Resident Volunteers awarded
Thursday 4 March 2010
Haringey’s unsung heroes have been recognised at a glittering awards ceremony acknowledging their extensive voluntary contributions to their local communities. Organised by Homes for Haringey’s resident involvement team, the second annual awards ceremony was held at the Decorium last Thursday, 25 February. The event, which included a three course dinner, was attended by almost 150 people. For the second year running, the celebration was sponsored by Homes for Haringey’s Decent Homes contractors.
The final eight winners were selected from over 28 nominations. They are: Akbar Choudhary and Thanh Nguyen, Edgecot Grove Young Advisors; Barbara Cordwell, Chair, Headcorn, Tenterden, Beaufoy and Gretton Road Residents’ Association (HTBG); Ronald Dalliday, Advocate, Northumberland Park; Anthony Jackson, Chair, Residents’ Repair Panel; Alexander Hearn, Chair, Mildura Court Residents’ Association; Anne Goodhew, Leasehold Panel member; Derek Stott, Treasurer, the Crescent Residents’ Association; and Susan Rice, Association of Tenant Representatives.
All the winners were presented with a special inscribed plaque by Paul Bridge, Chief Executive, Ola Akinfe, Executive Director of Asset Management, and Jackie Thomas, Executive Director of Housing Management. They also received £300 each to spend on community projects of their choice.
Voluntary activities celebrated included working with young people, supporting elderly people and tirelessly campaigning and participating in residents’ associations. In addition, the Special Achievement award went to Wood Green resident, Angie Buzzacott. She said: “I’ve worked on behalf of tenants with Haringey Council and Homes for Haringey for over 18 years. It has been a busy and enjoyable learning curve. This award means so much. I didn’t expect to get it. I’m so humbled and very honoured.”
Cabinet Member for Housing Services, Councillor John Bevan presented 14 residents associations’ with framed certificates and special grants of up to £500. All successfully landed funding to pay for new equipment or projects in their communities.
Music and entertainment was provided by Councillor Sheik “Crystaltones” Thompson. Local rap artist and Homes for Haringey Young Musician of the Year 2008, Omolobake, also performed ‘Hero Succeed’ and a specially written piece.
Guest speakers for the evening were four representatives of the Sandlings Youth Committee. The Youth Committee is part of the residents’ association, but it has established itself as a distinct group, with its own fundraising activities. Committee Vice Chairman, Remiah Telfer, praised the event saying young people’s involvement was paramount: “These awards are a positive way to acknowledge the contribution the local community makes, including younger tenants. We are after all part of the future and we can make a difference by getting other young people involved in a number of activities on their estate,” he said.
This year the ceremony included a category to honour the work of resident liaison officers from the Decent Homes programme. The overall award went to South Tottenham based Olivia Dunne, from the Apollo Group.
Paul Bridge said: “These individual volunteers, residents’ associations and resident liaison officers work tirelessly on behalf of our communities.They’re enthusiasm is inspiring and they are making huge a difference to the lives of our residents every day. This event is a great opportunity to say thanks and to recognise the importance of resident involvement in all the work we do.”
For further information on Rewarding Resident Volunteers, contact 020 8489 4463.
Find out more about the 2010 Rewarding Resident Volunteers nominees 
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