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We recognised some of Bolton’s most outstanding local volunteers at our annual customer awards ceremony held at the Macron Stadium on Thursday evening.

More than 300 people, including the Mayor and Mayoress of Bolton, attended our 'Stars of the Community’ event, which rewards volunteers who've worked selflessly to improve their neighbourhoods and communities.

Winners on the night included groups and individuals across nine categories who were nominated by other members of the community and our staff.

A further competition, ‘Bloomin’ Marvellous Garden’, saw two more awards for those who've gone to great efforts to improve or transform their gardens into outstanding areas. 

Tracy Woods, Chair of Bolton at Home, said: “We’re committed to involving and supporting our customers and we’re proud to hold an event that celebrates some of their exceptional achievements as volunteers.”

Award winners:

Sparkling Environment Star – Johnson Fold Community Action Group

The group has played a strong role in a variety of local initiatives aimed at improving the physical environment.

The Edible Estates project tackles food poverty and improves health, wellbeing and the environment. It's supported more than 65 local families to grow their own fruit and vegetables.

Marian Jackson, from Johnson Fold Community Action Group, said: “This is for all of the volunteers who’ve been involved with us. We do it for each person to get something out of it.

“I mean people are coming out of their homes to get involved and young people are teaching their parents how to grow and cook food. That’s special.”

Healthy Community Star – Team Deane Community Triathlon Club

Team Deane Community Triathlon club has improved the health, fitness and overall wellbeing of local men, women and children in Hulton and Rumworth by providing advice, guidance and physical training sessions.

The club has encouraged its members to participate in triathlons, marathons and fitness events across the country.

Chris Brady, from the Team Deane Community Triathlon Club, said: “Our club is bringing in new people every-week. They’ve seen us, ordinary guys, doing triathlons and that’s what inspires them to get involved and benefit themselves. People have improved their health with us massively in a short space of time.

“It’s about giving people the opportunity to do something and that brings the community together. We recognise those as keys to success and we’ve got more activities to come.”

Rising Star – The Cawdor and Campbell Action Group

After the Cawdor and Campbell Estate was the target of crime and antisocial behaviour, the action group put itself forward to represent the interests of local people and deliver events and projects aimed at reviving community spirit.

The group is actively involved in ongoing consultation to bring changes to the estate that residents need and want to see and raises awareness of issues affecting the community.

Sally Davies, from the Cawdor and Campbell Action Group, said: “We’ve done a lot to transform the area, though we want to get more people active and involved on the estate. Hopefully they’ll see us win this award and be inspired to join us in improving things further.”

Spirit of Youth Star – Lana Basnett

As part of her Community Studies degree at Bolton University, Lana volunteered at her local job club and has been instrumental in getting a number of people back to work.

Since graduating she has furthered her commitment to supporting her community, taking on the role of secretary for the Great Lever Connected Committee and volunteering on a local IT project.

Lana, from Great Lever, said: “Volunteering is rewarding. Anyone thinking about it should do it. It’s genuinely fulfilling to do something that really helps people.“

Taking a Stand Star – Diane Jones

Diane showed enormous bravery taking a stand against persistent, threatening behaviour which she and other residents endured at the hands of a neighbour.

Despite the risk to her personal safety, Diane provided enough evidence to Bolton at Home and the Greater Manchester Police to allow them to end the neighbour’s tenancy.

Diane, from Farnworth, said: “I’d encourage anyone else in a similar situation not to give up, try to be strong and talk to the support services available to you. You don’t have to go through it alone and knowing that has been a great strength to me.”

Stronger Community Star – Greenway Centenary Group

Representatives from different community groups in Hall i’ th’ Wood united for the first time to form a steering group to plan and deliver a two day event to commemorate the centenary of World War One. 

Their efforts brought around 250 residents from different generations and walks of life together, united in remembrance.

Lisa Atkinson, from the Greenway Centenary Group, said: “Our group is a wonderful bunch and it’s having common goals that get people to come together to take a project forward with enthusiasm and passion.”

Outstanding Achievement – Carol Fearnley

Carol has dedicated much of her time to volunteering and involved herself in every possible project to help improve services for Bolton at Home customers.

She is chair of both Bolton at Home’s customer committee and Tonge’s Big Local steering group, which ensures that £1million of lottery funding is allocated to projects the local community wants. She is also treasurer at Fusion; a local community centre managed by volunteers in Tonge Moor.

Carol uses her own experiences to show how people can achieve more than they think they can and is passionate about helping others.

Carol, from Tonge Fold, said: “In a nice way, I’m in total shock at receiving this award.

“I don’t see helping others as being complicated. It’s about taking the time to listen to people and letting them know that you’re there for them if needed.

“Volunteering is exciting, you can make a lot of friends through it and you can start at a level of involvement that you want to. There’s a lot of support from organisations like Bolton at Home to help you make more of a difference.”

Star of Bolton Young Persons Housing Scheme – Jordan Flanagan

This is a new award addition for 2014, spotlighting Bolton Young Persons Housing Scheme, which provides temporary and supported accommodation for young people in Bolton.

Jordan moved into emergency accommodation in 2012 having faced difficult family issues. Since then he has completed qualifications in plastering at Bolton College and now holds a plastering role, where he has received excellent feedback.

He recently secured first place in the Skillbuild Regional Heat Competition and will compete in the national finals this month. Jordan moved into his own tenancy in Bolton in September.

Jordan, 18 and from Halliwell, said: “This makes me feel good about what I’ve achieved. I’ve got my own place now and I work with Seddons. I hope to keep on moving up.”

Most Improved Garden – Patricia Dolan

Despite having a small budget, Patricia transformed an overgrown space into a fabulous garden that attracts local wildlife.

Working on the garden has also helped improve Patricia’s health and wellbeing.

Patricia said: “This is a lovely surprise. My best friend has helped me and together we’ve put in a lot of work. It’s brilliant to be recognised in this way.”

Best Garden – Brian Sayers

Brian created a multifunctional garden with a decking area, perennial borders, colourful bedding plants and hanging baskets. He also grows an away of fruit and vegetables including potatoes, beetroot, strawberries and tomatoes.

The Mayor of Bolton, Cllr Martin Donaghy presented Brian with the town’s historic Gardening Cup. And Brian followed last year’s winner Ray Arthington to make it successive years that the winner’s been from Hall i’th’ Wood.  

Brain said: “I’ve always liked gardening and much prefer to be outdoors. I take real pleasure in working on the garden and sitting back and enjoying it. It’s nice to know that others like it too.”

Judges’ Award – Brian Herrity. Award received by Brian’s wife, Sylvia Herrity.

Brian Herrity, who sadly passed away in September after losing his fight with cancer, worked for those who needed a second chance. 

This was as true of his footballing life, in the community of Hall i’th’ Wood and Tonge Moor, as it was in his work as board member with Hoot, Bolton’s credit union. Having once run a successful business that fell on hard times, Brian was acutely aware of the need to support those who find themselves in financial difficulty and worked tirelessly to support the community.

His voluntary work touched countless lives and Brian was considered a true giant of the community.

Sylvia said: “Brian was very sociable and totally committed to all that he did.

“He did things to make people happy, he had a special way of inspiring others and it’s lovely to see him honoured in this way.”

The event was sponsored by AKW Medicare, BAAS Construction Limited, Bolton University, Bolton Wanderers Community Trust, City Electrical Factor Limited, The Casey Group Limited, Forrest, Graham’s, Graham Hargreaves, J. Dickinson & Sons, J.G Redford Limited, MaxMedia, Trinity, Trowers & Hamlin and Venson. The Bloomin’ Marvellous Garden Competition was sponsored by B&Q.

Jon Lord, Chief Executive of Bolton at Home, added: "Congratulations to all of the winners, runners-up and nominees. This is our best night of the year because it represents the incredible achievements of the people and partnerships that strengthen our communities and turn areas around."