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Wandsworth’s unsung heroes to be celebrated at Civic Awards ceremony

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The ceremony is held in honour of Individuals who have made a major contribution to the borough.

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By Dee Dhara

Unsung heroes of Wandsworth will be celebrated at the Civic Awards ceremony expected to take place in November.

The ceremony is held in honour of individuals who have made a major contribution to the borough usually in charitable activities or those who have carried out an exceptional deed or act of bravery.

The council is teaming up with popular local community website Streetlife.com to get the message out.

Mayor of Wandsworth, Councillor Adrian Knowles, said: “Since becoming mayor, it’s been humbling to meet so many people giving their time to help others.

“I think it’s absolutely right that this selflessness and hard work is noticed and rewarded.”

This year there will be a special dedication to people who helped get Clapham Junction back on its feet after the riots.

During the 2011 riots, Clapham Junction experienced some of the worst destruction it had seen in decades with approximately 1000 people taking part and low police presence.

The community spirit in Clapham was among the best after the riots despite it being one of the worst hit areas.

Last year’s awards saw Greg Crutwell, 52, pick up an award for transforming Balham Blazers FC from a small under-10 team based in a church hall to a 12-team footballing hub.

Mr. Crutwell said: “I was honoured and delighted to be the recipient of a Wandsworth Civic Award.

“To get recognition for something that you love doing is always special.”

Kate Allan was also rewarded for establishing the Balham and Tooting Community Association (BATCA) as the most influential community group in Tooting.

BATCA has now been running for five years and seeks to bring the different sides of the community together.

Resident Patrick Lethaby, 76, was honoured for founding Oasis, a small chain of five charity shops in the borough that raises money for local people living with HIV.

Mr. Lethaby still works in the Battersea branch which he founded 22 years ago as well as being chair.

Abdul Razak Osman and Nisar Bawany were the first to receive a joint award for their voluntary work.

The pair have volunteered their time to help a raft of good causes in the borough for over 25 years including facilitating a police office in Balham mosque – a pioneering development at the time.

Nominations can be sent to [email protected] or by post, to Wandsworth Civic Awards, Room 144, Wandsworth Town Hall, Wandsworth High Street, London SW18 2PU.

Finalists chosen from the nominations will be invited to attend the special award ceremony.

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