Dome at the double at awards ceremony

Date Posted: July 23rd 2007

The Doncaster Dome won special commendation for its community-orientated performance at a government awards ceremony.

More than 100 local businesses received the Roy Castle Good Air Award and the Responsible Retailer Award, but the Dome topped the bill with an extra honour for the quality of its service and responsibility for its visitors' well being.

The Dome was praised by the Trading Standards Service for going above and beyond the call of duty in providing clean air for its customers ahead of the smoking ban, which comes into effect at the beginning of July, and for demonstrating its awareness of the health issues associated with some age-restricted products, such as alcohol and tobacco.

Gavin Baldwin, The Dome's Chief Executive, was at the town's Mansion House to collect the awards but was stunned by the surprise tribute presented to him by Fiona Castle OBE and Rt. Honourable Rosie Winterton MP, Minister of State at Department of Health.

He said: "It's great to be recognised in this way. We put a lot of emphasis on the quality of the environment in which we offer our services and this extra certificate proves our diligence on the issue is respected.

"I must congratulate everyone at The Dome who has contributed to achieving this award and thank them for their hard work and dedication. We will continue to do our utmost to continue maximising the service we provide for our visitors."

Red Ahagan, Responsible Retailer Award Officer, said: "The Doncaster Dome is a shining light in the region when it comes to corporate responsibility and it's right that we recognise that."

Guest speakers at the event along with Fiona Castle OBE and Rosie Winterton MP were Martin Winter, Executive Mayor of Doncaster, Ian Chorlton, Chief Inspector of South Yorkshire Police, and Stephen Shore, Vice-President of Doncaster Chamber of Commerce.