Goalden Globe Awards 2008

For one night only, netballers swapped their bibs for ball gowns to celebrate the tremendous work done by volunteers in the sport. England Netball's fourth annual Goalden Globe Awards took place in September 2008 at the Heritage Motor Centre in Warwickshire, against a glittering backdrop.

Twenty-two accolades were presented, including 13 Long Service Awards and two Life Memberships. Two new faces were inducted into the Hall of Fame, and England Netball's new President was introduced.

Phyllis Avery, who was Vice President of England Netball for three years before being appointed as President in 2004, retired from her role at the event, handing the reins over to Barbara Bishop. For her years of loyal and unstinting service to England Netball, Phyllis was honoured with a Life Membership. “I have thoroughly enjoyed being President of England Netball, as I felt it was a way of contributing something to the sport,” said Phyllis. “As president, I have had the opportunity to meet and encourage England Netball volunteers, who are a tremendously dedicated bunch. I would like to wish my successor, Barbara, the very best of luck for the future.”

One of the most emotive awards of the evening was the Honorary Life Membership award, presented posthumously to Christine Harpham for her exceptional service to England Netball at national level. As well as sitting on the board of directors, Christine was heavily involved with one of the largest clubs in Suffolk, Christchurch Ladies, where she worked with key people to gain Gold CAPS accreditation and the Sport England Clubmark. Her numerous achievements and roles included membership to the National Council, the Membership Committee and England Netball’s Board of Directors. Christine had also been Chairman of the East Region since 1990. There to pick up Christine’s award was her brother, Eric Harpham.

Amongst other winners was Tina Owen, rewarded for her outstanding contribution to the development of disability netball with the Rose Award. Since founding Shrewsbury Wheelchair Netball in 2005, Tina has raised a staggering £17,000 to fund specialised sports chairs and the weekly use of the sports facilities for the players. The dedicated volunteer has also set up a lunchtime club at Severndale Special School. On both a regional and national level, Tina has adapted England Netball rules for wheelchair users. Tina said: “I am thrilled to have won, especially since there are so many people involved in netball who give so much to the sport. It’s fantastic to be involved this evening, as this event brings us all together to celebrate a sport that we are all so dedicated to.”

Two new introductions to the England Netball Hall of Fame were former England captain, Amanda Newton, and Janet Wrighton MBE. Amanda was appointed captain in 2006 and led the team with great success, including victory over New Zealand for the first time since 1975. Janet was recognised for her work as a volunteer at local, county, regional, national and international level spanning over 40 years. Phyllis Avery, presenting Janet with the award, said: “Her service to netball was recognised in the Queen’s New Year Honours list, an honour which was very much deserved. The officers and everyone, I am sure, at England Netball, would like to congratulate her on her achievements and thank her for her many years service.”

Cherry Harding, head of netball at Beaconsfield High School in Buckinghamshire won the Netball Teacher of the Year Award for her outstanding contribution to the development of netball outside her statutory teaching responsibilities. Over 160 girls play the game at the school and Cherry encourages pupils of all abilities to get involved in the sport, regardless of their ability, at lunchtimes and at after school sessions. Many of her pupils have gone on to England trials and continue to play the sport into their adult lives.

The Muriel McNally Award was received by Doreen Willcocks, a volunteer who has made a notable contribution at a grassroots level. A founder of Pinehurst Netball Club in Wiltshire, the dedicated volunteer has spent 63 years working tirelessly as a player, coach, organiser, trainer and secretary at the club. Pinehurst became the top club in the area, producing players of international standards.

Coach of the Year was awarded to Maggie Jackson, coach at Mavericks and Grangers Netball Club. Under Maggie's guidance, Mavericks took the 2007-08 The Co-operative Netball Superleague title, and her season was capped off with the league's Coach of the Year award. Despite her success at the elite level, Maggie continues to coach grassroots players and volunteers by coaching in local schools.

The award for Young Volunteer of the Year went to Emma Groundwater of the West London Junior Netball League. Over the past two seasons, the 18 year old has coached the U12 and U16 teams and also carries out extra duties in her free time and is an elected member of the West London Junior League Committee.

The Long Service Award was taken home by 13 volunteers who have all made a notable contribution to the development of netball willingly and selflessly for over 25 years. This year's recipients were Norma Ashcroft, Gill Barradell, Sue Blackshaw, Barbara Brown, June Bryne, Fiona Cashmore, Jean Gall, Di Hickinbotham, Barry Knee, Daphne Payne, Kathryn Pemberton, Jackie Royall and Doreen Willcocks.

Chief Executive of England Netball, Paul Clark, said: “Like many sports in this country, netball relies heavily on its volunteer workforce at all levels of the game and we are extremely lucky to have some of the most committed and passionate in the business. The Goalden Globe Awards is a chance for us to show our appreciation, say thank you to all of them, and to look forward to many more years of working together to grow and develop netball.”

Before the event closed there was one last treat in store. Singers from Incognito Artists, who had posed as waiters and technical support throughout the evening, serenaded England Netball's new President, Barbara Bishop, and had the audience on their feet with a Queen medley to conclude a memorable evening.

Special thanks go to the title sponsor Prunes from California and the award sponsors: Mercers, Netball UK, Ball Hall, Team Colours, Mitre and Harrod UK.