Awards for the people who help make Alcester ‘so special’

The 17-year-old, who had open heart surgery as a baby and has been diagnosed with autism, dyslexia, dyspraxia, dysgraphia and ADHD, achieved his dream job despite earlier in his life being bullied for his autism.

“It makes me feel proud that people believe I deserve the award”, he said and added that the formal recognition had improved his self-belief and confidence.

Nasta, who has run a grocery shop with his wife Amandeep on Alcester High Street since 2005, told the Herald it was a big surprise to get the business award.

“We sponsor almost everything in Alcester – Alcester in Bloom, pancake races, big breakfast, the football club, if anybody comes in and asks for help, we support them,” he said.

His son Jeevan, who recently started working in the shop, added: “I love it here and am so proud of seeing what my parents have achieved. It’s nice to see that their efforts have been recognised and that everyone has noticed how hard they work and how much they do for the community.”

The evening also included awards for Community Organisation of the Year, which was won by Alcester Repair Café, Citizen of the Year, given to Marcus Bennett for his volunteering, and a Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to a stalwart of the Alcester Musical Theatre Company (AMTC), Cynthia Hill, a member for 60 years.

The repair café, which was set up in 2017, has a group of volunteers who fix a range of items, from small electrical goods and textiles to bikes, toys and much more.

The café also provides a friendly atmosphere and an opportunity to learn new skills or pass those skills onto others.

Cllr Mark Cargill, who is one of the regular fixers, said: “The café and its marvellous volunteers have been recognised in the past for its achievements, but to receive such a prestigious award from the town in which it resides is doubly special.

“The café goes from strength to strength and long may that continue.”

Citizen of the Year, Marcus Bennett, has been volunteering with town council initiatives since 2018. He started helping at the computer group but soon volunteered at Alcester Repair Café, Community Shed, Crafty Lunch Club, community fridge, and Christmas dinner.

His citation read: ‘Marcus is an amazing volunteer. He is kind, knowledgeable, sensitive, considerate and one hundred per cent committed to the task at hand.’

Marcus told the Herald the award was a “wonderful surprise” and added: “It’s lovely to have some recognition for effort I put in. It’s a lot of hard work but worth it and very fulfilling.”

Having previously spent many years living abroad with his partner, Marcus only moved back to England six years ago.

As well as performing, Cynthia has played a leading part in the AMTC committee for most of her 60-year membership, acting as chair or vice-chair.

The only surviving founder member, she has overseen ticket sales for more than 40 years, worked the front of house, and overseen the group’s large collection of costumes.

Remarkable, she has only missed one show, which was when her husband, John, was high bailiff.

“I just couldn’t believe what they were saying [when they called out my name for the award], it was completely out of the blue,” she said.

The evening was hosted by Alcester Town Council at the Grieg Hall on Friday (19th January) in front of 120 people, including the Marquess of Herford and representatives of the town’s community groups and businesses.

Mayor Cllr Vaughan Blake said: “It was a fantastic opportunity to showcase the best of Alcester, its residents, organisations and businesses. It certainly highlights the wonderful community spirit which is what makes Alcester so special.”