The Best of South Tyneside Awards 2024 took place on Thursday, June 20 at Clarion Hotel, Boldon. Individuals and businesses of South Tyneside were in attendance at the awards ceremony, which was hosted by radio presenter Chris Felton.
Chris Felton provided the audience with moving commentary, highlighting the outstanding work and lives of all that were nominated for an award. 15-year-old Keris Finn was the guest singer for the evening.
The official charity partners for Best of South Tyneside Awards 2024 were Billy’s Lifeline and The People’s Angels with £658.70 raised for both charities through a raffle, with prizes kindly donated by Barbour, Westoe Travel, Marina Vista Restaurant and Mio’s.
Headline sponsors for the Best of South Tyneside Awards 2024 included; South Tyneside Council, South Tyneside College, Barbour, Karbon Homes, Tivoli, Key Subject Tuition, Siemens, ISR Laser Cleaning, Jam Prints and Marketing, Mio’s and Tyneside Home Improvements.
Best of South Tyneside Awards 2024 celebrated the achievements of South Tyneside businesses, communities and individuals who within their work have made an inspirational difference to our hometown and the community, including all nominees as well as winners.
Editor of Shields Gazette and NewcastleWorld, Liam Kennedy said of the Best of South Tyneside 2024 Awards: “What an amazing evening, and congratulations to all of the winners of the categories. Your stories and achievements are something to behold, and it is our pleasure to shine a light on the amazing that goes on, often unseen, in the region we know and love. We live in this fantastic area of South Tyneside - and events like this show just how amazing the people living in it actually are.”
The official charity partners for Best of South Tyneside Awards 2024 were Billy’s Lifeline and The People’s Angels with £658.70 raised for both charities through a raffle, with prizes kindly donated by Barbour, Westoe Travel, Marina Vista Restaurant and Mio’s.
![Penny Simpson was the winner of the Young Performer of the Year Award, which recognises the talent and showmanship of young people in the borough. Penny has shown excellence, talent, dedication and community contribution within her outstanding work as a performer. Accepting the award on the behalf of Penny was her media studies and school show director at Harton Academy, Mr Ward, who said: “She’s a wonderfully talented person. Her singing is exceptional and she can also dance and act. She’s an all-rounder and so committed.”](https://s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/jpim-static/2024/06/21/15/09/Penny-Simpson.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=800)
9. Young Performer of the Year Award
Penny Simpson was the winner of the Young Performer of the Year Award, which recognises the talent and showmanship of young people in the borough. Penny has shown excellence, talent, dedication and community contribution within her outstanding work as a performer. Accepting the award on the behalf of Penny was her media studies and school show director at Harton Academy, Mr Ward, who said: “She’s a wonderfully talented person. Her singing is exceptional and she can also dance and act. She’s an all-rounder and so committed.” | Ian
![The Lifetime Achievement Award which was announced on the night of the award ceremony celebrates a South Tyneside individual who has been actively involved in the community for 25 years or more. The winner was Eddie Czestochowski, who is the founding member of the Advanced Manufacturing Forum “Chess For All” programme. Eddie said of his win: “I feel really over the moon and I can’t really believe it to be honest. I play chess every Saturday morning at The Word, and it’s something that has kept me going throughout my career.”](https://s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/jpim-static/2024/06/21/15/46/Lifetime-Achievement.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=800)
10. Lifetime Achievement Award
The Lifetime Achievement Award which was announced on the night of the award ceremony celebrates a South Tyneside individual who has been actively involved in the community for 25 years or more. The winner was Eddie Czestochowski, who is the founding member of the Advanced Manufacturing Forum “Chess For All” programme. Eddie said of his win: “I feel really over the moon and I can’t really believe it to be honest. I play chess every Saturday morning at The Word, and it’s something that has kept me going throughout my career.” | Ian
![The Unsung Hero Award was won by Wayne Groves, who launched The Red Bench Project in South Tyneside to support residents with their mental health, as well as suicide prevention. Wayne is also a key figure in A Step Forward, a men’s mental health group in the borough. Wayne said: “I set up The Red Bench Project because I’ve been the person on both sides of the bench. If I can use my issues and problems to help someone else then it’s worth it.”](https://s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/jpim-static/2024/06/21/15/25/Unsung-Hero.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=800)
11. Unsung Hero Award
The Unsung Hero Award was won by Wayne Groves, who launched The Red Bench Project in South Tyneside to support residents with their mental health, as well as suicide prevention. Wayne is also a key figure in A Step Forward, a men’s mental health group in the borough. Wayne said: “I set up The Red Bench Project because I’ve been the person on both sides of the bench. If I can use my issues and problems to help someone else then it’s worth it.” | Ian
![Stan Yanetta was the winner of the Fundraiser of The Year Award, which recognises community fundraisers in South Tyneside. Stan has fundraised for local charitable organisations for many years, showing generosity and acts of kindness. Stan said of his win: “I didn’t expect it to be honest, I’m shocked.” Stan’s friend and fellow fundraiser added: “We’ve raised tens of thousands for different charities all close to our hearts.”](https://s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/jpim-static/2024/06/21/15/15/Fundraiser.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=800)
12. Fundraiser of the Year Award
Stan Yanetta was the winner of the Fundraiser of The Year Award, which recognises community fundraisers in South Tyneside. Stan has fundraised for local charitable organisations for many years, showing generosity and acts of kindness. Stan said of his win: “I didn’t expect it to be honest, I’m shocked.” Stan’s friend and fellow fundraiser added: “We’ve raised tens of thousands for different charities all close to our hearts.” | Ian