Made in Bury – those who make a difference

Bury’s “unsung heroes” have been rewarded with Made in Bury awards for their outstanding contribution to the community.

The winners were presented with their certificates at the annual meeting of Bury Council.

The winners are:

• Outstanding Contribution to a Township – Dr Falmai Binns

  Dr Falmai Binns is the chair of the Bury Rural Inequalities Forum. She campaigned successfully to bring high-speed broadband (HSBB) to Nangreaves village and is now working to bring HSBB to Affetside village, negotiating with British Telecom, TfGM, and local and national politicians.

  Dr Binns has been the driving force behind a series of 14 healthy walks that connect the northern villages of Bury (www.villagelink.com) and has campaigned for traffic calming for Affetside and a door-to-door transport service called Local Link for Holcombe and Affetside, allowing those without a regular bus service to get around.

• Young Person or Young Persons’ Group: Outstanding community contribution – Early Break

  Early Break has been working with children, young people and their families in Bury for 21 years, helping 15,000 people who have issues which lead to substance misuse.

  The charity works with victims of child sexual exploitation and domestic abuse, through early intervention and street-based working. It also supports families with its award-winning Holding Families service, and has developed training for professionals to keep up to date with changing trends such as the rise in use of ‘legal highs’.

• Volunteer of the Year – Ann Bebbington

  Ann Bebbington has been volunteering for more than 20 years, opening up Peel Tower – one of Bury’s most iconic and historic attractions - to a huge variety of groups and visitors.

  The money raised also helps her local youth club in Whitefield, taking members on an annual pursuit centre holiday at Borwick Hall in Carnforth.

• Good Neighbour – Nathan Hickey

  Nathan moved into his neighbourhood in Bury two years ago, quickly winning the trust of his neighbours by his considerate attitude while carrying out building renovations.

  He is always offering to cut his neighbours’ grass or share his tools, and always take time to chat to them, while also volunteering with the Little Angels project. Nathan has been a carer for his father who suffers from dementia, offering respite to his family by taking his dad when other family members need a break.

The awards were presented by the outgoing Mayor of Bury, Councillor Michelle Wiseman, who said: “This council values the work that voluntary, community and faith sector groups and volunteers do across our borough which help make Bury a good place to live, work and visit.

“These awards help us to recognise that, across our communities, individuals and groups continue to give their unpaid time and commitment to improve their areas and the lives of others. During my time as mayor I have been honoured to meet many of them and witness the work they do and the positive impact they have on the lives of others. We have been truly overwhelmed by the examples of community activity, giving, sharing and supporting that is happening daily across our borough.”

ENDS

Press release issued: 3 June 2015.

Picture attached: The Made in Bury receive their certificates from Cllr Michelle Wiseman and (back, from left) Cllrs Iain Gartside, Mike Connolly, Tim Pickstone and Jane Lewis.