I HAVE to declare an interest with Poole’s Civic Reception as I’ve attended a fair few.

I’ve even been asked to make a speech on a few of the years and generally the event has been a worthwhile celebration of the town, attracting many of its civic and business leaders.

But it was the awards that made the evening special, despite the fact that unlike many such ‘Oscar-style’ evenings, I always felt they were underplayed.

I’ve been involved in hosting and attending many awards ceremonies over the past 12 years and more often than not, it’s a fantastic chance to people to dress up, celebrate excellence – their own or that of others – and feel good about their achievements.

A bit of glam and glitter can really have an impact, especially when the forecast is glum, and so often, the recipients of the awards and their stories can be both inspiring and moving.

Poole’s civic awards – let’s call them Unsung Heroes – were no exception and I have always been impressed by the quite astonishing and unassuming individuals who have been placed fleetingly in the spotlight.

It appears that the awards will survive, which would be precisely the right thing to happen.

And perhaps a few supportive local companies, ourselves included, might be persuaded to help increase their profile... and perhaps even add some glitz.