Volunteers praised at award ceremony (From Sutton Guardian)

Sutton's Community Leadership Awards recognise volunteer's efforts

12:31pm Monday 4th March 2013 in News By James Pepper

The great and the good from around the borough were recognised at an awards ceremony last week.

Five special people were honoured as the best of Sutton's community groups, volunteers and public sector staff gathered for the Community Leadership Awards on 28 February.

The Sutton Guardian sponsored awards saw community heroes cheered for their selfless work by hundreds of Games Makers and other volunteers at the Europa Gallery.

Tom May won the Building Prosperity award for his outstanding work running the Job Club at The Circle Library.

He said: "To tell you the truth, I’m acutely embarrassed. But I’m really pleased for the recognition of all the hard work done by the members who came in and got themselves into work."

Sutton Borough Commander Guy Ferguson spoke of his privilege as he named 85-year-old Pat Fletcher the winner of the Keeping Sutton Safe award.

Pat, who has worked as a volunteer Street Pastor for five years spending two nights a month patrolling Sutton Town Centre until 3.30am calming the distressed and offering help and advice, said: "I’ve never done this for personal reward, but to be recognised like this is really special."

The Making A Difference Award was a popular win for Bernie Lowman who has worked for Sutton Council for 27 years.

Mr Lowman said: "I can't tell you how pleased I am. I never knew so many people noticed what I do, I just get on with it really."

Derek Coleman was delighted to win the Making Sutton Greener category after being recognised for his tireless nature conservation work, especially as a long-standing member of Sutton Nature Conservation Volunteers.

The Improving People’s Lives Better category was won by Kathryn Lovewell.

The author of Every Teacher Matters: Inspiring Well-Being Through Mindfulness, also founded Insideout Life, an organisation that supports children, young people, adults and prisoners to manage their stress and cope with the challenges in life.

Councillor Ruth Dombey, leader of the council, said of the games makers, who were recognised for their efforts: "The sport was, of course, wonderful, but it was your incredible, fantastic contribution that made the Games so very special. Thank you all for everything you did and still do for the residents of this Borough."