Alison Grant Receives Points of Lights Award!
On the 7th July, our very own Chair, Alison, was awarded the Points of Light Award by the Cabinet Office for her volunteer work at Slipstreamers. As per the official statement on the government website: “The Points of Light award recognises outstanding individuals – people who are making a change in their community and inspiring others.” Congratulations Alison – we trust we speak for EVERYONE at Slipstreamers when we say that this is truly an award well deserved, and that you are indeed truly outstanding for all the incredible work you have put in to make our club a success!
The award was presented to Alison by the Minister for Sport, Helen Grant, and you can see the full storyboard of photos by clicking here.
If you’d like to read the full BC press release, do go here.
And Now, A Special Note from Alison:
Firstly a big thank you to both John Gunn and Stuart Smith for suggesting to British Cycling that they nominate me for this award. It was quite a shock to get a phone call and a voice say ” Hello, this is the Cabinet Office speaking. Congratulations, the Prime Minister would like you to receive the Points of Light award for all the volunteering work you do “. That may not be word accurate but very close. At the time I was icing a birthday cake – it went all wobbly as my hands shook a bit.
The Cabinet Office thought it was appropriate for me to receive my award from the Minister of Sport, Helen Grant, at the Tour de France in London. However they didn’t tell me officially until late Monday morning, so a bit hectic getting ready and going to the Mall with my husband. After getting accredited and being allowed into the VIP area, we first talked to the Cabinet Office staff to explain in a bit more detail about what we do at Slipstreamers. Rather nicely, you could sit at a table on the Mall with drinks and canapes being served. Once the Minister arrived, I was ushered to meet her and she was absolutely charming. Maybe because we have a common surname, but actually because we both have a genuine love for all sport, we chatted and talked for a very long time. She was fascinated to know about all we did at Slipstreamers and often asked questions.
Soon, her press secretary decided it was time for the presentation. However the downside was all this happened whilst the caravan went past and I missed it all! My award was actually two pieces of paper and an envelope! One was a personal letter from the Prime Minister, signed by him, and the other was a certificate. It was the envelope I loved though as it has ” Prime Minister” on one side and 10 Downing St on the other. They didn’t come with a frame so obviously cutbacks have hit hard. Photos were taken, and quotes were asked for and then it was all over.
This meant I could sit and relax a bit and chat with my husband; and watch what was happening on the Mall and catch up on the Tour from all the televisions that were placed all over the VIP area, as well as the big screens. However, I kept finding people wanting to talk to me, spoke to Ian Drake and John Mills from British Cycling; and then, something I do quite often at Slipstreamers, found a lost child and reunited him with his mum ( she had gone to the loo!). Speaking of which, the VIP portaloos were very posh with wooden doors and flowers.
So then I was whisked away by the Cabinet team to sit in the grandstand and watch the sprint to the line. So exciting to be so close up to all the stars of the Tour. Trying to spot them after they had crossed the line, watching the replays and then being given champagne and scones in our seats. The atmosphere was amazing and a day I will remember for a very very long time.
Thank you John and Stuart, and all at Slipstreamers.