Best newcomer

Made in Medway

The Made in Medway team is Bianca Donnelly, a journalist and fashion stylist and art director Steve Rowland.

They decided to showcase the vibrant local creative community through a book titled Made in Medway. The book features original artwork, interviews and profiles of 27 artists, designers and makers all living and working within Medway, at both national and international level.

A website, www.madeinmedway.com, followed on from the book.

Judges felt Made in Medway connected art, design, economics and regeneration and was a worthy winner of the award.

Judges' commendations in this category were awarded to Mark Barnes' Museum of Tales (www.museumoftales.com) and Margherita Gramegna (www.margheritagramegna.co.uk).

Medway's best-kept secret

Shadowplay - the Strand mural

Shadowplay is a mural telling the story of The Strand as a series of shadows cast by visitors to the site.

The project was led by artists Wendy Daws and Mark Barnes and included workshops involving other artists and members of the community.

The hidden gem, which remains in place at The Strand, is lasting evidence of an exciting and positive community project that has transformed this corner of Medway.

Outstanding achievement

Paula Groves

Paula Groves (www.sculptedmetal.com) is a sculptor specialising in the use of reclaimed mild and stainless steel works.

Her recent commissions include sculptures for facilities, trophies for the Medway Small Business Awards and Boar Road, Medway’s 2012 countdown clock and site-specific pieces for the entrance to the New Art Centre in Chatham.

The proudest moment of her life came, however, when her latest work was unveiled by the Queen at the official opening of the UK’s largest scientific facility, the Diamond Light Source in Oxfordshire.

The judges were impressed by what Paula has achieved so far on her own and the talent she has demonstrated.

The judges awarded a commendation in this category to actor, writer and director Aidan Dooley (www.aidandooley.co.uk).

Citizenship award

Michael Peevers

Mike is a long-time resident of Medway who has made a unique contribution to the arts, culture and heritage over many years. A retired civil servant, he is a great enthusiast for Medway’s often-overlooked industrial heritage and archaeology.

He is a founder-member and long-serving chairman of the Medway Industrial Archaeology Group, for which he has been active in the collection and public display of important industrial heritage objects.

Mike was the driving force behind the restoration of the Brook Pumping Station in Chatham for 25 years. His unsung efforts have ensure that Britain’s best-preserved example of a diesel-powered water pumping station can be appreciated by engineering enthusiasts and the public alike.

He is also a founder member of the Samphire local art group and is an established fine art painter.

Lifetime contribution

Zandra Rhodes

Zandra Rhodes (www.zandrarhodes.com) is a Chatham girl born and bred. She studied at what is now the University for the Creative Arts, before moving on to the Royal College of Art in London, where she specialised in textile design but she has never forgotten her Medway roots.

Her early textile fashion designs were considered too outrageous by the traditional British manufacturers, so in 1969 she established her own retail outlet in the fashionable Fulham Road in West London.Her own lifestyle has proved as dramatic, glamorous and extrovert as her designs. With her bright hair, theatrical makeup and art jewellery, she has stamped her identity on the international world of fashion.

She was one of the new wave of British designers who put London at the forefront of the international fashion scene in the 1970s. Zandra designed for the late Diana, Princess of Wales, and continues to design for the royal, the rich and the famous around the world.