On 22 May, at the Civic Offices in Bexleyheath, a number of incredible individuals were recognised at the Borough's Annual Civic Recognition Awards.

The award winners were honoured for their outstanding contributions in the following three categories: 

• Civic Recognition of Voluntary Service by Young People
• Civic Recognition of Voluntary Service by Adults and
• Civic Recognition of Outstanding Achievement.

Cllr Christine Catterall, who was Mayor of Bexley at the time of the ceremony, praised the winners for their dedication, leadership and compassion for their communities.

Cllr Catterall was succeeded by Cllr Lisa-Jane Moore in the position of Mayor on 27 May.

Cllr Catterall said:

These awards recognise the important contribution our residents and organisations make to Bexley. As we all thank these exceptional groups and individuals this evening, we cannot fail to be inspired by their stories and motivated to continue making a positive difference in our community. Thank you for joining us in this celebration and congratulations to all our award winners.”

The categories and winners of the evening included:

Civic Recognition of Voluntary Service by Young People:

• Finlay Hasemore

Civic Recognition of Voluntary Service by Adults:

• Robert Petty
• Donna Brown
• Respect in Bexley (Mencap)
• Friends of the Old English Garden
• Julie Ramsden
• Brian Crane
• Mazhar Korkut
• Colin Taylor
• Bexley Voice
• Men in Sheds
• Jasminder Kaur Sidhu
• Celine Olszowka

Civic Recognition of Outstanding Achievement:

• Dean Gardiner
• Sidcup Community Larder
• Parv Choudhury
• Belvedere Boxing Club
• Lisa Muirhead
• Sophia Cakebread
• Abigail Beale
• Joseph Baverstock
• Marina Ostyak

For the first time, we were delighted to host the ceremony jointly with the Deputy Lieutenant’s awards, which celebrate the contribution of our youth groups to the Borough.