Merit Awards Granted

In 1978 CSSC introduced a system of Merit Awards, to be granted annually by the Chairman in recognition of outstanding and sustained contribution by any of its members. Recipients receive a silver badge engraved with their name and a certificate signed by the Chairman.

In November, the Chairman granted three such awards to the following volunteers:

Henry 'Dudley' Davenport:
Dudley Davenport joined CSSC nearly 45 years ago back in 1966 and soon became a committee member of the Lincoln Area Association. He became the Area Chairman in 1978 where he remained for nearly 30 years! He only stepped down due to a period of bad health, although he has always remained a highly active member of the association organising events and discounts for members whenever he could. CSSC, and in particular the members of the Lincoln Area, have been extremely lucky to have him on board. This is what Dudley had to say of his award:

"My first reaction was one of disbelief. What had I done to merit such a prodigious award? Who could have recommended me? Quite frankly as the realisation sank in I was truly humbled to think that I had been recommended and that the Chairman had sought fit to accept the recommendation. Personally I cannot see that I have done any more than several of my colleagues have in furthering the aspirations and interests of our members. I am so lucky to 'work' within a progressive AA such as Lincoln and some truly talented and committed colleagues at the Midland Regional Executive Committee. As the years have rolled by I have seen CSSC Midlands Region develop from a loose collection of 'areas' where we all did our own thing into a committed group of colleagues with a widespread feeling of true comradeship. It has been a pleasure to have played a small part in that development and you know I really enjoyed every minute. It is really marvellous that an individual can be rewarded for doing something from which they derive exceptional enjoyment and satisfaction. May CSSC long continue to go from strength to strength." Dudley Davenport.

Ian Mathers:
Ian Mathers has given unstinting service of a very high standard to the Civil Service Angling Society (CSAS) and continues to serve as its President, always being prepared to take on projects of benefit to the Society. Ian joined CSSC back in 1982 and was elected as the Hon. Publicity Officer of CSAS in 1984 until he was elected as Chairman three years later. He was then elected as President of CSAS in 1996 and has been ever since. During his time there among many other things, Ian was awarded the Neale Trophy for his work to safeguard a stretch of the Hambridge Fishery against erosion, and thereby preserve a valuable asset for CSAS and CSSC. Ian has shown absolute dedication during his tenure as Chairman, picking up other posts (Secretary and Membership Secretary) along the way when required. The CSAS is indebted to his commitment and pure hard work.

Anne Jackson:
Annie has made a valued contribution to CSSC for a number of years, either through her work as a Departmental Secretary for VOSSA (Valuation Office Sport and Social Association), or her role as a volunteer organiser for CSSC on both a regional and national level. Annie has been secretary of VOSSA for fifteen years, which used to be a very small section of RCSL, but is now a Departmental Association in its own right. Annie 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 the national teams and competitions going. Annie joined the 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 as been a great asset to the committee providing sound advice and direction when needed. She is also a co-opted member of the CSSC London Management Board; she was a Barbados Challenge organiser in 2005, 2006 and 2007; has been a valuable member of the CSSC Games Volunteer Team attending the last three CSSC Games; and is chairman of the sub-group of the Sports and Leisure committee who administer the CSSC Sponsorship scheme. Annie has made a huge difference in every role she has taken on. This is what Annie had to say of her award:

"After wondering why I had received a letter from the Department of Education and on opening it to find David's letter I have to say stunned and delighted were my first thoughts. One of my colleagues and another CSSC stalwart had asked me some questions earlier in the year and at the time I had answered them and wondered what he was up to and now I know why he wanted the information." Annie Jackson