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Charlie commits himself to a whole summer of enabling the children of Overton to swim, every day except Sunday! He leads and organises a great team of volunteers who provide the children with the opportunity for enjoyment, learning how to swim and reaching their potential. Many, many children achieve a higher level every summer, including my three children - Thank you Charlie
Charlie commits himself to a whole summer of enabling the children of Overton to swim, every day except Sunday! He leads and organises a great team of volunteers who provide the children with the opportunity for enjoyment, learning how to swim and reaching their potential. Many, many children achieve a higher level every summer, including my three children - Thank you Charlie
Charlie commits himself to a whole summer of enabling the children of Overton to swim, every day except Sunday! He leads and organises a great team of volunteers who provide the children with the opportunity for enjoyment, learning how to swim and reaching their potential. Many, many children achieve a higher level every summer, including my three children - Thank you Charlie
Charlie commits himself to a whole summer of enabling the children of Overton to swim, every day except Sunday! He leads and organises a great team of volunteers who provide the children with the opportunity for enjoyment, learning how to swim and reaching their potential. Many, many children achieve a higher level every summer, including my three children - Thank you Charlie
Although some would beg to differ, swimming is such an important 'Life Skill'. Not only is it fun and a great form of exercise, but it can save lives too.
Overton is so very lucky to have someone so dedicated and committed to helping children (and adults!) learn to swim. Without Charlie there would be an awful lot of youngsters in the village who may never have had the opportunity to learn to swim ~ and indeed have so much fun doing it!
You are one in a million Charlie and truly deserve this award :)
No one could be more deserving of this award than Charlie. Verging on 30 I still bore less privileged friends with my stories of summer holidays spent up at the pool, all day Saturdays and every evening - even for the awards training the trek up the hill was never a chore! And it is thanks to Charlie's generous personality and endless committment that future generations now benefit from this too. I don't think I know anyone more dedicated to a cause that directly benefits so many people. I also don't think I've ever said a proper thank you, so Charlie, thank you. You're fantastic.
Charlie has taught three generations in our family and more than deserves this, good luck xxx
Charlie has taught three generations in our family and more than deserves this, good luck xxx
Charlie taught me and my sisters to swim. The pool wouldn't be the same without him. He has taught so many children the gift of being able to swim. Good luck Charlie x
Charlie 'one length and out' Thorn is a fantastic member of the local community and has given his time freely over his lifetime to run various activities to its benefit. Best known for his untiring work providing the swimming pool facility and swimming coaching, Charlie has also been key in running playschemes and archery provision. As Amy says, Charlie epitomises the Olympic theme of 'inspiring a generation' and it seems fitting that he should receive this recognition at this time. As a kid, I remember Charlie helping me enjoy the water and the fun we had at summer playschemes! It's great to see the next generations also benefitting from Charlie's charity. You're a winner in Overton anyway, Charlie, but wider recognition is always nice too! We were disappointed when you just missed out on the BBC Local Sports Personality Award in London last year - fingers crossed for this one! Lauren :-)
Charlie has helped so many children learn to swim and gain confidence in the water. He is there come wind or shine, and has given so many of us so many happy memories
Charlie has helped so many children learn to swim and gain confidence in the water. He is there come wind or shine, and has given so many of us so many happy memories
Charlie has helped so many children learn to swim and gain confidence in the water. He is there come wind or shine, and has given so many of us so many happy memories
Roy Dykes - for persevering through 16 years of inaction by government civil service, MoD, ministers and MPs in order to get them to (finally!) acknowledge the sacrifice and bravery of his fellow veterans with a distinct medal. He is well deserving of this award for that alone. But more than that: he and his veterans provided a vital service during WWII in the most harrowing of conditions.
~Andrew~
Street Pastors, these people are so important! I myself, was found face down unconscious, with a massive gash in my head by a street pastor, she gave me basic 1st aid after calling an ambulance.
How long could I have been there if I wasn't found!!!!
THANK YOU.
Charlie taught me to swim when I was 40 I can now play about with my grankids in the sea ,thank you charlie
Charlie taught me to swim when I was 40 I can now play about with my grankids in the sea ,thank you charlie
Roy is truly a hero. Not only has he campaigned tirelessly against Ministry of Defence obstruction for this worthy and deserved recognition for the heroes of the Arctic convoys, but during his wartime service he was directly involved in the sinking of a U-boat whilst his ship was protecting our merchant ships during the Battle of the Atlantic.
If you are reading this and havent made up your mind who to vote for I urge you to vote for Roy.
Street Pastors a wonderful group of people who man the steets of Basingstoke every Weekend no matter what the weather is like to make sure our young people are safe as they leave the njght clubs.
Charlie has always been there for all the kids teaching them to swim ! Wonderful man & we are all so grateful to him and everyone loves him dearly ! Good luck & thank you Charlie .
I never knew you had so much patience Charlie! The village would be lost without you and Brenda giving up so much of your time. Thank you so much, you deserve this award.
Charlie you are an amazing man and I have many happy memories of years spent with you cheering us on as we achieved each certificate. Thanks so much for ur hard work and dedication. Good luck. Xxx
Charlie does amazing work, giving up so much of his time to provide the village with such a great facility for the children. He is outstanding and a one-off.
Charlie does amazing work, giving up so much of his time to provide the village with such a great facility for the children. He is outstanding and a one-off.
Good luck Charlie,and thank you for all the time you dedicated to us! I have very fond memories of spending the whole summer at the pool, what a fantastic place to grow up how lucky we all are x
I have known Charlie for a long time and I have supported him along with many others with the great work, time, dedication and energy that he effortlessly puts in. Both my daughters learnt to swim with him and now my grandchildren are doing the same. I don't know where we would all be without Charlie and our lovely swimming pool, so much fun has been had by all. Keep up the good work Charlie, we all love you dearly, you are just fantastic.
I see from first hand just how much effort goes in to the co-ordination and preparation involved with Basingstoke street pastors and they truely do deserve this award. They are a great, friendly and caring bunch of people and have made the world of difference to the night life in town. Well done street pastors.
Charlie is such an honest and genuine guy, he has dedicated his time for years to teach generations of families to swim including members of our family. He is also an excellent handyman and has also been known to make an appearance as Santa in the schools at Christmas too!! Go Charlie, you deserve all the praise you get!!
A really wonderful, kind and lovable man, who deserves all the credit for all that he does, he's changed so many lives and asks nothing in return, we should all take a leap out of his book. A real insiration! Good luck Charlie!
Charlie you and all the helpers give up so much of your time for the pool so all Overton children can enjoy it. Well done you deserve this x
I hate to say that I am in my 40's now but when I was 9 Charlie changed my world by giving me the confidence to swim. I went on to get my 3 mile swimming certificate from Charlie not many years later. He also taught my brother, sister and mum to swim. What he has done to encourage children wanting to swim in Overton is truly amazing and he throughly deserves to be recognised. Well done Charlie!
I hate to say that I am in my 40's now but when I was 9 Charlie changed my world by giving me the confidence to swim. I went on to get my 3 mile swimming certificate from Charlie not many years later. He also taught my brother, sister and mum to swim. What he has done to encourage children wanting to swim in Overton is truly amazing and he throughly deserves to be recognised. Well done Charlie!
WE NEED MORE PEOPLE LIKE YOU IN OUR TOWN
Having known Charlie for well over 30 years…..I have seen him go from being a ‘stranger’ to the village to being known as Charlie from Overton. The time and effort he has spent over the years listening, helping and teaching people of all ages in the village is truly wonderful…..nothing is ever too much trouble.
Recognition is well deserved and long overdue….thank you so much.
All together now …….Kick! Kick! Kick!
These guys do an incredible job, putting the interests of others before themselves on a regular basis, doing it for People they may never see again
Charlie has dedicated much of his adult life to the village of Overton, not only the swimming club, but also archery, play schemes and much, much more! His drive and ambition is truly inspiring and he epitomises the Olympic slogan "inspire a generation". His efforts have benefited thousands of local people, through learning sports and through his tireless work in raising money for local charities! You're a true legend Charlie! Thank you and good luck!! Xx
All the time that Charlie gives to so may families makes him a winner in our book! Giving his time to enable families to have fun and learn such a vital life skill makes him a real hero! Well done Charlie.
Gratitude to all the street pastors for their love and support to our youngsters youngsters and most vulnerable.Your dedication and hard work are a great assets to our community.Thank you,thank you,thank you.You deserve this Honor.
How truly lucky Overton children , parents and grandchildren are to have such an asset as Charlie Thorn. in our village. Several generations of children have benefited from his dedication, support and encouragement at the swimming pool. Thank you on behalf of the residents of Overton, Charlie, we are so very fortunate in having such a treasure . you so deserve to win this award .
Great to recognise the work of the Street Pastors. Christians out in society doing good.
Charlie has been a real trouper for the Overton children, he is at the pool come sun or rain and is a legend. There are so many behind the scenes issues that he also has to contend with. Vote for Charlie.
Lorraine
I visit Basingstoke often and the Street Pastors do a brilliant job!
So much time and energy given up to teach children a life saving skill - thank you Charlie.
Amazing volunteers, giving their time, after hours when most people are tucked up in there warm beds, taking care and looking out for the welfare of the vulnerable on our streets at night, Bless them!
The street pastores are a credit to the town and keep so many young people safe in the late hours when under the influence. I don't know how we survived without them.
The Basingstoke Street Pastors are an amazing group of people and make a real difference, they totally deserve this award to recognise their sterling efforts in providing support to the people of Basingstoke!
I didn't appreciate how amazing Charlie is when he was teaching me to swim. Now its time for my children to learn and his ability to work with each child as an individual is amazing. He took my daughter from being very nervous in the water to be determined to swim as well as her friends.
"kick and pull"
Good luck Charlie.
Charlie has given his time and commitment over the years not only to swimming but also to holiday play schemes, teaching Archery and even painting benches in the village. A great friend and we wish him well.
Thank you Charlie for all your dedication and hard work in Overton. Having the swimming pool in the summer holidays provides wonderful exercise, fresh air and fun to the families in Overton. Charlie has taught and encouraged so many children to swim over the years he truly deserves this award. One of my favourite things is when Charlie observes a child doing their 'length' for the first time to see if they are ready to go in the deep end. A hush descends , the other children call out encouragement and hold up the dividing rope. On completion of the length, swimmers and spectators clap and cheer as the proud swimmer is taken back to deep end by Charlie to jump in so they realise how deep it is while he is still watching. It chokes me up every time - an Overton Rite of Passage!
Charlie has been an inspiration to us all. Always a smile on his face, always at the pool, even if it is bucketing down, or really hot. That dedication is phenomenal. He taught me, most of my friends and my brothers to swim, and without the pool continually being open thanks to his hard work, we would have a whole load of kids in the village sat in front of the TV or a computer, wasting their lives away. He was there from the start with me, encouraging me, coaxing me, be it a length, a width, whatever.
He's a cheery chap, with a powerful voice. He has done so well over the years teaching generations to swim. This year, I'm hoping to pass my Honours challenge, and I wouldn't be able to be any where near the standard I am now, without Charlie's help. He has put in so much effort for each and everyone of us, and that is why Charlie is my hero. Good Luck Charlie;) Keep being amazing, and making me smile:D xx
Charlie was a great teacher to me when I was young and I'm just sad that I no longer live in the village and he won't be able to teach my children the wonderful skills he taught me! Thank you Charlie
Charlie was a great teacher to me when I was young and I'm just sad that I no longer live in the village and he won't be able to teach my children the wonderful skills he taught me! Thank you Charlie
Charlie was a great teacher to me when I was young and I'm just sad that I no longer live in the village and he won't be able to teach my children the wonderful skills he taught me! Thank you Charlie
Charlie was a great teacher to me when I was young and I'm just sad that I no longer live in the village and he won't be able to teach my children the wonderful skills he taught me! Thank you Charlie
Charlie has dedicated so much time (all voluntary) and is a true role model to children and parents alike. His efforts have saved lives and provided so much to so many. He has inspired many others to volunteer, fundraise and coach children. You make our village the special place it is. You deserve this award. Thank you Charlie.
Charlie, you give up so much of your time for the pool. You have taught me to swim & now my children, you so deserve this x
Well done all the Street Pastor team - a wonderful and much needed ministry.
Good luck and thanks for all you do. My kids always loved coming to the pool.
Good luck and thanks for all you do. My kids always loved coming to the pool.
Congratulations Charlie! We know how lucky we are in Overton to have you. The pool is great value and has kept Overton's children away from the tv and active and fit for many years :)
Thank you Charlie for making our summers so much fun! It's amazing the number of children you have taught, and are still teaching, to swim- such an invaluable skill. You will always be my hero :-) x
Charlie is an inspiration to us all. All the kids love him and he takes time out for every single child. I can't thank him enough for helping my 4 children to swim x
Charlie is so dedicated to Overton pool, he taught me to swim over 25 years ago and is still teaching! What a guy! Go Charlie!
Thank you Charlie. You really are a legend of the village. 'One length and out' brings a smile to my face ;) x
The pool would never be the same without Charlie , He taught my 3 Children to Swim , then my 2 Grandchildren , Good Luck Charlie
The pool would never be the same without Charlie , He taught my 3 Children to Swim , then my 2 Grandchildren , Good Luck Charlie
Good luck Charlie. My children would not have learnt to swim without your guidance. You are always there come rain or shine
I think the street Pastors are a wonderful example of the not so old helping the young, and if they win I am sure the other two contestants will give in to them gracefully.
Street pastors rock!!!
The street pastors do a fantastic job in Basingstoke town centre, they are wonderful unsung heroes!
My mum became a Street Pastor this year and she is 76! I think she's amazing, as are the whole team.
Our village of Overton is so lucky to have someone like Charlie, who gives so much of his time to help countless kids enjoy the water and learn lessons for life.
Top chap
He is a brilliant bloke nothing is to much trouble he taught our granddaughter to swim when she was younger and she is going from strength to strength.
Charlie, best of luck a top guy who gives up so much time to help others.
The pastors do an amazing job week after week in all weathers they are truly Basingstoke's unsung hero
The Street Pastors do an amazing job to keep young and old, male or female safe and secure whatever the weather and whatever the issue.. Fantastic!
To all the street pastors that brave all weathers every weekend , making Basingstoke town centre a safer place !
Well done your hard work is much appreciated
So impressed by the work of the Street Pastors in the town when I was out at night in February; what a fantastic group of people!
In recognition of your incredible selflessness and bravery Roy and your fellow serviceman who risked their lives during this dangerous campaign. What an extraordinary example you are to us all.
So many years and so many children have benefited from Charlie's never ending commitment to swimming. Thank you Charlie.