Meet our stars of 2022 – a celebration of the people who make a difference and shine in our communities.
From Kettering, Corby, Wellingborough and Rushden, we have loved looking back at stories featured in the Northants Telegraph over the past 12 months of amazing people who go the extra mile, support those in need or are an inspiration to others.
It includes a Rushden fitness instructor in her 80s who has retired from teaching aqua aerobics to climb mountains, a woman who has helped collect presents for county children in need for two decades and a Wellingborough man who has led a team of litter pickers to keep the town looking good.
They have all made a difference to the lives of others and we are proud to have shared their stories with our readers during the year.
And we will continue to share stories like this in 2023 so if you have a tale to tell, get in touch by emailing [email protected].
5. Shining Star: Carly Waterman
Carly Waterman, the former headteacher of Lodge Park Academy, received a Spirit of Corby award for her outstanding contribution to education in Corby earlier this year. Carly recently left the school but the people of Corby showed their support by voting in their hundreds for her. In an emotional speech at the awards ceremony, she said: “There are lots of things I’d like to say but most importantly I want to say what a privilege it has been to be in charge at Lodge Park for the past three years. It’s been the greatest privilege of my life. I’d like to thank the community of Corby who got behind me from the beginning and my family who’ve helped me. It takes a village to raise a child and in this town we do this job together. The staff are the best teachers and I couldn’t ask any more of them. They give everything they have." She also thanked her senior leadership team, some of whom were there to see her get her award. "But most of all,” she said, “I want to thank the children of Lodge Park. They’re the most spirited, courageous and determined young people. I miss them terribly and this award is for them.” Photo: John Aron
6. Shining Star: Corby Pole Fair 2022 organising committee
Corby Pole Fair happens just once every 20 years and the organising committee did an amazing job keeping the tradition going. There were bumper crowds with more than 10,000 visitors for the event held in June. The Pole Fair included a 5am start for bell-ringers, and a 6am triple charter reading to kick-off the proceedings for the centuries-old tradition which celebrates the charter granted to Corby by Queen Elizabeth I in 1585. There was also a pageant, a walking procession and three fields full of fun, which all combined for a wonderful day enjoyed by the people of Corby. Photo: ALISON BAGLEY
7. Shining star: Malcolm 'The Fish Man' Vials
Pub legend Malcolm ‘the Fish Man’ Vials officially retired this year, saying selling seafood to late-night drinkers gave him some of life’s best days. The 81-year-old spent almost 50 years going around Kettering and Corby’s pubs and clubs, becoming one of the best-known faces in the two towns. He was forced to stop in 2020 because of the Covid lockdowns, but in August he decided to hang up his white smock and iconic wicker basket for good Photo: National World
8. Shining Star: Kelly Mercer
Kelly Mercer is co-ordinator of Highfield Food Bank and also volunteers on the Highfield estate in Kettering helping hand out donations to families in need from the community centre. She works tirelessly to help others, including recently taking dozens of children to the pantomime. Kelly really does make a difference in her community and many people would go without if it wasn't for her efforts at their time of need. Photo: National World