01-05-2025
Dudley's unsung heroes celebrated at Mayor's ball and civic awards
DUDLEY'S unsung heroes from the world of sport, business, environment, arts, community, and education were celebrated at a charity ball.
The Mayor's ball and civic awards 2025 took place in front of more than 200 people at the Copthorne Hotel in Brierley Hill on Friday night.
The evening, sponsored by Jewson and Brsk, raised thousands of pounds for three charities – Access in Dudley, Diabetes UK and Friends of Dudley Performing Arts.
But it was also an opportunity to celebrate the winners of the annual civic awards, split into seven categories.
These included the YOU West Midlands Youth Award, set up to recognise young people in the borough in honour of Ben Corfield, which was presented to Finley Stevens.
Ben was an active volunteer in the community until tragically losing his life in 2022, aged just 19.
Finley has battled back from a rare condition which put him in hospital and intensive care to raise more than £2,500 for the people who helped look after him and his family while he was in there.
The Flower Cottage won the Thomas Attwood Award for Education for its innovative approach to pre-school care, putting on personalised Spanish lessons, visits to care homes and much more.
The Duncan Edwards Award for Sport went to Dudley Council's Bikeability team, which teaches people of all ages across the borough but particularly children in schools to learn how to cycle.
Unsung community lynchpin Dave Brownhill was the winner of the Frank Foley Award for Community Spirit. He has played a leading role behind the scenes in the establishment of both Black Country Radio and the Black Country Festival.
Councillor Hilary Bills, the Mayor of Dudley, said that it was an absolute privilege to meet the winners and runners-up on the night and find out more about what they do.
