Community stalwarts' dedication rewarded

11:32am Wednesday 21st May 2008

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KIND hearted Brierley Hill residents have been recognised for their achievements in the Heart of the Community awards.

Brierley Hill Community Forum held their AGM on Friday May 16 and as part of the meeting over 30 residents and groups received Heart of the Community awards due to their contributions they have made to the community.

The evening sponsored by Merry Hill owners Westfield was a huge success- the criteria to being nominated were residents had to be from Brierley Hill or Brockmoor and Pensnett and work for a community or voluntary organisation serving the people of those wards.

Over 100 people turn up to support the evening and were treated to entertainment from the Brierley Hill Operatic Society- who started with a piece from their current production of Oliver, they also performed a selection of songs and dances from previous shows.

Some of the winners of the awards were Cyril Richards- who is actively involved in the community as Chair of Hawbush Tenants and Residents Association and so involved in the Hawbush Working together group and the community garden.

Mike Mason for his work to make Brierley Hill a better place to live and a founder member of the Brierley Hill Community Forum and also Rosemary Tomkinson for her work as councillor in the area for 13 years.

The awards were presented by guests such as Bill Boler- chair of Brierley Hill Regeneration Partnership, Steven Hassel- Brierley Hill development director, Westfield and Ian Pearson MP for Dudley South.

Chair of Brierley Hill Community Forum, Mike Mason said: "The Heart of the Community Awards gives local people the chance to recognise their neighbours, friends and colleagues who give their time and efforts for the community good.

"This is the third year we have run the awards and it is great to see so many different people receive the recognition they deserve.

"As previously the awards are a contest and everyone who received an award is making a real contribution to the life and well being of Brierley Hill."