Out of over 300 entries, the Kerrygold judging panel has selected Hastings’ Gizmo Glee Club (GIZMO) to win the Judge’s Choice award. After much consideration the panel decided that GIZMO was a shining and worthwhile example of how a group of people can come together to achieve something great for their community.

GIZMO provides eight weekly focused, diverse and positive out-of-school workshops that include performing arts, graffiti art and film making. In addition, they cater for hard-to-reach youth at a dedicated Young Persons’ Community Arts Centre. The project, run by Pat Fisher, began seven years ago and now has over 100 members. Young people have the opportunity of volunteering for the charity to gain leadership skills and accreditation for their contributions.

GIZMO is often a stepping stone towards a career for the young volunteers - one ex member is now with Opera South East, one is doing work experience at Channel 4 and another ex member was offered a place with Glyndebourne Opera.

GIZMO is now involved in 30 - 40 community events and have become a household name in their area and has gained a sense of belonging to their community.

Pat Fisher, founder of the GIZMO explains:
"We are delighted the Gizmo Glee Club has been awarded a Kerrygold Community Award. It just goes to show how a group united by their passion for performing arts, can come together to create something inspirational for themselves as well as the wider community. Popular TV shows like Glee have really heightened awareness of the positive effect out-of-school clubs can have on hard-to-reach youths. The Awards ensure that projects such as Gizmo Glee Club can continue to reach children of all ages and abilities to learn new skills.”

With the help of the Kerrygold Community Awards cash prize, the GIZMO hopes to raise its profile in the area and work on their new “Graffiti Project” which works with disabled and able-bodied children in creating positive street art.