Two men who have made tremendous contributions to Nottingham have had trams named after them. Football coach Bill Chambers, 79, and Pythian Club CEO Benjamin Rosser, 42, were the men honoured at an official unveiling ceremony.
Mr Chambers has spent over 50 years as a football coach, with many years in in St Ann’s. Mr Rosser's Pythian Club is a youth organisation giving young people opportunities in football, employability, drama, music and more.
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Both Bill and Ben are the newest winners of the NET Community Heroes award. The tram unveiling took place on July 14th. NET has 37 trams that have all been named after people who have made a positive difference in Nottingham city.
At the NET depot on Armstrong Way, before the unveiling of the tram, Ben and Bill made heartfelt speeches to those who attended to show their gratitude for the award. They both thanked people for voting for them.
Bill, who was in disbelief of having a tram dedicated, told Nottinghamshire Live: “I’m very elated, for the time I’ve been doing stuff, you can never predict these things. I’ve had awards before but you don’t ring up and say ‘can I have one’ [an award.]” Currently, Bill volunteers his time helping out with Nottingham youth organisation Switch Up and runs chair based exercise classes mainly for the elderly in various places around Nottingham.
Originally from the Meadows, Bill continued: “The highlight of my career has just been doing things, there’s so much that stands out. Since coaching, my grandson and son have both played for me.”
Bill thanked Earnie Johnson for getting him into doing what he does best. Bill also admitted that he would like to see more money being put into youth services.
Bill said: “There’s not enough infrastructure in sports for the kids, it needs broadening out and more government money. It can’t be left to the council and renewable trusts, there should be more for the young people.”
By Bill’s side was his wife Val Chambers.
Married for decades, Val beamed at how proud she is of her husband. Val said: “I’m very proud, it’s like being a footballer’s widow because I never see him!"
Val continued and said: "I think the highlight of his career was when we went to Buckingham Palace, we did have to wait hours in the queue! I will be getting on this tram, I’m very proud.”
After a career as a police officer, Benjamin Rosser founded the Pythian Club in 2013. Speaking about how he feels having a tram named after him, Benjamin said: “I’m truly honoured and extremely grateful. Thank you to everyone who voted and has supported the Pythian Club.
“This tram represents to the kids of the club what can be achieved with hard work and dedication. This tram resembles our statement for making a positive change in our community, this tram should be a beacon of hope, commitment and togetherness.”
With Benjamin at the unveiling was his rescue dog from Romania, Finn. The youth worker continued and said: “When travelling on this tram, I hope it brings a sense of peace, wellbeing and positive energy.”
Natalie Fahy, editor of the Nottingham Post was amongst one of the judges who decided the winners of the NET Community Heroes for 2022. Natalie who attended the unveiling of the newest tram named after people in the community has said: "It was an honour to be part of the process to find Nottingham's Community Heroes.
"Ben and Bill received many nominations from our readers, and have changed so many lives across the city. It's great to see their names on the side of the tram and for them to get the recognition they deserve."
Andrew Conroy hosted the unveiling of the tram. Andrew is the Chief Operating Officer for NET.
Andrew said: “For us, we have 37 trams, they’re all named after special people in Nottingham.” You will find many trams dedicated to people in Nottingham including Robin Hood, Torvill and Dean, Vicky McClure, MBE Viv Anderson and more.
Andrew continued and said: “ If we could all achieve a tiny proportion of what Bill and Ben have achieved then the city and the world would be a better place.
“For Bill and Ben to see the tram’s named after them is special and inspirational and I’m proud to have been a part of that.”
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