The Mayor of Bromley Awards were held to recognise voluntary contributions from across the borough, which have seen many residents supported in a variety of ways.
The longstanding awards have been held annually for 40 years and this year commended six volunteers for decades of combined support that has collectively helped Scouts groups, Cadets, a local football club and Friends of parks groups amongst others to thrive across Bromley.
The Mayor of Bromley, Councillor Jonathan Andrews, said: “Volunteering is the bedrock of our borough, and it was an honour and a privilege to hear about the fantastic efforts of those who have long contributed to our borough in a wide variety of ways, and to have the opportunity to formally recognise their longstanding service to Bromley. It was a pleasure to learn more about all that the award winners have achieved and to thank them for this important work, which I hope will serve as inspiration for even more residents to get involved with volunteering across Bromley.”
At the awards, Grace McMillan, was commended for her contributions as Founder and Director of Chislehurst Glebe Football Club, providing sporting opportunities for many young players since its founding in 1995, including by ensuring welcoming spaces for those with Special Educational Needs (SEN).
Support for Bromley’s much-loved green spaces was also recognised through Larry Herbert, for his dedication as Chair of the Friends of Keston Common and of Bromley Friends Forum, as Friends groups across the borough continue to provide valuable support to the council in maintaining the borough’s parks and green spaces.
Many of the borough’s scouts have benefited from Patricia Braithwaite’s voluntary work, who has been recognised for contributions to the Cub Scouts in Bromley for over 30 years, as well as support for other charitable causes. The Mayor’s Young Persons Award went to Angelus, who is a dedicated member of the Change for Care Leavers Forum, including having supported as a peer mentor for those going through care.
Jennifer Stephens was commended, including for longstanding support of the borough’s poppy appeal through the Royal British Legion Penge branch. This followed earlier efforts in support of the Beckenham Remembrance Parade, as well as ongoing support for other local community groups. Tina Futcher-Smith received recognition as an active volunteer for a range of local charities and church groups, including Bromley Borough Foodbank and as a local School Governor.
The Mayor presented the awards to the recipients at an award ceremony at Bromley Civic Centre alongside the Deputy Mayor Cllr Gemma Turrell, the Mayoress Mrs Theresa Andrews and Deputy Lieutenant Deirdre Barr. The ceremony followed the welcome nominations received from Bromley’s voluntary sector.
There are a wide range of volunteering opportunities across the borough, including Bromley Scouts and Cadet units, with such efforts forming part of Bromley’s ongoing commitment to supporting the armed forces community.
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