Hounslow filled with Housing Heroes

Over 180 nominated tenants and guests from across the borough attended the event, which also incorporated the annual Hounslow Homes 2009 Gardening Awards. The event was generously sponsored by Hounslow Homes partners and contractors.

Bernadette O’Shea, Hounslow Homes Chief Executive began the evening by welcoming everyone to the awards. The guests were treated to a three-course dinner while they happily chatted with other nominees and Hounslow Homes staff.

Jill Gale, Director of Housing Services was the host for the evening and opened by thanking everyone for all their hard work in their local communities.

The judges had an extremely hard task on their hands selecting winners for each category.

Winners: Taylor Thorne, Charlotte Carter, and sisters Lesley, Courtney and Shannon Jones.

This group of young people have shown outstanding persistence in making Hounslow Homes listen to them. They take part in every project put before them, and they have encouraged their parents to get involved in community activities too! They are an example of how young people can take responsibility and give something back to the community.

Joint winners: Julie Brooker and Christine Burgess.

Julie has devoted her life to the tenant movement. She gives unstintingly of her time for the benefit of tenants and leaseholders and is a leading
light and an inspiration.

Chris gives up a huge amount of time championing tenants’ rights. As a leaseholder herself, she doesn’t seek to push leaseholder views over everyone else but listens and understands what’s important to tenants.

Winner: Rene Wooton

Rene has been a member of the HFTRA executive and a regular attendee at Forum and very very rarely misses a meeting. She’s always happy to contribute and help others. She is the ‘tenant ‘conscience’! She volunteers on special interest groups and ensures her own local TRA keeps active and well informed.

Winner: Michael Barry

Michael’s constant vigilance has enabled Wardens and Safer Neighbourhood Teams to work together to nip anti-social behaviour activities in the bud. He is a good example of how passing on information can deter anti-social behaviour in 'no go’ areas.

Winner: Meadowcroft Sheltered Housing Scheme Roger Cannakamma

As a Warden at Meadowcroft, Roger Cannakamma is considerate, knowledgeable, approachable and best of all, caring towards the people who live in Meadowcroft. Nothing is too much bother. There is a calm atmosphere and the general facilities are excellent. Roger’s concern for residents’ health and wellbeing goes way beyond the call of duty – we would be lost without him.

Winner: Sylvia Panton-Chapman

Sylvia is passionate about being involved and making a difference and works closely with Hounslow Homes to address the issues that arise. Although she struggles with aspects of her own life, she’s always there for others. She supports a number of elderly and sick residents by doing their shopping, taking them to hospital and being a good neighbour to anyone in need. Sylvia goes above and beyond the call of duty and deserves recognition.

Winner: Doris Stone

Doris has been a volunteer in her community for over 30 years. She has so much drive and enthusiasm in the running of all the activities at the Bedfont Lane Community Association, including running OAP lunch clubs, bingo sessions and numerous fundraising events to support local charities. She is a credit to the many that know her and she works with astonishing commitment and passion. Without her, many of the activities such as the art, kick boxing and dance clubs for young residents, simply wouldn’t happen.

The awards ended with a special tribute to Hounslow Homes Chair Alf Chandler who is stepping down as chair. It was a fantastic event, which the tenants really enjoyed. Hounslow Homes is proud to recognize the good work tenants do in their local community and we hope they now know how special they are.