THE unsung heroes of Hillingdon were celebrated for their outstanding, but often unseen, work at a council awards ceremony last night (23).

The 2024 Hillingdon Community Awards took place at the Civic Centre in Uxbridge and hailed the remarkable contributions of the 18 winners.

They were presented with their awards by the Mayor, Cllr Shehryar Ahmad-Wallana, leader Cllr Ian Edwards and chief executive Tony Zaman. 

This year, there were two gold award winners, both in the Helping Communities category.

Christine Bennett is recognised for her involvement with the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme and also overseeing 13 scout groups as district commissioner.

The second award went to Kath Powell, for contributing almost three decades supporting the staff and children at Whiteheath Junior School, Ruislip.

She originally joined the school as a volunteer, before working there as a dinner lady, then a teaching assistant before returning to volunteer, outlasting many of the teachers.

The full list of winners:

Helping the Community

 Gold 

  • Christine Bennett
  • Kath Powell

Silver 

  • Helen Hutchings: For her commitment to local Girlguiding groups across the borough, including managing Willow Tree Centre campsite.
  • Andrew Terry: For his work running 3rd Hayes Scouts, Cubs and Beavers and supporting 3rd Hayes Guides and Rangers for 35 years
  • Samantha Hood: For supporting Girlguiding groups for more than 30 years, including organising weekly meetings and trips.
  • Steven Castle: For community work with St Edmund’s Church in Pinner, scouting groups and the Arrow Players amateur dramatic group.
  • Sharon Pink: For her involvement with Hillingdon Chamber of Commerce, Friends of the Battle of Britain Monument, Heath Robinson Museum and remembrance events.
  • Uxbridge Armed Forces and Veterans Breakfast Club: For outreach work in supporting people, either serving, or who have served, in the armed forces.
  • Les Drussel: For his contribution to the Chamber of Commerce and commitment to lbusnesses, charities and organisations.

Bronze 

  • Michelle Saunders: For devoting her free time to Girlguiding for the past 19 years in Hayes.
  • Friends of Northwood Recreation Ground: For conservation work and maintenance of the open space.
  • Mike Rees: For engaging with HS2 on behalf of the South Ruislip community to minimise disruption during construction.
  • Asad Karim: For liaising with the South Ruislip Safer Neighbourhoods Team to promote crime prevention awareness.
  • Alistair McEwan: For his contribution over the last 24 years to the Compass Theatre, its puppet club and wardrobe department.

  Helping vulnerable people

Silver 

  • John Cook: For supporting students with special educational needs at Pield Heath House School in Uxbridge.
  • SEND Family Support: For organising events and youth groups for children with special educational needs.

Bronze 

  • Samantha Cummings: For work with the Halo Children’s Foundation in supporting grieving families. 

Promoting Health and Wellbeing 

Bronze 

  • Divya Patel: For leading a group of volunteer yoga instructors to deliver free classes in Hayes.

www.hillingdon.gov.uk/community-awards