CAMPAIGNERS whose vital work led to the restoration of the Grange Birth Centre in Petersfield have received two awards. Following its closure in July 2005 due to a shortage of midwives, the Save The Grange campaign team fought tooth and nail to retain the Swan Street- based birth centre. Led by Petersfield's Sarah Roberts, the campaign team were duly rewarded for their efforts when the centre re-opened its doors on April 1 – with the two citations. Awarded a 'special commendation' from the All Party Parliamentary Group on Maternity (APPGM), the campaigners also received the top award in the category 'Local Campaigner of the Year' in the inaugural NCT volunteer awards. Mrs Roberts, who lives in Petersfield and whose second son was born at The Grange, said: "We are delighted to have won both awards. It is great to know that we, as a group, have been recognised for all f our hard work. "We didn't do the work for an award, but it's nice when someone does appreciate the hard work you've put in. "It also demonstrates to people up and down the country that you can make a difference in your local community." She added: "For a long time we thought The Grange was closed forever. We've turned it around and now it's being so well used that there are lots of people benefiting from it. That's more exciting than any award." Mrs Roberts travelled up to London to receive the APPGM award last Monday, with Grange midwife Carmel Crabtree, Kaljit Chauhan of Portsmouth Hospitals Trust, and Nick Birtley from the Hampshire Primary Care Trust. The award was presented by MP Ann Keen, the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Health Services. The APPGM, which is serviced by the NCT charity, highlights maternity issues within Parliament and brings together health professionals and service users and politicians. The category of 'Local Campaigner of the Year' recognises the contribution that an individual or group has made to support the community by actively campaigning for the NCT. To date, 46 babies have been born at the Grange. Open 24 hours per day, seven days per week, it offers ante-natal and post-natal services.
