Sharon Jobe received an award for her tireless work to combat anti-social behaviour on the Market Estate, Holloway. Her reward was abuse and smashed windows from local thugs - but she never let bullying deter her and continues to offer support to the community.
Night of pride for community stars
nlnews@archant.co.uk
21 March 2007
All the winners with (back, left to right) Gazette editor Tony Allcock, and fellow judges Colonel Brian Kay, the Deputy Lieutenant of Islington, and Barry Norman, former Commander of Islington police.
All the winners with (back, left to right) Gazette editor Tony Allcock, and fellow judges Colonel Brian Kay, the Deputy Lieutenant of Islington, and Barry Norman, former Commander of Islington police.
PEOPLE are the glue that bind the community together - and the Mayor of Islington's Civic Awards are Islington's way of recognising the most extraordinary of those people.
The presentation ceremony for the 2007 awards was held in the council chamber at Islington Town Hall in Upper Street - where 10 awards were presented for outstanding community service.
Perry Fung with the Mayor of Islington, Councillor Jyoti Vaja
Perry Fung with the Mayor of Islington, Councillor Jyoti Vaja
Opening the awards - which were sponsored by the Islington Gazette for the fifth year running - the leader of the council James Kempton said: "Today is one of the great occasions when we come together as a community to celebrate achievement.
"When we think about the community and the challenges Islington has, I think about my mum telling me 'we didn't have much, but we did care for each other.' What we are celebrating today is that, and that's what makes Islington special.
MARION Fowler, whose husband and co-award winner David passed away before he learned of his honour, pictured with Islington Mayor Jyoti Vaja
MARION Fowler, whose husband and co-award winner David passed away before he learned of his honour, pictured with Islington Mayor Jyoti Vaja
"We are coming together as a community, councillors putting aside political point scoring for a moment, and celebrating the best of Islington."
Editor of the Islington Gazette, Tony Allcock, who presented the awards to the recipients, said: "There is no place quite like Islington. And the kind of community spirit that thrives here in Islington is quite extraordinary. And the Gazette has always celebrated that spirit.
"It seems to me that there are so many awards ceremonies these days. And the word honours has fallen into some disrepute of late. Awards are dished out here, there and everywhere and have become devalued as a result.
"We are accustomed to hearing about the rich and famous getting gongs and peerages for various good works - and wondering whether they really deserve or need the recognition.
"We hear about anonymous civil servants being honoured for a lifetime of bureaucratic beavering in the corridors of power.
"And from Buckingham Palace to Hollywood, millionaire pop stars and actors get Oscars and knighthoods showered upon them which satisfy their already bloated egos.
"But our Mayor's Civic Awards about something different.
"They are about people who work tirelessly and unselfishly in our vibrant community for the good of others, without ever seeking or expecting any reward or recognition.
"These people are not motivated by glory or honours - they are motivated by putting something back into the community they love and serve. Their efforts go way beyond the call of duty.
"They are very special people. They are shy, unassuming people who shun the limelight. Their reward is simply the satisfaction they get from helping others. They are the real stars."
Perry's boost for Chinese community
PERRY Fung gave up a lucrative career to help Chinese youth on the rocky road to adulthood - but he has no regrets over grabbing the chance to turn young lives around.
By sheer commitment the 38-year-old Mayor's Civic Award winner built a youth group with over 100 members at Islington Chinese Association in Giesbach Road, Archway, where he is youth service manager.
He said: "I remember one youth who had a mental breakdown with very bad depression. He was upset in everything he did, with no hope for the future.
Now he is brilliant. He found a job with Barclays and he gained confidence and hope. His personality and character totally changed."
At the awards ceremony the Labour leader in Islington, Councillor Catherine West, paid tribute to Mr Fung's dedication.
She said: "He is a man of many talents and all of them he puts to the benefit of the community. Whenever you pass the Chinese centre the lights are always on and the warmth is incredible.
"I would like to thank his wife for allowing him to think of others before the thinks of her."
* AS she brought down the curtain on another moving ceremony, Labour leader councillor Catherine West paid tribute to the Gazette's role in the community.
She said: "The councillors in this room have a love-hate relationship with the Gazette.
"It's always full of interesting stories and we all look forward to opening it on a Thursday to see what they have come up with."
Poignant honour for war memorial couple
A HUSBAND and wife team won a Mayor's Civic Award in recognition of their part in organising a decade of the most "vibrant, human and community orientated" war memorial services in Islington.
Winners Marion Fowler and husband David FOWLER - who sadly died before learning of his honour - first became involved when campaigning to save the war memorial in Manor Gardens, Holloway, when it was threatened by redevelopment of the former Royal Northern Hospital into flats.
The pair then started to organise a yearly event to honour the fallen of Islington.
Mrs Fowler said: "My husband would have been absolutely overjoyed about the award. I found out about it on the day of his funeral - they called me to one side and told me I had won.
"We organised the service the year after saving the memorial and just kept on going. It was hard work but very rewarding.
"We got more and more people there every year - this year was the biggest we have ever had. We did everything - even making the sandwiches. I am going to carry on as long as I can."
The full spectrum of the community attends the annual event - from old soldiers to youngsters. There are even two First World War veterans still coming - who Mrs Fowler describes as "very, very old".
Councillor Richard Watt, who nominated the couple for the award, said: "Marion and David both recognised that the monument should become a living part of the borough. Islington has three events, each of them different and wonderful. But their event is the most vibrant, the most human and the most community orientated of them all. The news that David passed away makes this award even more poignant."
THE REST OF THE WINNERS
Few have given more to their community than Edna Haynes and Joan Sealy.
They have both been providing activities for the elderly on Highbury Quadrant estate for 30 years.
They are now both in their 80s and still going strong with a host of trips around the country planned for pensioners in 2007 - not to mention their popular bingo sessions. Mrs Haynes said: "I was absolutely gobsmacked when I won the award - I thought someone was playing a joke on me. When I read the letter I thought 'it can't be me they mean - they must have me mixed up with someone else.'
"I would not have been able to do it without all the others. I want to keep on going as long as I possibly can."
Unsung hero Mike Muldoon works seven days a week as a volunteer driver for the elderly. The member of Finsbury and Clerkenwell Volunteers has lent his help to a variety of projects since retiring as an RAF policeman - including helping people with drug and alcohol problems.
Mr Muldoon said: "While I was in the service police I dealt with more alcoholics than this country has ever seen. Helping them is just putting life experience to good use.
"I was most surprised to receive an award and felt very humble."
Sharon Jobe received an award for her tireless work to combat anti-social behaviour on the Market Estate, Holloway. Her reward was abuse and smashed windows from local thugs - but she never let bullying deter her and continues to offer support to the community.
Hlunita Williams was honoured for her work at Canonbury School, in Canonbury Road, Islington, where she helps kids with their reading.
Parent Ursula Yates said: "Lunita is kind, caring, friendly and approachable - warm and wonderful and just what the little ones need."
For over 30 years Jenny and Brian Cumpstey have run the 34th Islington scouts company - Mr Cumpstey first joining as a cub at the tender age of seven. He said: "The camps are the best memory. Some of the kids have heard of sheep and cows but never seen them. A lot of them have never seen a sunset."
The commitment of david green to Islington - both through paid work and volunteering - marks him out as an outstanding servant to the borough. He served as a clerk to St Luke's Parochial Trust and the Cripplegate Foundation and has served on numerous voluntary sector committees. He is also an active supporter of the Islington Boat Club.
Sandra and John Shiels have devoted themselves to the children of Islington - adopting nine children and fostering hundreds more. Daughter Ann Marie Porter paid tribute to her parents: "My parents have always put their lives into helping children who are going through a rough patch. This has been a hard year as Dad lost his leg but he has come through the other side and the only way is up."
The students of Islington are the ones who have benefited from the commitment made by civic award-winning biologist Maria Neonaki. The 30-year-old has given up hundreds of hours of her own time to teach science to teenagers in the laboratory of London Metropolitan University in Holloway Road. Some of her students emulated their teacher - as they too became award winners, picking up a national prize for excellence.
Night of pride for community stars
nlnews@archant.co.uk
21 March 2007
All the winners with (back, left to right) Gazette editor Tony Allcock, and fellow judges Colonel Brian Kay, the Deputy Lieutenant of Islington, and Barry Norman, former Commander of Islington police.
All the winners with (back, left to right) Gazette editor Tony Allcock, and fellow judges Colonel Brian Kay, the Deputy Lieutenant of Islington, and Barry Norman, former Commander of Islington police.
PEOPLE are the glue that bind the community together - and the Mayor of Islington's Civic Awards are Islington's way of recognising the most extraordinary of those people.
The presentation ceremony for the 2007 awards was held in the council chamber at Islington Town Hall in Upper Street - where 10 awards were presented for outstanding community service.
Perry Fung with the Mayor of Islington, Councillor Jyoti Vaja
Perry Fung with the Mayor of Islington, Councillor Jyoti Vaja
Opening the awards - which were sponsored by the Islington Gazette for the fifth year running - the leader of the council James Kempton said: "Today is one of the great occasions when we come together as a community to celebrate achievement.
"When we think about the community and the challenges Islington has, I think about my mum telling me 'we didn't have much, but we did care for each other.' What we are celebrating today is that, and that's what makes Islington special.
MARION Fowler, whose husband and co-award winner David passed away before he learned of his honour, pictured with Islington Mayor Jyoti Vaja
MARION Fowler, whose husband and co-award winner David passed away before he learned of his honour, pictured with Islington Mayor Jyoti Vaja
"We are coming together as a community, councillors putting aside political point scoring for a moment, and celebrating the best of Islington."
Editor of the Islington Gazette, Tony Allcock, who presented the awards to the recipients, said: "There is no place quite like Islington. And the kind of community spirit that thrives here in Islington is quite extraordinary. And the Gazette has always celebrated that spirit.
"It seems to me that there are so many awards ceremonies these days. And the word honours has fallen into some disrepute of late. Awards are dished out here, there and everywhere and have become devalued as a result.
"We are accustomed to hearing about the rich and famous getting gongs and peerages for various good works - and wondering whether they really deserve or need the recognition.
"We hear about anonymous civil servants being honoured for a lifetime of bureaucratic beavering in the corridors of power.
"And from Buckingham Palace to Hollywood, millionaire pop stars and actors get Oscars and knighthoods showered upon them which satisfy their already bloated egos.
"But our Mayor's Civic Awards about something different.
"They are about people who work tirelessly and unselfishly in our vibrant community for the good of others, without ever seeking or expecting any reward or recognition.
"These people are not motivated by glory or honours - they are motivated by putting something back into the community they love and serve. Their efforts go way beyond the call of duty.
"They are very special people. They are shy, unassuming people who shun the limelight. Their reward is simply the satisfaction they get from helping others. They are the real stars."
Perry's boost for Chinese community
PERRY Fung gave up a lucrative career to help Chinese youth on the rocky road to adulthood - but he has no regrets over grabbing the chance to turn young lives around.
By sheer commitment the 38-year-old Mayor's Civic Award winner built a youth group with over 100 members at Islington Chinese Association in Giesbach Road, Archway, where he is youth service manager.
He said: "I remember one youth who had a mental breakdown with very bad depression. He was upset in everything he did, with no hope for the future.
Now he is brilliant. He found a job with Barclays and he gained confidence and hope. His personality and character totally changed."
At the awards ceremony the Labour leader in Islington, Councillor Catherine West, paid tribute to Mr Fung's dedication.
She said: "He is a man of many talents and all of them he puts to the benefit of the community. Whenever you pass the Chinese centre the lights are always on and the warmth is incredible.
"I would like to thank his wife for allowing him to think of others before the thinks of her."
* AS she brought down the curtain on another moving ceremony, Labour leader councillor Catherine West paid tribute to the Gazette's role in the community.
She said: "The councillors in this room have a love-hate relationship with the Gazette.
"It's always full of interesting stories and we all look forward to opening it on a Thursday to see what they have come up with."
Poignant honour for war memorial couple
A HUSBAND and wife team won a Mayor's Civic Award in recognition of their part in organising a decade of the most "vibrant, human and community orientated" war memorial services in Islington.
Winners Marion Fowler and husband David FOWLER - who sadly died before learning of his honour - first became involved when campaigning to save the war memorial in Manor Gardens, Holloway, when it was threatened by redevelopment of the former Royal Northern Hospital into flats.
The pair then started to organise a yearly event to honour the fallen of Islington.
Mrs Fowler said: "My husband would have been absolutely overjoyed about the award. I found out about it on the day of his funeral - they called me to one side and told me I had won.
"We organised the service the year after saving the memorial and just kept on going. It was hard work but very rewarding.
"We got more and more people there every year - this year was the biggest we have ever had. We did everything - even making the sandwiches. I am going to carry on as long as I can."
The full spectrum of the community attends the annual event - from old soldiers to youngsters. There are even two First World War veterans still coming - who Mrs Fowler describes as "very, very old".
Councillor Richard Watt, who nominated the couple for the award, said: "Marion and David both recognised that the monument should become a living part of the borough. Islington has three events, each of them different and wonderful. But their event is the most vibrant, the most human and the most community orientated of them all. The news that David passed away makes this award even more poignant."
THE REST OF THE WINNERS
Few have given more to their community than Edna Haynes and Joan Sealy.
They have both been providing activities for the elderly on Highbury Quadrant estate for 30 years.
They are now both in their 80s and still going strong with a host of trips around the country planned for pensioners in 2007 - not to mention their popular bingo sessions. Mrs Haynes said: "I was absolutely gobsmacked when I won the award - I thought someone was playing a joke on me. When I read the letter I thought 'it can't be me they mean - they must have me mixed up with someone else.'
"I would not have been able to do it without all the others. I want to keep on going as long as I possibly can."
Unsung hero Mike Muldoon works seven days a week as a volunteer driver for the elderly. The member of Finsbury and Clerkenwell Volunteers has lent his help to a variety of projects since retiring as an RAF policeman - including helping people with drug and alcohol problems.
Mr Muldoon said: "While I was in the service police I dealt with more alcoholics than this country has ever seen. Helping them is just putting life experience to good use.
"I was most surprised to receive an award and felt very humble."
Sharon Jobe received an award for her tireless work to combat anti-social behaviour on the Market Estate, Holloway. Her reward was abuse and smashed windows from local thugs - but she never let bullying deter her and continues to offer support to the community.
Hlunita Williams was honoured for her work at Canonbury School, in Canonbury Road, Islington, where she helps kids with their reading.
Parent Ursula Yates said: "Lunita is kind, caring, friendly and approachable - warm and wonderful and just what the little ones need."
For over 30 years Jenny and Brian Cumpstey have run the 34th Islington scouts company - Mr Cumpstey first joining as a cub at the tender age of seven. He said: "The camps are the best memory. Some of the kids have heard of sheep and cows but never seen them. A lot of them have never seen a sunset."
The commitment of david green to Islington - both through paid work and volunteering - marks him out as an outstanding servant to the borough. He served as a clerk to St Luke's Parochial Trust and the Cripplegate Foundation and has served on numerous voluntary sector committees. He is also an active supporter of the Islington Boat Club.
Sandra and John Shiels have devoted themselves to the children of Islington - adopting nine children and fostering hundreds more. Daughter Ann Marie Porter paid tribute to her parents: "My parents have always put their lives into helping children who are going through a rough patch. This has been a hard year as Dad lost his leg but he has come through the other side and the only way is up."
The students of Islington are the ones who have benefited from the commitment made by civic award-winning biologist Maria Neonaki. The 30-year-old has given up hundreds of hours of her own time to teach science to teenagers in the laboratory of London Metropolitan University in Holloway Road. Some of her students emulated their teacher - as they too became award winners, picking up a national prize for excellence.
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