NEWS STORY: OCTOBER 2008

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Special event honours special people

young girls

Garden girls: Rhianna and Timika were young citizens of the year

Local people who make a real difference to the quality of life in their communities were recognised at our special 'NorthAwards' event on Thursday 2 October 2008.

The ceremony at Heaton Park's Orangery was a celebration of the hard work and dedication of some of north Manchester's most public-spirited residents and organisations. The judges had a tough time making their final decisions from more than 80 people who were nominated, but the winners were:

Best contribution by a local community organisation

White Moss Centre for Young People and Eco Youth

White Moss Centre for Young People
Opened in 1967 the centre is a real community facility, providing a range of activities including sessions for people with mental health issues, job seekers, and, most recently, for children with special needs. It was recently awarded a Queen's Award for voluntary service.

Eco Youth
Formed in 2002, Eco Youth started with seven children aged between five and 13. Since then membership has increased to 40 boys and girls. They do litter picks, plant up flowerbeds and make planters from salvaged pallets. The children have also helped clean up local estates, parks and Clayton vale.

Outstanding contribution by an individual resident

Jim Burke
Jim Burke has improved the local area by tireless hard work and determination. He was actively involved in the older people's play area in Dam Head Park and was chair of the organising group for It's a Northwards Knockout.

Vera Salvatore award for resident who has most improved their neighbourhood

Pam Greatorex
Pam has taken a real stand against antisocial behaviour in her neighbourhood. She was recognised by a government 'Taking a Stand' award. She works tirelessly to improve the estate, and was vital to the success of the local Funky Monkey play space.

Ivy Graham award for resident who has made a long-standing contribution to the neighbourhood

Barbara Pringle
Barbara has worked hard to improve the quality of life for her fellow-residents of Victoria Square - a block of retirement housing in Ancoats. It's impossible to list everything she's done, but she was instrumental in setting up a successful resident association, organises Christmas dinners for people on their own, and secured £5,000 funding from the Arts Council to write a book on the history of Victoria Square.

Young citizen of the year (under 16)

Rhianna Barclay and Timika Absalom
These two bubbly and enthusiastic 10-year-old girls participate in community clean-ups and the 'In Bloom' contest. They're developing their idea of a 'gardening club' to help out older neighbours. They've had a few close shaves recognising the difference between weeds and flowers, but are fast-becoming our local rivals to Alan Titchmarsh!

Young citizen of the year (16-25)

George Wanjohi
Nineteen-year-old George took part in a sporting initiative aimed at reducing antisocial behaviour in Monsall. It inspired him to help out in other local sporting activities and take on a more responsible role in his peer group. He is bubbly, friendly and cool-personified. George is now studying sport at MANCAT, funded by his part-time work at Greggs the bakers!

Good neighbour award

Edward and Joan Eadsforth
Edward and John are the nicest neighbours you could wish for. In spite of having problems with antisocial behaviour (now resolved) they continued to tidy gardens and donate toys and furnishings to those in need. The judges were impressed by their energy, enthusiasm and compassion for others.

Congratulations

Congratulations to all the winners, and a huge thankyou to them for helping to strengthen the sense of community in north Manchester. Special thanks also to sponsors of the event: the Lord Group, Aon,  Seddons and Wates Living Space.

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