The Town Council Merit Awards are presented annually to members of the public who, in the opinion of the Council, have made a significant contribution to the town and the townsfolk. This could be through a combination of a number of factors involving the promotion of the town, enhancing its reputation, initiatives to improve quality of life for residents or a sustained contribution to a particular issue, which has wide reaching benefits for Littlehampton.
Mrs. Betty Beaton: in recognition of nearly 60 years of dedication to the 5th Littlehampton Scouts and the Scout Fellowship which she is still doing today at 86 years. Mrs Beaton’s hard work has been invaluable in fundraising for the Scouts.
Michelle Bly: in recognition of more than 10 years of service to the Community and fundraising in Wick & Littlehampton. Michelle runs the Flower Shop in Wick and with her team they regularly support community activities including many fundraising events, this year alone £1,400 have been raised for good causes. Michelle spends a lot of her time helping at Wick events throughout the year.
Littlehampton & Wick Friends of St Barnabas House: in recognition of their 25 years of dedication to St Barnabas House through fundraising and long-standing support. The group are celebrating 25 years of fundraising and awareness-raising this year. Ably led by founder member Gladys Bourne, this group of volunteers has raised over £152,000 for the hospice since they formed. The group organise their own events, which include a weekly line dancing session and their popular Friendship Club held every other Wednesday at Littlehampton United Church Hall.
Stage Door Theatre Company: for over 20 years of performances for residents and visitors to the Town. Stage Door Theatre Company was formed in 1997 under the chairmanship of Mike Gearing to bring together amateur dramatics and offer the Town performing comedy, straight plays and farces, as well as an annual musical for the residents of the town to enjoy. Their first production was the musical “Annie Get Your Gun” and November 2018 saw the society reach its 21st anniversary with a production of the musical “Oliver” which performed to sell out houses and see's the society go from strength to strength under its current chairman Alan Moss.
Sussex Tornados: for over 20 years of service to the Town through their commitment to Cheerleading and support to the Community. Another community group in it’s 21st year, Sussex Tornados, are a completely voluntary run cheerleading programme providing a facility for children and young people with more than 100 members. Over the years the group have competed across the UK and internationally including Florida, in the USA. They have also taken part in television appearances including ITV1s “Let's Get Gold” in 2012. In addition to physical fitness the team encourage a “family” ethos and support and encourage the development of the children by fundraising and participating in local events.
Past winners from 1989 to 2018 are listed here.