It takes someone extra special to win the Outstanding Contribution to Sussex Award.
With past winners including international best-selling author Peter James and chairman of Brighton and Hove Albion Tony Bloom, the calibre of candidates is always high.
We're calling on readers to vote from a shortlist of five potential winners – one of whom will be crowned at the Community Stars Awards ceremony at the Theatre Royal in Brighton on November 1.
The competition is tough – that is why we are giving you, the readers, the chance to pick a worthy winner. Take a look at the final shortlist and let us know who you are voting for by phone, e-mail or letter.
Ivan Mainprize, vice president at American Express, said: “For the fifth year running we’re delighted to support this award, which recognises the significant contribution made by noteworthy individuals to the Sussex community.
“The talent, drive and efforts of this year’s nominees have all made a mark in very different ways, presenting The Argus readers with a very tough choice. “We’re proud to recognise the contributions past and present of all five of the nominees.”
To vote for your winner, e-mail ben.leo@theargus.co.uk with your nomination - or call 01273 544 525
It is the 80th anniversary of Glyndebourne this year and Sir George passed away in May. He and his wife Mary were instrumental in turning the family business into a world- renowned opera house
He launched the Glyndebourne Touring Opera – giving greater accessibility to the arts by taking opera
productions around the country.
He also established Glyndebourne’s education department known for its work in the community with schools and youth opera programmes.
Born in 1934, Sir George succeeded his father to become Glyndebourne chairman in 1958 when he was just 23 and held the position until 1999, when he was succeeded by his son.
Sir George was knighted in 1984 for services to music and was subsequently made a Companion of Honour in 2001.
David Samuel - Paddle Round the Pier
The world’s biggest annual free beach festival has raised more than £2 million for charity since starting in 1996.
The paddle boasts an international reputation in the water-sports press and has been voted one of the ‘top ten summer festivals’ by the The Times and ‘top 15 summer destinations’ by The Guardian.
Its free entry policy sees a footfall of around 50,000- 60,000 people and is expected to increase year on year.
Director David has been the man behind Paddle Round The Pier since he conceived the idea 18 years ago – and he continues to drive the event forward as paddle director in its ever-evolving format.
As well as Paddle round the Pier, this year David was drafted in by Brighton Pride organisers to plan and manage the event’s street party.
Mervyn Weeks- Charity volunteer
Mervyn has been active in the city’s charitable sector for nearly 20 years and has supported projects including Off the Fence homeless charity, Brighton and Hove City Mission and the FareShare food charity.
He is known to Brighton churchgoers as the man in charge of the Brighton Basics Bank, supplying food and household basics to those in financial crisis.
He left Sussex late last year to become a pastor at Lindfield Evangelical Free Church – but his work across Brighton and Hove has earned him a reputation as one of the most committed and thoughtful men to ever grace the city.
Andrew Comben - Brighton Festival
Andrew has been at the helm of the Brighton Dome and Festival since 2008 and is credited with making the arts accessible and helping both venue and event into England’s biggest curated mixed arts festival.
Shortly after his arrival in 2008, he appointed the acclaimed Hofesh Shechter Company as resident company of Brighton Dome. They have since used the Dome for rehearsal, development and education work and performed to sold- out houses both with existing works and three new pieces.
Now in its 48th year, Brighton Festival’s innovative commissioning and festival production continues to win critical acclaim. With dozens of free performances and exhibitions, Brighton Festival 2013 enjoyed an attendance of more than 200,000, including over 69,000 tickets sold – the highest number ever.
Tony Mernagh - Brighton Business Guru
Tony Mernagh Tony is a celebrated figure across the business community and, as head of the partnership, has been involved in collaborating with other stakeholders to devise the economic strategy for the city.
His focus on enhancing the city’s distinctive destination and lifestyle, offering increasing quality jobs and business opportunities and establishing a strong and influential ‘Greater Brighton City Region’ make him a worthy nomination – particularly as he will be retiring next year.
This year at the Brighton and Hove Business Awards, he was presented with a red book engraved with This is Your Brighton Life and the title of outstanding Brightonian.
Caraline Brown, awards organiser, said in July: “Respected by all, including political parties and all sectors of business, he has had the strength and determination to work with seven leaders of the council and six chief executives – no mean feat. “He leaves a legacy which we can all build on – to make Brighton and Hove a great place to work and to do business.”