Every year Ravenshead and Blidworth Rotary seek to recognise an individual, couple, team or group within the community that have consistently made a valuable contribution that is perhaps not widely recognised, so that we can highlight their contribution and recognise their efforts.
On Tuesday 25th November 2025, The Rotary Club of Ravenshead and Blidworth held this year’s Citizen of the Year Award at Oakmere Golf Club.
This year the award was made to Chrisi Neeson in recognition of all that she contributes within the community since moving to Ravenshead just over 25 years ago.
After retiring from full time work, Chrisi joined Ready Call as a volunteer helping transport villagers to hospital appointments, collecting prescriptions etc. After little more than a year she joined the committee and then also took on the important role of Treasurer.
At around the same time, Chrisi became a fund raising volunteer for Mansfield Guide Dogs. She soon also took on the role of Treasurer and became a “puppy raiser” for them welcoming Wyn, a black labrador into her family home with her husband Colin. Since then Chrisi has raised 5 puppies and over the years boarded at least another 20 puppies for varying lengths of stay.
Many of you may have not only read about Chrisi’s experiences raising the various guide dog puppies, but also met her around the village whilst out on training and exercise walk, or heard her speak about her work and fund raising events for Mansfield Guide Dogs at various events in the village.
Currently Chrisi is very busy helping the Ready Call team organise its next fund raising event, the Ready Call Bacon Bap Coffee Morning at the Village Hall on Saturday 7th March.