Civic Awards honour Newham's worthy citizens

It was the seventh year that Newham has had an honours scheme for local people with the winners nominated by local people.

The Civic Awards salute people who work in the community and whose deeds have gone above and beyond the call of duty.

They were handed out by Civic Ambassador Councillor Pearson Shillingford during a ball at West Ham United's Boleyn Ground in Upton Park, which had a St George's Day theme.

The winners received glass bowls, sponsored by the Newham Recorder. The recipients were:

Shoheb Akhtar, senior cadet at 282 Squadron of the Air Training Corps, who has excellent leadership skills and is an inspiration to younger cadets in the command.

Katie Blake, who supports young and deaf people using sign language. She was one of the first to join the Newham Volunteers programme and helps pensioners and adults with learning difficulties.

Joan Boys, who for 15 years has been an unpaid committee member and backbone to the 282 Squadron Air Training Corps. She runs the NAAFI provision, does fundraising and is always willing to help everyone.

Sabha Dyer, a Newham volunteer who represented the borough and London at the World Skills competition in Australia where she had to speak seven different languages.

Ann Henry, who visits the sick and gives help to people who need it. She shops and does washing and ironing for neighbours.

Ashuk Hussain, who has done voluntary work, particularly with young people, for ten years. He also founded the Amani Foundation for the welfare of men, women and children.

The Venerable Manala Makure, who gives 24-hour support to those who need it, works hard in the community and was of great comfort to many after the tsunami.

John Mercer, who is always volunteering to do DIY jobs for elderly and disabled people. He also organises day trips, runs a short mat bowls club and is Father Christmas at the Hartley Centre in East Ham.

Councillor Shillingford said: "A lot of people do great things in Newham and we are happy to salute those who selflessly carry out tasks for the good of others. We also thank the Newham Recorder for sponsoring the event.

"The Civic Ball is a fantastic occasion and I am glad so many people - including mayors from neighbouring boroughs - were able to share the occasion."

More than £3,500 was collected on the night from a raffle and an auction for the Civic Ambassador's charity, the Newham Music Academy.

A presentation was also made to dignitaries, who were visiting from Newham's German twin town Kaiserslautern, which Newham has been twinned with for more than 30 years.

Newham Recorder editor Colin Grainger said: "We are delighted once again to sponsor these awards which honour good deeds and community spirit."