Adam Whitehead - January winner

This Award is presented to Adam Whitehead for his great skills so brilliantly displayed in the swimming pool at the Commonwealth Games in Manchester in the year 2002.

His achievements were tremendous. He collected Silver medals in the Men's 100m Breaststroke, and the Men's 4x100m Medley (Relay), but of course his crowning glory was to win the Gold medal in the Men's 100m Breaststroke.

His success has brought personal reward but, in addition, the people of Coventry are justifiably cheered by his performances and take pride in his promotion of the city.

Marlon Devonish - February winner

This award is presented to Marlon Devonish for the credit that he brought to the city during the year 2002.

His success as a sprinter on the athletic tracks at both the Commonwealth Games in Manchester and the European Championships was fantastic. At the former he won the Silver Medal in the Men's 200 Metres and was a member of the team which took Gold in the 4 x 100 Metres Relay.

At the latter he followed up with a Bronze Medal in the 200 Metres and once again secured the Gold Medal in the 4 x 100 Metres Relay.

His achievements have thrilled the city and the people of Coventry are justly proud of his golden triumphs.

Miss Maureen Cooper - July winner

This award is presented to Miss Maureen Cooper who is about to complete 40 years' unbroken service as a teacher at Cardinal Wiseman School in Coventry.

She joined the then girls' school in September 1963 and mainly has been responsible for the teaching of French to countless Coventry children at various levels. She has also devoted her energy and enthusiasm to many extra school activities, such as the supervision of the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme within the school, the raising of considerable funds for charity and the organising of community programmes so pupils can be encouraged to help others on a voluntary basis at primary schools, in hospitals and homes for the elderly.

Miss Cooper is recognised by her headmaster, her colleagues and pupils as someone whose contribution over many years has been outstanding and very special.

Mrs Vi Randle - September winner

This award was presented to Mrs Violet Randle who, for over 20 years, has run a small playgroup in the Gilbert Richards Centre in Earlsdon.

Her devotion to the children, many of whom are from less fortunate families, is exemplary. She provides the support which is needed and takes personal responsibility for the raising of the essential running costs.

Her reward is the gratitude of the parents, the children and, perhaps more poignantly, those former pupils who have now reached adulthood.

Such has been the impact upon their lives she is sometimes referred to as "my other mum".

Christine Butler - December winner

During January and February 2003 a series of robberies took place in various parts of the city.

The victims were ladies who were in their 70s and 80s. Some of them were frail, and all were vulnerable. The robberies took various forms and included not only the threat, but also the use of actual violence. The robber might be free today had it not been for the public-spirited actions of two ladies, then unknown to each other, who became involved on separate occasions.

They were able to give help which, taken together, led to the arrest of the robber who later pleaded guilty and was sentenced to a lengthy term of imprisonment.

Christine Butler was walking in Radford Road on 13 January 2003 at about 9.30am when she heard a female voice scream. She saw a man running towards her carrying an object under his jumper.
She saw the man get into the driving seat of a car that had been parked with the door open and the engine running. The car sped off but not before Christine had been able to take part of the registration number.

She helped the victim and reported what she had seen to the police. Later Christine attended an identification parade, identified the robber and made a statement to the police.

Irene McGivern - December winner

During January and February 2003 a series of robberies took place in various parts of the city.

The victims were ladies who were in their 70s and 80s. Some of them were frail, and all were vulnerable. The robberies took various forms and included not only the threat, but also the use of actual violence. The robber might be free today had it not been for the public-spirited actions of two ladies, then unknown to each other, who became involved on separate occasions.

They were able to give help which, taken together, led to the arrest of the robber who later pleaded guilty and was sentenced to a lengthy term of imprisonment.

Irene McGivern was in Cheylesmore at about 11.45am on 11 February 2003. She saw a man in the process of robbing her neighbour. Irene McGivern shouted at him in an effort to protect her neighbour, at which the robber ran towards her, struggled with her, and grabbed her own bag.

To defend herself she began hitting the robber with her umbrella. He ran off, but although frightened and also very angry, Irene chased after him and saw him get into the driving seat of a car.

She took the registration number and reported the matter to the police, which led to the arrest of the robber.