Kingswinford friendship club organiser wins community recognition award
The incredible Roger Edwards from Sgt Peppers and Friends has won October's TSF Award For Heroes.
Alison Ashfield, who nominated Roger, said: "I would like to nominate Roger Edwards for one of your awards. He organises and runs Sgt Pepper’s Friends which runs from Wall Heath Community Centre on a Tuesday morning (except school holidays).
"I’m sure you’re aware of this group. It is a gathering of the elderly teenagers of the area, everyone welcome. He is absolutely amazing. He has time for everyone. There can be up to 100 people attending this group. Not only does Roger arrange fabulous entertainment, but something different every week he is himself is fabulous entertainment. There’s as much tea and coffee you can drink, biscuits and cake.
"For some people, this might be the only interaction they get. I myself take my mom there. She has dementia and although it’s not a dementia group, she loves the music acts they have on. We have been going for two years now and obviously mom’s dementia has declined but she is (and I) are welcomed by everyone.
"This couldn’t be possible without Roger and the guys behind Sgt Pepper’s.
"A fabulous way to show appreciation to Roger would be to win one of your awards."
Julie Andrews and Julia Hubbold also nominated Roger Edwards for setting up the group for people to have a place to meet new friends.
The award was presented by our community champion Lydia Longville from the Bonsai Black Belt Academy, Kingswinford, who said: "It's absolutely amazing hearing the lovely work done by Roger, on behalf of Bonsai Black Belt Academy we are proud to present this award to such a fantastic person!"
Shaz Saleem said: "I personally believe it's important to recognise community ambassadors who make our area better for all.
"Many congratulations to Roger Edwards."
If you know anyone who lives or works in Kingswinford, Wall Heath, and the surrounding area and deserves to be recognised, please nominate them by emailing me on askshaz@hotmail.co.uk.
This award was founded by The Saleem Foundation and sponsored by the The Bonsai Black Belt Academy.
