Dedicated volunteers from across the borough have been commended at the Mayor of Bromley Awards, including volunteering efforts that span the entirety of Bromley’s sixty years as a borough.
Support for local heritage, charity fundraising, and of residents with hearing impairments are amongst the contributions recognised at this year’s awards, which have been held annually for over 30 years.
The six volunteers this year have collectively undertaken decades of volunteering and fundraising activities. This year’s awards comes just ahead of Bromley’s sixtieth anniversary date on 1 April and includes the longstanding commitment of Sue Gilder, who has incredibly been volunteering locally since Bromley was established as a borough. Sue has volunteered in support of Christ Church in Chislehurst, the PRUH Chaplaincy team and locally for St Christopher’s Hospice.
The Mayor of Bromley Councillor David Jefferys said: “These volunteers have shown incredible dedication and passion for supporting residents and the borough in many varied ways. It is my privilege to thank them on behalf of Bromley for their work, which I know is so appreciated, as are the efforts of the wider network of volunteers working alongside them across the borough. The years of voluntary service behind these awards are a true accolade for Bromley and especially in our sixtieth anniversary year as a borough, I would encourage residents to get involved with volunteering opportunities locally, for all the benefits that this brings.”
Following over 37 years voluntary work in Mottingham, Pat Dockree was recognised at the awards, including for contributions at St Edward’s Church, where Pat’s culinary skills have long supported various popular lunch clubs.
Many residents with hearing impairments have been supported by the work of David P. Connolly, who was also recognised for helping establish and support Deaf Access and connected local charities over many years.
As trustee and then chairperson of Chislehurst Society, Joanna Friel has supported the local area in various ways, with these contributions recognised through the award, including to support local resident and establish the much-loved Chislehurst Bear Trial.
Dee Janes was commended for her impressive fundraising efforts at Shortlands Station, where she has personally raised over £ 550,000 to support national and local charities, the Valley School and other local causes. She has also offered huge support to passengers, including at times by putting their wellbeing above her own.
The Mayor presented the awards to the recipients at an award ceremony at Bromley Civic Centre, which follows the welcome nominations received from Bromley’s voluntary sector. The ceremony included presentation of the Mayor’s Young Persons Award to Raekwon for significant contributions to the Living in Care Council and the Change for Care Leavers group. A certificate of thanks was also presented to Sergeant Ethan Sykes as part of the ceremony, recognising their efforts in organising Remembrance Sunday parades in Bromley Town Centre.
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For media enquiries, please contact James George, Senior Public Affairs Officer, on 020 8313 4565 or email james.george@bromley.gov.uk.