bpha has announced the winners of its Community Champions Awards.
Residents throughout Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Cambridgeshire, Northamptonshire and Oxfordshire were asked to nominate their very own community champion as part of an effort to recognise the work of people who improve others’ lives.
The annual event, which this year was held in Biddenham, was hosted by bpha Chief Executive, John Cross, and saw eight lucky winners presented with their awards.
The winners were:
- Philip Gibbs of St Neots, Vice-chair of Love’s Farm Community Association – Volunteer Champion
- Carl Jones of St Neots, chair of Love’s Farm Community Association –Volunteer Champion
- Love’s Farm Community Association, St Neots – Volunteer Champion
- Doris Oakley of Bedford, scheme assistant at Sir William Harpur House which provides extra care for older people – Volunteer Champion
- Christine Gibson of Clapham, Bedford, project leader for a local communal garden – Good Neighbour and Green Champion
- Shirley and Jack Beck of Bedford, residents and driving forces behind a number of community activities at Russell Court - Good Neighbour and Green Champion
- Silver Threads, a group that organises activities for residents at retirement schemes in Bedford – Good Neighbours Champions
- Mauricette Truba of Bedford, resident and bpha volunteer for Silver Surfers – Life Time Achievement Award
Liz Robertson, Assistant Community Development Manager at bpha, praised the fantasic range of nominees this year.
“We received a considerable number of nominations from residents and bpha staff alike and they were all fantastic. One nomination we received (for Shirley and Jack Beck) was in the form of a poem, praising both residents for helping to bring together the community at Russell Court, and signed by more than 20 residents!”
“Another of the winners, Christine Gibson, has recently received a Big Society Award from the Prime Minister and we’ve been so impressed with all the work she’s been doing, helping her neighbours and working so hard to improve her community.
“The awards aim to recognise the many people who dedicate a lot of time to help their community and at the same time, help bpha.”
The individual winners each received high street vouchers worth £50, while the group winners were given a cheque to go towards helping continue the good work in the community.
Liz continued, “These awards are a really great way for residents to thank people for their help and support over the last 12 months, and special thanks should go to the group of residents who nominated Jack and Shirley Beck.”