Fairford-based freelance journalist and community fundraiser, Chris Roberts MBE has been shortlisted in two categories of the prestigious Great British Business Awards – Lifetime of Achievement Award and Outstanding Contribution to the Community of the Year Award.
Chris, who has been a journalist for over 25 years, does a huge amount for her local community and was awarded an MBE by HM Queen Elizabeth in 2009 for her ‘services to the community of Fairford’.
Before moving to Fairford, Chris lived in South Cerney and was awarded the village’s Community Cup for building a brand-new Playgroup on land next to Ann Edwards Primary School.
Since moving to Fairford in 1993, Chris has been Mayor of Fairford, represented the town as a District Councillor on Cotswold District Council and started her journalism and PR business: Chris Roberts MBE PR.
Her contribution to Fairford covers many aspects from raising £50k for a minibus and new library for a special educational needs school to heading the £75k renovation project of the Palmer Hall in Fairford as well as securing £187k funds to renovate and extend Fairford’s 287-year-old Community Centre. In total, Chris says she’s probably raised nearly half a million pounds over the years and has been actively involved in many more community projects including founding a Business Club, helping to organise Fairford Festival and Fairford Book Fest and organising annual Food & Drink Festivals for the community to enjoy.
More recently, Chris has been involved with the newly resurrected ‘Fairford Steam Show’ that made a come-back three years ago. She offers her support for this community event completely free of charge and helps to gain sponsorship for the show and also creates a glossy collectable 60-page programme for visitors and exhibitors.
“There are so many people in the country that work really hard throughout their lives in so many ways for their communities, so I would be totally amazed if I was to win,” said Chris. “Being shortlisted for not one, but two awards in the Great British Business Awards is an achievement in itself and a huge honour – I’m really delighted.”
The winners of the Great British Business Awards will be announced at a ceremony in Marlow, Buckinghamshire on September 26.
Article by Chris Roberts MBE PR
