Civic awards night in Greenwich sees 40 worthy winners and causes garlanded

A council recognised 40 exceptional people and organisations with civic awards for their outstanding contributions to the borough of Greenwich.

The winners received their awards at a special ceremony at Woolwich Town Hall. 

The Mayor of Greenwich, Councillor Dr Dominic Mbang, said at the gathering of winners: “From fundraising and litter-picking to life-saving first aid, it was an honour to meet you all and to reward your courage, hard-work and selflessness with the recognition you all deserve.” 

Council leader Anthony Okereke said: “We’re grateful to all our Civic Award winners for the huge impact you all continue to make to your communities. It’s thanks to the outstanding contributions of local people that our borough continues to be a welcoming and inclusive place.” 

Among the array of deserving causes was a bravery award given to Choman Nasradin Abdullah, for providing lifesaving first aid to a member of the public who had been stabbed in November last year. 

In the world of arts and entertainment, there were gongs for Greenwich Exchange Ltd, the Groove 101 Band and Sushil Prajapati. 

Community awards went to Brenda Taggart, the Calestock Estate Resident Association, the Eltham Knitters, Jean and Alan Mahy, Latifi Adjao Amoussa and for Oksana Kalala – the latter founding the Ukrainian Support Greenwich Project, supporting more than 500 Ukrainians on the resettlement scheme. 

Other community gongs went to Roots4Life, Sarah Harper (helping local children create mural art in Plumstead), the Somali Parents Network, Spencer Johnson and the Woolwich Service Users Project. 

Those helping environmental causes got a nod – the Bostall Gardens Friends Group winning that accolade. The Good Neighbour category recognised the work of Michelle Beaumont and Robert Hames. 

Leaders Awards (for outstanding leaders as chosen by the leader of the council) were awarded for work in schools, clubs and mental health enterprises. Carmel Britto, Erika Podmore and Teresa Cox were the trio feted. 

Lifetime Achievement awards went to Alan Stevens, David Waite, Dolly Baldeo, Irene Taylor, Jean Shiels, Jeremy James and Marilyn Severin. 

Sporting Achievement awards went to Binod Gyanwali (volleyball) and Hayley Openshaw (GB rep in World Crossbow Championships). 

Teacher or Teaching Assistant of the Year awards were handed to Joyce Robinson and Kelly Olney. 

Volunteer awards went to Ahmed Mohamoud, Alan Harris, Judith Akhidenor, Margaret Fordham and Reach Out Volunteers at Mycenae House. 

Young Persons Outstanding Achievement awards went to Catherine Oke and Madeleine Kendall. 

Pictured top: Those winning recognition for their efforts gathered at Woolwich Town Hall for a ceremony (Picture: Greenwich council)