare breed of
CSSC members who takes part because he enjoys participating and meeting CSSC colleagues, not because he is the best and not because he wants to win everything he enters. John participates for the fun of it and is a consummate sportsman upholding and demonstrating the highest standards of sportsmanship any organisation would desire of its participants. This was acknowledged by Preston & District Football League who, on more than one occasion, awarded the Preston and Chorley Civil Service team 'The Divisional Sportsmanship Team Award' (an annual award based on votes from each team).
John has served CSSC members living and working in the North West through his enthusiastic, proactive and energetic way as:
- Regional Event Organiser - NW Region cricket 6s organiser for the last 17 years. John has turned a popular event into what is now arguably the North West Region's best event, and certainly the best event in terms of participation. The event is run over two days because of the high number of entries, attracts approximately 150 to180 members and regularly receives excellent evaluation marks.)
- Area & Departmental Association Event Organiser - Organiser of trips to Paris and for the last six years Christmas Shopping trips to York.
- Over the years John has also organised AA 7 a side football competitions, ad hoc CSSC cricket matches and until only very recently was one of three members in the Area who manage the camping equipment that the AA offers to members for use.
- A Committee Member - A long serving, reliable and approachable member of the Preston & Chorley AA committee, with many of those years as Secretary, John has always made and continues to make constructive and practical contributions, which the AA benefit from. John has been instrumental and a key figure in developing the AA into the vibrant organisation it is now. He has executed his duties as Secretary with honesty and integrity ensuring that agendas and minutes are accurate and issued timeously; and publicity, marketing material and all other documents and media relevant to the smooth operation of the Area are produced promptly and distributed efficiently. The creation of the new Central & East Lancashire Area Association arising from the merger between Preston & Chorley and Blackburn & Burnley AA's has taken place under John's stewardship and he continues to serve as Secretary on the new committee
John Wiseman has served CSSC in many different ways over a period spanning many years and is a member of that small group of people who has served CSSC as event organiser, participant and volunteer.
It is as a volunteer that John has made the biggest contribution to CSSC. He is an endearing energetic, and enthusiastic young man whose "cheeky chappie" bright and bubbly persona makes him very approachable. Through this he has made a measurable and positive difference, has ticked all the boxes and well deserving of the CSSC Merit Award.
This is what John had to say when he found out he had won an award: "I couldn't believe it when I opened the letter - I must admit I was slightly worried when I saw the Permanent Secretary letter head paper! When I read the letter I was very surprised as I had no idea I'd been nominated for such a prestigious award. Also, I am slightly embarrassed as I really enjoy my role as a CSSC volunteer and have made many new friends when organising events and activities."
