We’re sitting at a coffee shop in off the beaten track in downtown Halifax. With me are a young man and woman, both with a slight build, and neither of them meeting the stereotypical description of an awards show director. Slim, and average height, his British accent sets him apart from the Halifax coffee bar crowd. Blonde, with an athletic build, she looks poised, but unassuming. Once I’ve scratched the surface, they’re both larger than life. Together, they lead Haliwards, a small group that wants to tell Halifax about you: the “normal person, working a normal job,” who “does something extraordinary.”

In a world where awards are handed out to receive big donations, publicity, or politics, Alex Maine saw an opportunity to create something new, something different. Inspired by a ceremony in the United Kingdom called “The Pride of Central Somerset,” which is in its third season, he set out to create an award in Halifax that celebrates the normal citizen’s big achievements. The Pride of Central Somerset was started with a desire to recognize individuals who raised money for charity, but it quickly became much, much more, and seeks to recognize a variety of achievements. This is what Maine sees for Haliwards.

Hailing from the UK, Maine came to Halifax to chase down a girl. When that didn’t work out, he realized that he’d fallen in love with the city, and is hoping to make Halifax his home, though he travels back to the UK regularly. In order to make the project a success even when he’s not around, an advisory board was created.

In comes Heather Shay, a native of East Chezzetcook, a small fishing village near Halifax. She joined the project before the first award ceremony last spring. In November, she became the second Chair of the Advisory Board, replacing Cara Muise.

The first thing that jumps out is their youth. Maine is only 22, Shay even younger, at 20. When asked about the rest of the Board, they replied that the eldest is 24 years old. Haliwards is truly a vision pushed by young people, full of enthusiasm and energy.

The cross section of winners from the first year is telling; an award was given to a group of students at Halifax West High School for their efforts to raise money for cancer, another was awarded to their teacher, Sandra Starratt, who Maine felt pushed them along to raise the money, yet another was awarded to Lindsay Allain, who raises money to purchase materials for the crafts room at the IWK Children’s Hospital.

Three of the eight recipients in the first group were already well known in the Halifax community: Irvine Carvery of the Africville Genealogical Society, Adriana Afford of the Argyle Fine Art Gallery, and the staff of Q104. Despite their relatively high profile, Maine maintains that the awards are justifiable: they have had a major effect on the Halifax community, and are all still very much in tune with the average citizen.

Maine is worried that the awards could adopt a character other than the pure recognition of “greatness” he imagined in creating it. He’s hesitant to use categories to constrain the awards, or to specify a fixed number, saying categories are “the number one thing I want to stay away from.” He enjoys the current at-large format, which gives freedom to the advisory board to make the decisions. Could there be some categories in the future? “Maybe,” says Maine.

Haliwards has grown thanks to word of mouth, as well as generous promotion by NewCap radio, the company that produces Q104 and KoolFM. Shay heard about the project through some friends who know Maine. Last year, there were fewer than 50 nominations. This year, the team received 183 individual nominations, and Maine hopes to increase that total next year.

The Pride of Central Somerset is in its sixth season, and has been, by Maine’s assessment, successful. He’s bullish on Haliwards though, pointing to the advisory board’s work and predicting that they will be even bigger by the end of the second year than the original is now.

Despite the rapid growth and optimistic future, there have been some setbacks. City Hall hasn’t been interested in the project, one member of the Board was forced to resign due to an illness, local schools and universities haven’t been easy to work with, and businesses haven’t been sponsoring awards with as much enthusiasm as Maine would like. Ultimately, the challenges they face will not stop the show.

They’re jaded by City Hall, perhaps due to their youth. They’ve found it very difficult to get any support from the HRM, but Maine has grown comfortable with that. “We’ll take care of this, and if they want to get on board with us, we’ll welcome them.” He’s encouraged by the support he’s received at the provincial level, including a note from Liberal MLA Diana Whalen, and a press release from the provincial government, and hopes it’s a sign of more to come.

A competitive jump-roper, and a Tourism and Hospitality Management student at the Nova Scotia Community College, Shay has several friends on the Board. Half of the Board is made up of students, and she describes it as a tight-knit group. “If you upset one of us, you’re bound to upset us all.” She was inspired by the story of Lindsay Allain, whose kindness pushed her to recognize more effort in the community through Haliwards. Almost two years in the project, she hopes to stick around as long as possible. Unlike many youth, she’s determined to stay in Nova Scotia, and avoid being pulled out west.

He’s hoping to make Nova Scotia his permanent home, joining Shay in bucking the trend to leave the region. Their determination may just be what defines Haliwards: youth who are ready to run against the grain, looking behind every rock for hope and exposing the greatness throughout the city. If circumstances don’t work out, Maine insists he’s confident in the board’s ability to carry on without him, and “I’ll be back. I love a Tim’s muffin or donut from time to time!” Canada has corrupted him in the short time since he’s arrived.

Stubbornness is the first quality that Maine reveals when asked about his character. They both credit that in part with getting the show off the ground, despite the cold shoulder from the city and many of the businesses they’ve approached. It takes a certain character to raise a show off the ground, and it appears that Maine and Shay have it in them to pull the show through many more years.

Maine, in conjunction with the advisory board, chooses the winners based on “gut feeling.” They follow up on nominations, and aim to recognize a variety of backgrounds, but since there are no rules to limit awards, they aren’t constrained if two similar stories were to crop up, so long as they are both “extraordinary,” a word that Maine continuously returns to in describing many of the nominees.

When asked about the longevity of the show, Maine invoked a reference to Harry Potter, as the latest movie came out just days before we sat down. No matter what businesses, city hall, and the provincial government do, Haliwards is “like a Horcrux, we’re not going anywhere.”

With a unique format, a driven team, and an inspiration from across the pond, Haliwards may just have what it takes to survive in Halifax, and start a movement in every corner of the country to recognize everyday Canadians for their great accomplishments in the community. Look out, Order of Canada, there’s a new kid on the block. — The second Haliwards show will take place on April 2nd at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic. Tickets can be purchased at http://haliwards.eventbrite.com

by Ben Wedge

Here is a video of the resolution:

Since the ceremony we have spoken to City Hall and i am waiting to confirm a meeting to discuss next year’s ceremony with Mr. Kelly, but currently his schedule is maxed out. I really hope that they support us! We have already received congratulations from the province which was highly welcome! I would love to know what you think about this.. after-all this project is for you!

Today ZedEvents submitted a proposal that has me listed as one of their ‘Dream Team’. It is a great honour to be collaborating with this company and in the event that the bid is won, i look forward to creating a wonderful experience for all to enjoy alongside Aaron for the opening and closing ceremonies. The winning bid will be announced towards the end of April.

Last year Steven Argent founder of the Street-based Orphfund charity, Children’s World, Glastonbury Street Lions club and PCSO Jemma Lawson picked up awards at the ceremony.

“What makes this years awards so special is that i am introducing a transatlantic bond between Central Somerset and Halifax, Nova Scotia” said Alex Maine who is organising the awards.

Mr Maine said in an email from Canada this week that people can make their nominations online at http://alexmaine.net/pocs

It’s not everyday your face appears next to Barack Obama on the headlines page of a media site but I can confirm that I did receive an email yesterday morning from a former colleague of mine from the National Variety Performance. I don’t think it is necessary to name which. It has come to my attention that the other former directors of the NVP wish for me to return as the Managing Director.

Due to my current plans I have declined the offer and am not giving it any further thought for the foreseeable future. This is not to say I won’t consider relaunching the organisation in the future. The plans for the Pride of Central Somerset and other projects in the UK are on hold until July 1st as I had already stated earlier this year. I will be making announcements about my plans in Canada following my visa application.

A Glastonbury school choir is to be honoured at the Pride of Central Somerset Awards which take place tomorrow night at Glastonbury Town Hall at 7pm. Those being honoured include the Glastonbury and Street Rotary Club; Glastonbury and Street Lions Club; Roz Dommet, founder of the Ashcott Mother and Toddler Group; the schools that took part in the Light Up A Life services; Steven Argent, the founder of Orphfund; Frances Thomson, for her fundraising work; PCSO Jemma Lawson for her work with young people; Sue Wilton, for the Christmas card delivery scheme in Ashcott; Mid Somerset Diabetes Group; the Martha Care Trust; and Children’s World.

Millfield Preparatory School’s choir has been honoured for taking part in the recent Light up a Life campaign, a series of special events organised in the run up to Christmas by local hospices to help raise much-needed funds. Mary Webb, director of music at Millfield Preparatory School said:”The senior chamber choir were delighted to receive this award acknowledging their hard work. ”The Hospice Movement is a very worthwhile charity and we are pleased to have been able to lend our support.”

Alex Maine, the event’s organiser said: “It was great to kick things off with the presentation on Monday at Millfield.” There are still some tickets available – they can be booked by calling 01458 255012 , or bought on the door tomorrow night. The ceremony will begin at 7pm.

Three mid-Somerset sportspeople have been recognised in our Pride of Central Somerset awards.

Organiser Alex Maine said: “I am very pleased with the award winners we have chosen for the sports category and thank everyone who took the time to nominate.”I hope that anyone who knows these people or who just generally wish to show there support will come along to the ceremony.”

Those being honoured on the night of March 6 at Glastonbury Town Hall also include: the Glastonbury and Street Rotary Club; Glastonbury and Street Lions Club; Roz Dommet, founder of the Ashcott Mother and Toddler Group; the schools that took part in the Light Up A Life services; Steven Argent, the founder of Orphfund; Frances Thomson, for her fundraising work; PCSO Jemma Lawson for her work with young people; the Poppy Appeal; Sue Wilton, for the Christmas card delivery scheme in Ashcott; Mid Somerset Diabetes Group; the Martha Care Trust; and Children’s World.

Central Somerset Gazette editor Philip Welch said: “Central Somerset has more than its share of unsung heroes. The awards will help ensure a few of them receive the credit they deserve.”

Our sporting winners are: Anna Butler, who won the Southern Schools Zonal Championships at Burgess Hill in the U15 Elite category and has also qualified for the National Schools Championships in Birmingham on March 8. Anna has a Gala competition in Birmingham where she is competing in the over-15 year olds’ Grade 1 competition. Her aim is to qualify for the Nationals over-15 competition, which will be an achievement in itself. She will also be involved with the South West Development squad – trying to get recognition for the National Squad for her age category.

Mike Sadler has been involved with Glastonbury Town FC for around 50 years and, although he has never played for Town, he has always been the backbone of a club that has gone through its fair share of ups and downs. In the 1960s and 70s, Glastonbury Town were one of the major clubs in the West of England and won the Western League. During the late 1980s and early 90s, the club came close to folding as it dropped out of the Western League and into the lower regions of the Somerset Senior League. Even during those bad times for the club, Mike Sadler and his late wife Eileen still remained loyal and continued to carry out their unpaid duties. During the past eight years, Glastonbury Town has reversed the difficult times and has become a major force once again in the Somerset County League. Mike’s wife Eileen died last year, but Mike continues to work on the gate every week and always does a raffle after the game to help bring more money into the club.

Wendy Rousell is a teacher at Elmhurst Junior School in Street and has a passion for encouraging all the children to participate in games and PE, and develop a real enthusiasm for sport. She arranges after-school-sports clubs, sporting trips and accompanies them evenings or weekends – even when on maternity leave, taking her new daughter with her. Wendy arranges specialised sports coaches to visit the school and teach the children many sports they would not usually get the opportunity to partake in. In the little spare time she does get, Wendy was either playing rugby or rounders, for Tor RFC Ladies and Harlequins rounders team. Wendy has been a huge inspiration to many children past and present.

Tickets for the event can be purchased by calling 01458 255012.

“Winning the Pride of Central Somerset award is a wonderful way to recognise the work Martha Care Trust is doing,” said Maggie Mickshik, founder of the trust. “We are a very small group of people who work incredibly hard, all in our spare time, to build the service for families and fundraise for Martha Care.” ”Sometimes it’s hard to appreciate how important our achievements are, and how much people appreciate what we do. “Winning this award is such a lovely way for others to tell us we’re doing a brilliant job and keep us motivated to work harder to help families with children in hospital. We would like to thank the organisers for this award.”

Wells City Band, Poppy Lopez and Georgina Butler are due to provide entertainment at the award ceremony. ”We’re very pleased to have them with us for the night,” said Philip Welch, editor of the Central Somerset Gazette. “We are very much looking forward to honouring those people who work so hard for the communities in the Street and Glastonbury area.”

Alex Maine, who has arranged the awards, said: “I am so pleased that we have our final list of award winners. ”This event has taken some dedication over the last few weeks but it’s great to see everything coming together. “Thanks to everyone who has been helping so far and a special thanks to the local businesses that are advertising with us.”

Tickets for the event are priced at £8 for adult and £4 for children. Twenty percent of the tickets for the evening have already been booked. You can order yours by calling 01458 255012. Alternatively, you can go direct to either Burns the Bread, in Glastonbury, or the Mid Somerset News & Media office at Southover, Wells.

A mother and toddler group founder, a trampolining star and a charity group are some of the nominations already received.Roz Dommett is the founder of the Ashcott Mother and Toddler group, which she has run for more than 35 years.Nominee Claire Laudicina said: “When I moved to Ashcott, Roz spotted me with my pram and encouraged me to come along to her group. ”As a mum of two boys, it was a great chance to meet other mums and get some valuable support. ”Roz is always welcoming, the group is very friendly, and it is a great resource for mums who come from across the area.”

A former student of Crispin School and Strode College, Steve Argent, has been nominated for setting up the charity organisation Orphfund, which aims to provide street children across the world with a safer place to live. The charity has set up a school for 200 children in Cambodia and an orphanage in Sierra Leone.

Gemma Lawson, a Police Community Support Officer in Glastonbury, has been nominated for her work with youths in setting up the Glastonbury skatepark and other community activities, and 14-year-old trampolining star Anna Butler, of Crispin School, has also been nominated for her success in the sport, which includes representing Somerset and winning the South West tournament.

Raising funds for the community for many years is the reason the Glastonbury and Street Lions’ Club was nominated. The club, which was started 33 years ago, has donated £22,000 during the past two years to help individuals and organisations. Fundraising events organised by the 24 members have included Father Christmas collections in supermarkets, Easter egg raffles and the schools concert at Strode Theatre. They also put together a talking newspaper for the blind and act as marshals at the Glastonbury Road Run.Lions’ Club secretary Dave Atkins said: “We are honoured and humbled to have been nominated. ”We concentrate our efforts on local people and events as it is the local people who support us and we couldn’t continue without them.”

Glastonbury and Street Rotary Club has also raised thousands of pounds for local, national and international charities during the past 12 months, and the members of the group have been nominated for their efforts. They take part in many activities and events, including their annual Kids Out day in June, when they take children from Avalon School, Street, and their helpers, to Longleat.

Pupils from Millfield Prep School, Glastonbury, and Brookside School, Street, have been nominated for their help in raising money for St Margaret’s Somerset Hospice by taking part in the Light Up A Life services held in churches across the region at Christmas.

Philip Welch, the editor of the Central Somerset Gazette, which has teamed up with Alex Maine to launch this year’s awards, said: “It’s so important that we recognise those people who work tirelessly to make the area a better place. ”It’s easy to concentrate on the bad things that happen in an area, and often those people who are quietly trying to improve things are overlooked. ”We’re hoping to put that right with this award ceremony and celebrate all the good that people do in the Street and Glastonbury area.” To make a nomination, fill in the form below or make an online nomination at www.alexmaine.com before midnight on Wednesday, January 14. All nominations will be treated in the strictest confidence, with the award ceremony being held in Glastonbury Town Hall on Friday, March 6. Singers, dancers and musicians interested in performing at the presentation, or businesses interested in sponsoring the programme, can also contact Alex through his website.