Alan in line for Champion honour

Salvation Army volunteer Alan Olver is the latest worthy citizen to be nominated for a Telford Champion award.

The Shropshire Star is looking for people who have made an important contribution to the town as part of Telford’s 40th birthday celebrations.

Alan gave up his job to start the Kip Project in Oakengates, offering support to homeless people. He has also started a gift shop in Wellington to boost the project’s funds.

Brenda Byatt of Stirchley, who nominated Mr Olver, said: “Alan has worked hard for years to raise funds, collect food, clothing and camping gear, and to help solve accommodation and dole problems for them. His wife has worked and supported him throughout.”

He joins a diverse list of worthy Telford citizens whose names have been put forward, including rising judo star Gemma Howell, the “founding father” of Telford, Lord Northfield, long-serving town crier Percy Simmonds, and former Star Woman of the Year winner Pearl Maiden.

Judges will soon sit down to choose our 40 Telford Champions, who will be invited to a champagne presentation night at Telford Shopping Centre on December 9, and given commemorative trophies.

Who do you think should be included on the list? If you know someone who you feel has made a decisive contribution to Telford and its people we want to hear about them. The search is still on… but time is running out for you to have your say.

HOW TO MAKE A NOMINATION: Send an e-mail to promotions@shropshirestar.co.uk, clearly marked “Telford Champions” in the subject line.

Remember to send us the full name, address and daytime telephone number for your nomination and add your name and contact telephone number too.

And tell us why your nominee deserves to be considered for an award.

I am delighted that Alan has been put forward,he has worked for people out of a sense of duty. I hope he is not going to be outvoted in favour of a judo champion or a former chairman of the TDC who has been abroad for decades and,by the way,was not a founder father of Telford good though he was at his well paid job.Anyway cobblers to it.

I've been thinking. As I tend to do.Obviously J.F. is unlikely to be considered I suggest Hoop's wife Lady Hoop, and,or, his delightful business partner(and that is all folks,afterall she is also a lady ).These delightful ladies must be considered in light of the fact that each has had to put up with him for many years.

I would say how many years but that might give the impression that they have free bus passes rather than golden carriages. However, it might be worthwhile to nominate me.I will give a good speech and will have lots of stories to tell on the award night. SO...GIVE IT A SHOUT FOR COBBLER!

I hope Alan does get an award for what he does, I also feel that a positive spin off would be to raise the awareness of those that are Non Statutory Homeless.