|
Over 100 community champions were thanked and congratulated for
their outstanding contribution to the Wycombe district, at last night's
Community Showcase Awards.
In addition to a reception for
everyone nominated for an award and an exhibition showcasing local
voluntary and community groups, the shortlisted nominees and overall
winners of each of the six awards were announced. The winners of the
six awards each demonstrated that they had contributed to the community
and promoted inclusion, equality and the idea of working together to
achieve positive results.
Building Community Bridges - sponsored by Wycombe District Council
Winner: The Karima al-Marwaziyya Foundation,
which is run by a group of outstanding individuals who give a huge
amount of their time and energy to running social and educational
projects for the local Muslim community, as well as promoting
interfaith dialogue and understanding. The impact of their work has
been evident in the improved community relations in High Wycombe.
The other shortlisted nominees were Deacon Ruth Shepherd and Dosti Asian Women's Support Group.
Community Safety - sponsored by Wycombe Community Safety Partnership
Winner: Wycombe Winter Night Shelter,
whose 274 volunteers gave up their evenings and nighttimes between
January and March this year to provide a warm and safe place for the
homeless to sleep. The Shelter provided accommodation and food and
offered assistance in accessing other agencies and support to help
those staying with them to make life changing decisions.
The other shortlisted nominees were Wycombe District Neighbourhood Watch Association and The Young Women's Freedom Programme.
Community Volunteering - sponsored by Buckinghamshire New University
Winners: David and Christine Audcent,
who have worked together on community enterprises in the Downley area
for over 35 years, starting and supporting many activities to the
benefit of their community. Over the years, they have established the
Downley Neighbourhood Watch Association, contributed to the Downley
Community Library, provided transport for older and disabled people and
supported the Coffee Stop Drop-In Centre, among many other things.
The other shortlisted nominees were Keith Hill and Jack Wilson.
Healthy Communities - sponsored by Buckinghamshire Primary Care Trust
Winner: Community Gardening Club,
which is a new gardening development on an unused piece of land at
Cedar Park School. The Club has inspired children aged six and seven
years old - and their families - to grow food for healthy living. The
impact of the Club on the whole school community has been enormous and
people of all ages are keen to watch and get involved as the project
develops.
The other shortlisted nominees were Aaron Sturgess and The Karima al-Marwaziyya Foundation.
Young Community Champion - sponsored by Buckinghamshire County Council
Winner: Demi Lawrence,
who was just 13 years old when her 18 year old neighbour died after
being knocked down by a car in Bowerdean. She immediately started a
petition for traffic to be slowed down, collecting 1,200 signatures.
She lobbied local councillors and as a result of her persistence,
organisational skills and hard work, there are now new 30mph signs,
"Think 30" signs along the Bowerdean Road and there will soon be
pedestrian lights at Bowerdean crossroads. She is respected by her
local community and has been an inspiration to other young people in
Bowerdean.
Unfortunately Demi was unable to collect her award on
the evening due to illness, but this will be presented to her at a
later date.
The other shortlisted nominees were Jamie Essex, Steven Evans and Elliot Keeble.
Barbara Maher Community Champion - sponsored by Eden, High Wycombe
Winner: Jack Wilson,
who took over as coach at the Marlow Boxing Club 30 years ago when he'd
finished his career in the boxing ring. At the same time as taking over
the boxing club, he also joined the Police Community Club Scheme to
help young people get rid of their aggression in a place where they
won't get in to trouble.
The other shortlisted nominees were Jacqueline Roberts, Deacon Ruth Shepherd and Joan Smith.
A surprise Lifetime Achievement award, sponsored by Wycombe District Council, was presented to Cyndy Thomas as a thank you for the 45 years of voluntary service that she has given to her local community and to the British Red Cross.
The
awards were opened by young poet Brendan May, winner of the Karima
Poetry Slam and closed by an energetic hip hop/street dance performance
by Wycombe Youth Action.
Source: http://www.wycombe.gov.uk/news.asp?step=4&contentID=1304
|
