THEY are behind some of the most informative websites in Hampshire, enhancing the lives of thousands of people locally and across the world.
The winners of the Hantsweb Awards 2003, which recognise community website excellence in Hampshire, have just been revealed at Intech, Winchester's interactive science and technology centre.
Guests of honour at the special ceremony, hosted by BBC South's entertaining Freddie Rostand included the Queen's representative in Hampshire, Lord Lieutenant Mary Fagan, and former BBC political commentator Bruce Parker.
This countywide scheme attracted more than 400 nominations representing a diverse range of interests, from businesses to charities, with web hits from as far as the Australian Outback.
These were whittled down to a shortlist of just 26 finalists by a panel of expert judges.
One of the winners, Dr David Flavell of Southampton-based medical research charity Leukaemia Busters, said: "We feel very honoured - the site is increasingly im-portant in the role of the charity.''
County council leader Councillor Ken Thornber paid tribute to the sponsors, adding: "Their participation has undoubtedly helped the county council raise awareness of the many excellent websites which help to make life easier and more enjoyable for Hampshire residents.''
Winners received a trophy, and runner-ups a range of computer-related prizes. The awards were also supported by business Link Wessex.
RESULTS:
ACCESSIBILITY sponsored by Microsoft
Andover Methodist Circuit: www.andover.christian.nu -
Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service: www.hantsfire.gov.uk - winner
BEST ONLINE SERVICE sponsored by SAP
Chandler's Ford Online: www.chandlersfordonline.com
Eteach UK Ltd, Yateley: www.eteach.com - winner
BEST PUBLIC ACCESS POINT TO THE INTERNET
The Byte Internet Caf and Training Centre, Winchester
Eastpoint Centre Cyber Cafe, Southampton - winner
COMMUNITY & VOLUNTARY ORGANISATION
Hampshire County Federation of Women's Institutes: www.hampshirewi.org.uk
Hart First Response, Fleet: www.hartfirstresponse.org.uk
Ladder4Learning: www.ladder4learning.org.uk - winner
LOCAL SMALL BUSINESS sponsored by UK Fire International
New Net, Fareham: www.newnet.co.uk
Rod Jolley Coachbuilding Ltd, Lymington: www.rodjolley.com
TDS Saddlers, Four Marks: www.tds-saddlers.com - winner
PUBLIC SECTOR sponsored by Bartlett Scott Edgar Recruitment Services
Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service: www.hantsfire.gov.uk
Havant Borough Council: www.havant.gov.uk - winner
RURAL COMMUNITY sponsored by the county council's economic development department
Hampshire Farmers' Markets Ltd: www.hampshirefarmersmarkets.co.uk
The Real Flower Company, Petersfield: www.realflowers.co.uk - winner
SCHOOLS
Bay House School Design & Technology department, Alverstoke: www.bayhouse.hants.sch.uk/technology/techhome.html - winner
Rowledge Cof E (Controlled) Primary School: Farnham, www.rowledge.hants.sch.uk
SPECIAL INTEREST
Leukaemia Busters, Southampton: www.leukaemiabusters.org.uk - winner
Playing Out Loud, Southampton: www.playingoutloud.co.uk
Visit & Learn, Old Portsmouth: www.visitandlearn.co.uk
HMS Endurance Tracking Project
TOWN OR PARISH COUNCIL
Barton Stacey Parish Council, Winchester: www.bartonstacey.com
Fawley Parish Council: www.fawley-hants.co.uk
Grateley Parish Council: Andover, www.grateley.co.uk - winner
YOUTH sponsored by Synstar
Freedom Youth, Basingstoke: www.freedom-youth.freeserve.co.uk - winner
Find out more in December's issue of Hampshire Business South Magazine, published next month.
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