Residents in Sutton are being invited to crown Sutton’s community champion.
More than 100 names were put forward when Sutton Council asked people to nominate those who go out of their way to make the borough a better place to live.
These have been whittled down to a shortlist of five.
Residents are now being invited to vote on who they think should win the top award.Cllr Sean Brennan, Leader of Sutton Council, said: "There are so many unsung people out there who do so much to make Sutton a great place to live. It’s fitting that we should honour the truly exceptional people in this group whose contribution really makes a difference to the lives of residents.”
The five people shortlisted are::
Jean Crossby
Before her recent retirement, Jean Crossby was chair of the Sutton Federation of Tenants and Residents Associations, where she served for 16 years. Her vigorous campaigning for the rights of tenants to have decent housing took her to Downing Street to lobby ministers personally.
Her list of achievements also includes the successful relaunch of the St Helier Festival with great success and a campaign to secure Heritage Lottery Funding for the Circle Library in Carshalton
Jonathan Moritz
Twenty one-year-old Jonathan Moritz’s commitment to the role of Troop Leader with the Cheam Scout Group has provided an enormous source of inspiration to the young people that follow him.
Whilst studying for an apprenticeship, Jonathan volunteered to take control of the group to rescue it from closure and has since invested huge amounts of time and energy into providing activities for his Scouts, including a Halloween camp and a role in the recent Cheam War Memorial.
His energy, enthusiasm, and dedication make him an ideal role model for young people
Ted Gates MBE
Ted Gates is a devoted and dedicated individual who has overcome his disabilities to complete a vast amount of volunteer work with numerous notable organisations and projects.
His list of contributions includes helping to set up Sutton Shopmobility, a charity offering wheelchair and powered scooter loan service to people with mobility problems, whilst he is also heavily involved with the Sutton Centre for Independent Living and Learning among various other initiatives.
A well respected and popular member of the community, Ted’s inspirational commitment to his borough shows disability is no match for heart and dedication.
Oliver Teuten
A regular volunteer with the Sutton Nature Conservation Volunteers and Ecology Centre, Oliver Teuten has contributed massively to life at the wildlife centre. He has regularly given many hours of service, including teaching children and adults the importance of wildlife and their habitats, as well as assisting with the management and maintenance of local reserves.
The outstanding commitment provided by Oliver is invaluable to the wildlife community and he is an excellent role model for others of his age from which such service is rare and worthy of recognition.
Meg Hart
Meg Hart is a 93-year-old widow who tirelessly cares for her wheelchair-bound friend Vera Beard. Each day she takes a long journey, which involves four buses, to Vera’s house, where she tidies, makes lunch and dinner and keeps Vera company. Meg has made this journey six times a week, every week for the last ten years since Vera lost her leg.
Her remarkable show of unwavering commitment and care is testament to their enduring friendship which has lasted nearly 80 years.
The winner will be announced at Sutton’s first Community Leadership Awards reception at the Sutton Life Centre on Wednesday 8 December.
As well as the title, the winner will receive £100. The four runners-up will receive £50 each.
To vote for your favourite, send the name of the person you think should win to leadershipawards@sutton.gov..uk| or telephone Michelle Ryan on 020 8770 5145 or telephone Michelle Ryan on 020 8770 514
Posted on Wednesday 24th November 2010