What a night we had! Over 150 people came together to celebrate our heroes on a night overflowing with joy and goodwill. Awards were presented to seven individuals and teams, while all those nominated received certificates of commendation.
All are heroes! Their commitment and dedication, and the difference they make to others’ lives is inspiring. There’s hardly a corner of local life they don’t touch. They work to green our environment, reduce waste and energy use, relieve hunger and poverty, offer friendship to those needing it, improve mental health and use their artistic and sporting talents to enrich our lives, and much more.
Dr Rosena Allin-Khan MP for Tooting and Cllr Jeremy Ambache, the Mayor of Wandsworth spoke praising the contribution that volunteers and others make and the strength this adds to our community in Balham and Tooting.
Our thanks go to the jazz duo from the group Fuzion Four who provided entertainment, and to the many helpers and organisers who helped make the Award scheme and its celebration on 16th March a success.
We owe a huge debt of gratitude to our sponsors Islamic Relief, Royal Mahal restaurant and A Plan Insurance, whose generosity made the celebration possible. Without them, it could not have taken place. We also thank Amy Adams for photographing the event.
Awards were presented as follows:
| Revd Professor June Boyce Tillman | Champions the environment through music and the arts |
| The Tooting and Balham Restart Fixing Team | Run regular ‘Fixing and mending’ workshops to promote re-use, avoid waste and teach skills |
| Nicola Pattinson | Runs a sewing group for refugees and local women in partnership with local refugee charity CARAS |
| Tooting Community Kitchen | Provide hot food for the homeless and vulnerable in several locations, and run a food bank. |
| Marie Clatworthy-King | Leader of Tooting Woodcraft Folk for over 20 years and community football coach. Coaches a girls football team in Morden. |
| Peer Supporters team at St George’s Neo Natal Unit | Volunteers supporting parents of premature babies at St George’s Hospital |
| Tooting Bal Sanskar Group | Volunteers providing education on Hindu faith, culture and language to local children. |
Kate Allan
Secretary
BATCA
07966 690308