Civic
Awards
2005 Winners
For Voluntary Service by Adults or Young People
or for Outstanding Achievement
The awards were presented to the winners
at a ceremony during the Council meeting on 23 February 2005.
CIVIC RECOGNITION OF YOUNG PEOPLE (aged under 18)
Winner: Joe Tidman
Nominated by: Mr Dean Gardiner
Joe has been a member of the Erith Division of St John Ambulance since 2000.
During this time he has undertaken 250 hours of training and has so far devoted
over 600 hours of his time to providing first aid cover for the public. He
has treated large numbers of the public using his first aid skills.
Joe has reached the rank of Cadet Sergeant and in 2004 he achieved his Grand Prior Award, the highest achievement available to a cadet. He is also working towards his cadet demonstration award which will enable him to teach other cadets and youth groups such as Scouts.
Joe puts an enormous amount of effort into his duties and shows great enthusiasm and dedication, turning out whatever the weather.
Winner: Ashley Field
Nominated by: Mr John Welsh
For more than three years Ashley has initiated and led numerous fundraising and awareness raising events for Cancer Research. He has encouraged staff and pupils at Bexley Grammar School to get involved with the cause and works hard for the benefit of others.
Ashley has also become an active member of the School Council, which he has used as a way to increase fundraising. He has had a positive impact on the ethos of the school by organising fun events such as a disco and encouraging teamwork and co-operation. His work sets an example to others and benefits the school community as well as helping Cancer Research.
CIVIC RECOGNITION OF VOLUNTARY SERVICE BY ADULTS
(aged over 18)
Nine adults have been presented with Civic Recognition Awards for voluntary
service.
(a) Mrs Norma Broszek
Nominated by: Mr Joseph Boyle and Mrs Marion Webb
Norma's involvement with the North West Kent Branch of the British Polio Fellowship started 35 years ago when she offered to do some typing. Since then she has occupied the roles of Minutes Secretary, Welfare Officer and for the past 20 years Treasurer. Norma is also Branch Chairman.
She is responsible for the accounts and works hard raising awareness and organising funds. She relentlessly applies for grants from various companies and charities and organises and participates in collection days.
Norma is known for her sense of humour and diplomatic nature and shows great dedication and enthusiasm. The Fellowship would not be able to support its members without her work and the Branch itself would have been in jeopardy without Norma's dedication.
(b) Mr Peter Weston
Nominated by: Mr Kristen Cottier
For the last 20 years Peter has been a member of the 358 Welling Squadron Air Training Corps and Bexleyheath Royal Air Force Association. In that time he has occupied the roles of Civilian Committee Member, RAFA Liaison Officer and instructor in aviation subjects. He has always put service before self.
Peter in particular shows a genuine concern for young people and interacts, encourages and enthuses children from all backgrounds. Peter's work encourages young people to participate in such work as the Duke of Edinburgh award, Millennium Volunteers and the BTEC Diploma in Public Service.
Peter is also involved with many other organisations including his local residents association, Police Consultative Group and Traffic and Transport Group, Bexley Access for the Disabled Group and the Youth Disciplinary Council. He is also currently a Governor of Fosters Primary School.
(c) Mrs Julia Bissell
Nominated by: Mrs Lynn Jones
Julia has been a dedicated volunteer at Queen Mary's Hospital for over 31 years.
One of her many notable contributions to the hospital has been the creation of a garden behind the maternity unit, from just tarmac. She spent considerable time and effort planning and laying out the garden, including buying plants and flowers at her own expense with appropriate names to relate to the baby care unit. The garden is used and much appreciated by staff, patients, relatives and visitors to the hospital and provides a calm area for people during stressful times.
For 12 years Julia tended to the garden and other plants and flowers around the hospital and continues her selfless volunteering as a guide in reception.
(d) Mrs Diane Chaplin
Nominated by: Miss Diane Smethurst
Diane has been involved with the 1st North Cray Guides for at least 25 years and will be retiring in March 2005, leaving a thriving Guide company. She has given many girls in North Cray, Footscray and Sidcup the opportunity to attend a local Guide unit.
Diane has dedicated her time to teaching skills, giving practical advice and meticulously planning the weekly meetings to ensure that all girls achieve their maximum potential. She has given Guides the opportunity to camp annually, have stop-overs and take part in many activities.
Diane is seen as a role model to all Guides and has inspired members and other leaders with her understanding and dedication.
(e) Thamesmead Pop-in-parlour
Nominated by: Mrs Janice Applin
For over 15 years Thamesmead Pop-in-Parlour has been providing an excellent service for the elderly and the retired. Volunteers work hard to create a welcoming and friendly atmosphere for the people who attend, often giving them a new lease of life.
5 days a week the Parlour offers a meeting place with advice and help in understanding and answering letters. The volunteers cook excellent lunches and organise parties, day trips and mini holidays, which help keep those who attend active. They also run a charity shop which helps to fund the Parlour.
(f) Mrs Ennis Smith
Nominated by: Mr Terry Russell
For many years Ennis has devoted herself to helping the Royal Star and Garter Homes by raising money for the charity. She is a person who cares about other people living in the Borough.
She also organises an annual collection of Christmas presents for troops serving overseas. This involves liaising with stores to accept gifts generating support from the public, collecting parcels and then passing them onto the Army Post Office so they can be despatched.
Despite ill health, Ennis continues to devote many hours to helping others.
(g) The Bexleyheath and District Club for the Disabled
Nominated by: Mrs Joan Hedley
The Bexleyheath and District Club for the Disabled has 70 members, most of whom have some kind of physical disability. It is a self-funded charity that relies mainly on its annual bazaar to raise money. The Club meets three times a week and collects and returns members home in their own ambulance. A social evening is also held one day a week.
The Club offers support and social interaction for its members as well as providing a break for carers. Members are given the opportunity to take part in a wide range of activities such as sewing, knitting, playing board games and general socialisation, which for some is their only contact outside their home.
The Club will be celebrating its 60th anniversary this May. The fact that the Club has been going for so long is an indication of the excellent service it provides both for the members and their carers.
(h) Mr John Newell
Nominated by: Mr Philip May
For over 50 years John has given dedicated service to the Scouting movement. He joined 4th Erith Scouts as young leader in 1947 and has since worked up from assistant cub leader, leader and leader trainer, to Assistant District Commissioner (cubs) with Erith and Crayford Scouts.
John has also been a volunteer for Bexley MS, which started when he was asked to drive their ambulance once a month. He went on to organise trips and become the Vice Chair.
John has always found time to support others and is also involved with The Royal Masonic Hospital, The Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution and the Children's Society.
(i) Mr Thomas May
Nominated by: Councillor Nigel Betts
Tom's voluntary work started in the late 1960's when he joined the 7th Welling Scout group as a Scout leader. He has made great contributions to the local Scout movement, including leading the campaign to build the Scout Headquarters in Falconwood Parade. This involved raising £15,000 and without his hard work this would not have been built.
After retiring from scouting Tom became actively involved with the Falconwood Community Association, for which he is currently Treasurer. His leadership has ensured that the Association has continued to thrive. He has also been an active member of the Joint Management Committee of the Falconwood Community Centre and represented Scouting on the Bexley Youth Advisory Council.
Tom's work has enriched the lives of many, young and old and has made a significant difference to the community of Falconwood.
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