Unsung heroes receive community awards
[caption id="attachment_76105" align="alignright" width="175" caption="Young Citizen finalist Gemma Hodson recieves her award from Bob Warman."][/caption] Unsung heroes across Walsall were recognised for their commitment and dedicated work throughout the community during a glitzy awards bash.
Unsung heroes across Walsall were recognised for their commitment and dedicated work throughout the community during a glitzy awards bash.
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More than 200 people came to pay tribute to the good and kind-hearted of the borough at the sixth annual Mayor's Civic Awards staged at Walsall FC's Banks' Stadium.
The Dora awards named in honour of town heroine Sister Dora who worked tirelessly for the people of Walsall and were handed out last night.
There were winners in eight categories, from teenagers to pensioners, to recognise everyone who has worked hard to improve the lives of others in the town.
The Voluntary Achievement of the Year award went to Hilda Creaney, aged 66, of Willenhall, who organises social events and discos for young disabled people aged 16 and above.
She started a group with her own funds and since moving to Birchills Liberal Club attracts up to 150 people along with their carers to enjoy nights out.
Hilda said: "I can't understand what all the fuss is about because I've been doing it for over 40 years."
The Good Citizen Award which was won by retired hairdresser Wendy Evans, 65, of New Invention.
She is chairman of New Invention & Willenhall Community Forums and the New Invention Local Committee.
Through her work with the forum, the New Invention Community Green has been saved from developers and transformed into a green leisure and community area. She said: "I'm thrilled to win and want to thank those who nominated me."
The Overcoming All Odds Award which was won by Joginder Kaur, aged, 61, of Shelfield, who arrived in the UK in 1967 and spent over 15 years as a foster carer offering a home to more than 30 children.
The Youth Engagement prize was won by Walsall's Young Advisors Tammy Stonard, 17, Craig Murrell, 17, Amy Betteley, 17, Jamie McDonald, 17 and James Tolley, 18, who are based at the Young Person's Information Centre on Blakenall.
The team has worked on a number of projects with young people and is instrumental in breaking down barriers and engaging with community members.
The Environmental Awareness Award was won by Castle Business & Enterprise College who have helped lead the way with recycling with each classroom having glass and clothes recycling points.
The Community Spirit Award went to Sonia Dixon, of Walsall Central Library, who through her multi-cultural reading group has introduced many ethnic groups and faiths to the world of reading and creative writing.
Peter Roberts was rewarded with The Safer Community Award for working closely with West Midlands Police as part of his involvement with Neighbourhood Watch.
He is part of the NHS Walsall Health Watch Group which promotes healthy living and is in the process of setting up a Friends Group for Walsall Hospice as well as a Youth Forum to give young people a stake in their community. He was unable to attend because of family illness.
The Young Citizen of the Year Award which was won by James Tolley, 18, of Blakenall.
James is a peer member for an Anger Management Workshop and is heavily involved in the community in and around the New Deal Area giving valuable information and guidance to young people.
TV presenter Bob Warman, who was born in Walsall, was compere of the event.nextpage
