Winners crowned at St Helens and Tourism Leisure Awards (From St Helens Star)

Winners crowned at St Helens and Tourism Leisure Awards

3:00pm Thursday 4th February 2010

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IT was a real Dream of a night for former pitman Gary Conley who stepped up to receive the prestigious St Helens Ambassador award for his efforts in helping prepare the ‘birth’ of our town’s iconic sculpture.

Gary received his award at a packed Tourism and Leisure awards held at Haydock Park Racecourse on Friday.

The 55-year-old from Haydock was the lead spokesperson of a group of ex-miners from Sutton Manor Colliery, who were key in bringing the striking sculpture to the town.

Describing the honour as overwhelming, Gary said: “When we set out on this journey it was never my intention to win awards or make financial gain. It was just to put back something into the community, I work in, grew up in and love.

“From where we set out, to where we are now, it’s nothing short of a miracle what has been achieved in a small northern town. We succeeded where places such as London, Belfast and Sheffield failed. My role was to go out and sell this wonderful story, but behind me I had a dream team. Just like playing for Saints, you are only as good as the people around you and we had a brilliant team.

“I will treasure this award for as long as I live.”

Gary also paid tribute to his mining chums and his wife, who he told the audience had seen him change from collier into an ‘arts buff’.

A total of 12 awards were presented, selected by a panel of independent judges and covering a wide range of categories from Team of the Year to Unseen Hero.

Council leader Brian Spencer set the scene for the event by praising the transformation St Helens has seen in recent years in this sector, which is having a striking impact on the local economy.

A short film created by local media outfit Zut Media then gave a flavour of what St Helens has to offer.

Haydock Park Racecourse scored a double victory with awards for Most Outstanding Young Person, Eleanor Senior and Team of the Year, Haydock Park Racecourse – Operations Team.

Tourism/Leisure Entrepreneur of the Year was won by Glenn Turner with the highly acclaimed NW National Golf and CountryClub.

Keynote speaker was Rod Holmes, chair of the Mersey Partnership who told the audience how his attention is grabbed by Dream every time he drives past on the motorway.

Mr Holmes spoke about the crucial importance of the tourism and leisure sector for St Helens and the region as a whole and emphasised the power of making a favourable impressions on visitors.

Haydock Park boss Dickon White, who is also Chair of the Tourism and Leisure Business Network, said: “Congratulations to the winners and all the nominees of these very well deserved awards. Without the commitment of all those who are involved in tourism and leisure in St Helens we would not be where we are today – enjoying a reputation as a North West visitor destination of choice.”

• Most Welcoming Receptionist (sponsored by The Mersey Partnership) Emma Carter-Leigh – Renaissance Skincare & Beauty
• Most Helpful Retail Assistant (sponsored by The World of Glass) Valerie Park-Funnel – Marks & Spencer
• Most Professional Sports and Leisure Person (sponsored by Central Training) Colin Pownall – St Helens Council
• Most Professional Bar Person (sponsored by St Helens Star) Elaine Tabern – Houghwood Golf
• Most Professional Waiter / Waitress (sponsored by The Citadel Arts Centre) Joshua Cieslar – Thistle Haydock
• The Unseen Hero (sponsored by Knowsley Safari Park) Beryl Hendley – Ramada Encore Haydock
• Team of the Year (sponsored by St Helens Rugby League Football Club) Haydock Park Racecourse – Operations Team
• Most Supportive Tourism/Leisure Manager or Supervisor (sponsored by Merseytravel) Sue Dootson – Thistle Haydock
• Tourism/Leisure Entrepreneur of the Year (sponsored by St Helens Chamber) Glenn Turner – NW National Golf & Country Club
• Outstanding Young Person (sponsored by Houghwood Golf) Eleanor Senior – Haydock Park Racecourse
• Chef of the Year (sponsored by St Helens College) Mark Brown – Houghwood Golf
• 2009 St Helens Ambassador (sponsored by St Helens Council) Gary Conley

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