Friday 11^th November saw members of The Usual Place attend the 2022 DG Life Awards to support Sarah Cronie, who had been nominated as Young Community Champion.

Sandra McGrath, Laura Wells and Abbey Thomson joined Sarah, alongside her friends and family, at the event.

Attendees were welcomed into the historic Easterbrook Hall by a piper in full regalia.  After entering through the glass double doors and walking down the hall, everyone was welcomed into the Duncan Rooms to mingle and grab a drink of juice, prosecco, or beer.

Once settled into their fine welcome, attendees then followed the piper to the Main Hall – as ever splendidly decorated in purple, blue and silver, thanks to the hard work of the Wedding and Events Team at Easterbrook Hall.

After a few photo opportunities, and a beautiful speech from the Editor of DG Life, Andrea Thompson, it was time for dinner.  Attendees enjoyed an extravagant three-course meal consisting of delectable Smoked Chicken Breast, Beef Bourguignon, and Chocolate Torte.

After everyone had been fed and watered, it was time for the Awards Ceremony, which was also being streamed live to a global audience, to get underway.

Sarah, and those accompanying her, watched the beginning of the ceremony with interest, celebrating the fantastic nominees and winners.  We could not envy the judges with the decisions they had to make – especially when we were told that 400 nominations had been sorted through in advance of the night.

Though enjoying the show, and the positive stories and messages from the wonderful communities of Dumfries and Galloway, Sarah’s nomination was on our minds as it grew closer to the announcement of the winner of the Young Community Champion category.

Eventually, the time came and we heard from all three finalists from all the nominations in this category.

We heard the story of Beth Wright Hall, a dedicated volunteer at just 12 years old, and of Nadia Baines who volunteers across Dumfries and Galloway.

Sarah’s story, those from The Usual Place knew well, of her time as a young carer, how her confidence has increased and how she has used her skills and lived experience to support other young people with her role as mentor within The Usual Place, was also told.

Despite the fierce competition, Sarah’s name was announced as the winner – our table erupted with cheers!  (The rest of the tables in the hall were not long in following).

As Sarah made her way to the stage to collect her well-earned award, there were plenty of smiles and teary eyes among us.

The rest of the evening passed by with a palpable buzz for our Young Community Champion – as we heard and applauded other amazing and inspirational stories of the people who make Dumfries & Galloway the wonderful place that it is.

The night ended with many more photo opportunities, from DG Life’s professional photographer to amateur’s among the attendees – including those from The Usual Place.

While tired, Sarah was able to keep a smile on her face through all of the fanfare!

Some of the pictures taken by The Usual Place can be seen in the photo gallery below, and be sure to look out for some others in the next edition of DG Life.

Well done to all the nominees, finalists and winners!