Local Heroes Celebrated in H&F's First Civic Honours
Awards in 15 categories presented for outstanding contributions to our community
Awards in 15 categories were presented at a Town Hall ceremony on Thursday 1 March.
The award-winners were:
Celebrating diversity
Kamran Mallick who has improved the lives of countless Disabled people through his past work as CEO of Action on Disability.
Young people’s achievements
Jonathan, eight, and Clara Ebstein, six, raised hundreds of pounds for charities by making jam, keyrings, coasters, necklaces, and other items to sell at schools and local fairs in Fulham.
"I was really excited when they said our name," said Jonathan. "I’m going to take the medal to school to show everyone in my class. It makes me feel really happy doing good work."
Sporting achievements
Leyla Pavett, 11, overcame her shyness and transformed her life through trampolining at Phoenix Flyers Trampoline Club in White City.
Caroline Quist is head coach at Phoenix Flyers, which she has run for nine years with inclusive sessions where Disabled and able-bodied children train together in White City.
Acts of courage and compassion
Joanne MacInnes is a core member of Hammersmith and Fulham Refugees Welcome Group which works with resettled refugees. She has worked tirelessly volunteering in the Calais refugee camps. She is photographed here with Lord Alf Dubs.
Most dedicated volunteer
Susan Anderson is chair of SEAPIA (Sands End Associated Projects in Action) which provides safe, stimulating play for 8 to 13-year-olds as well as after school and holiday clubs in Fulham.
Contributions to art and culture
Auriol Herford runs Kite Studios in Bassein Park Road – a creative hub in Shepherds Bush for pre-school children, children with additional needs, adults, and teenagers.
Most dedicated teacher
Victoria Tully is deputy headteacher at Fulham Cross Girls' School, described as caring and inspiring, and was praised for uniting the community and supporting victims and survivors of the Grenfell Tower fire by holding a Green for Grenfell fundraising event.
Victoria is pictured here with Dennis Charman, secretary of H&F National Union of Teachers and Cllr Sue Macmillan.
Improving our environment
John Griffiths is co-ordinator of HF Cyclists and has worked for many years to make cycling easier and more popular in H&F.
Bringing people together
Bridget Stevenson is 73 and has selflessly thrown herself into helping Hartswood Tennis Club,St Peter's Church and St Peter’s School, St John Ambulance, The Upper Room homelessness charity, and many others in the community for more than 40 years.
Teo Catino runs his Fulham restaurant Il Pagliaccio with passion and is a big part of the community. During the Parsons Green terror attack, he worked late into the evening providing free pizza and drink to those affected.
Left to right: H&F Council Leader, Cllr Stephen Cowan, Bridget Stevenson, Teo Catino and Kevin McGrath, Deputy Lieutenant for Hammersmith and Fulham
Contributions to heritage
Tom Ryland is an architect in Shepherd's Bush who has promoted and defended local heritage for more than 30 years and is chair of the Hammersmith Society.
Most dedicated carer
Keith Mellor is a district nurse in Hammersmith, who was praised for the professionalism, patience and kindness he showed to comfort a patient and her family at the end of her life.
Community spirit
Berni Abbey has chaired the Springvale Tenants' and Residents' Association in West Kensington for 30 years, holding regular meetings so residents' suggestions can be heard, bringing people together, reporting crime, improving the environment and helping residents obtain social care.
Most dedicated social worker
Kathleen Van de Vijver and Rebecca Harvey, pictured above, made a massive difference to the lives of a young woman and her family badly affected by child sexual exploitation, going over and above what could reasonably have been expected of them, including working long nights, weekends and holidays, and travelling long distances.
Contributions to health and wellbeing
The Barons Court Project works with people who are living on the street and those with mental health problems providing food, advice, and activities, making them feel like valued members of the community.
Lifetime achievement
Cathy Maund has run Hammersmith Community Gardens Association for 30 years which, from small beginnings, now works with thousands of local people every year providing education and activities for people of all ages and abilities.
Outstanding contribution to the life of the borough
Daphine Aikens started Hammersmith & Fulham Foodbank in 2010 and has worked tirelessly ever since to provide food and other essentials, as well as a wide range of other support including help with budgeting and lunch clubs during school holidays.
"Hearing all the wonderful things the nominees have done for our community makes me incredibly proud to call H&F home," said Council Leader Stephen Cowan. "One of the most important signs of a civilised society is how we look after each other. Those who make the effort to engage in civic life and improve things for all do precisely that.
" It was an honour for us to be able to celebrate their efforts."
March 15, 2018
