Bury’s local heroes celebrated at awards

Six Town Housing hosted its annual Community Stars Awards ceremony last week, which recognised local residents who go the extra mile to improve the lives of others.

More than 100 people attended the awards on Thursday 2 November at Bury Town Hall’s Elizabethan Suite to support their nominated neighbours and community members.

The awards showcase those who live, work or volunteer within a property managed by Six Town Housing on behalf of Bury Council across the borough, and those making a difference in the surrounding communities.

The event was opened by the Mayor of Bury, Councillor Dorothy Gunther, and attendees were entertained by performing arts students from Bury College.

Cllr Gunther said: "I was proud to open this event on behalf of Six Town Housing, having been associated with them over the years and playing a part in their creation. Each year, their Community Star Awards showcase just how inclusive people in Bury are. Nominations showed that there are lots of active community groups, resident associations and individuals delivering a variety of valuable projects throughout the borough - including luncheon clubs, gardening groups, youth clubs, intergenerational projects and many more."

Sharon McCambridge, chief executive at Six Town Housing, said: "There were nominations for 56 individuals and groups this year, all of whom work hard to improve communities or make a difference to the lives of others. They are real local heroes, but many do what they do without any recognition or reward, so a key aim of these awards is to showcase all the fantastic things they do for other people and show them how appreciated they are - it’s a real feel-good event for everyone who attends."

Councillor Eamonn O’Brien, Bury’s cabinet member for housing, presented the winners with their awards. He said: "It was a real pleasure to attend the Community Stars awards. It’s not often that we get the chance to celebrate the successes of the unsung heroes in our communities, many of whom carry out so much great work without any expectation of reward.

"Housing is far more than bricks and mortar – it’s about creating, nurturing and galvanising neighbourhoods and communities. In short, it is about the people, not simply the property. I was delighted to meet the award-winners and thank them for their dedication and commitment to continue making this borough a wonderful place to live in."

First Place Winners:

Retirement Living Award - Waverley Place Social Club

Inspirational Individual - Freda Gregory

Good Neighbour Award - Marion Hill

Best Environmental Initiative - Chesham Fold Gardening Scheme

Volunteer of the Year Award - Kate Walker

Young Rising Star Award - Angel-Lee Heaps and Oliver Heaps

Success Story - Ann Collier

Safer/Improved Community Award - Abbey Close TRA

Brenda Headley Special Recognition Award - Helena Donegan

ENDS

Picture: At the awards are (far left) STH chair Hugh Broadbent and (far right) Cllr Eamonn O'Brien, with winners Kate Walker, Freda Gregory, Helena Donegan and runner-up Andy Howarth (centre).

Issued: 7 November 2017.

Note to editors:

Six Town Housing is an arms length management organisation (ALMO) set up in April 2005 to manage Bury Council's housing stock and a range of other assets, including garages, shops and a number of community facilities.

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