Awards night just the tonic for traumatised town

More than 450 people packed into Feilding's Civic Centre last night for the town's Excellence in Business Awards 2010.

And the big winners on the night were the team from Feilding Dental Services, who took out the Supreme award and the Best Professional Business award.

"You are our community, our customers and it's wonderful to be here," said dentist Billy Cross.

Business partner Frederick Deans puts the company's success down to the team.

"We have had an exceptionally busy year as we have moved premises, had new people join the team and several other changes in the practice.

"It's a testimony to the team taking it all in their stride that we have been recognised.

"They are the ones that make it all tick. They deserve this award," he said.

Every year the awards ceremony have a special theme, in which the venue and table decorations lend themselves to a particular subject. This year those with a Celtic heritage felt right at home with the tartans, thistle table decorations and pipers around the venue.

But the night belonged to the people of Feilding as the community took the chance to celebrate, after several weeks dotted with tragedy, such as the killing of farmer Scott Guy and the fatal mid-air collision on Monday.

Manawatu Mayor Ian McKelvie asked those gathered to pay a thought to those who had witnessed "some terrible things in the past two months".

"This is a night the community deserves. A night to celebrate success and be proud of the community we live in."

These sentiments were echoed by Rangitikei MP Simon Power.

"This is just the antidote we need."

The Justice Minister maintained his sense of humour throughout the night – when mention of ministerial spending was made, he joked that he had paid for his raffle tickets with his credit card.

Local businessman John Darragh – a descendant of one of the founding families of Feilding – was recognised with a community award after 52 years in business in the town.

"It has been a busy 52 years. The things I have been part of have been for Feilding and have been possible because of all the volunteers that have been there for me. I'm going to accept this award for them. I love Feilding, it's my town and I enjoy sharing it with you," he joked.

Deputy Mayor Matt Bell and his wife, Julie, received a Tall Giraffe Award, given to businesses that put Feilding on the map.

The couple's business, Focal Point Cinema, also won the Best Hospitality award for the second year in a row and the pair intend to add to the stable.

"We are opening a Focal Point in Levin and we have a goal of five Focal Points by 2020," said Mr Bell.

On receiving the Tall Giraffe Award, Mr Bell joked that if he had known he was going to be called up on stage he would have drunk less during the night, exercised more and tidied himself up a bit.

In keeping with the Celtic theme, a haggis was piped on stage, carried by Mr Power and addressed in the typical Robbie Burns style.

Those who were brave enough had the opportunity to try a little.

For a town that has been finding itself reeling at several tragic circumstances in a short period of time, the Feilding Excellence in Business Awards 2010 was just what the doctor ordered ... or perhaps that should be the dentist.

- © Fairfax NZ News