Radcliffe: ‘Unsung heroes’ honoured at surprise awards night

Hosted at the Growing Together community hub in Radcliffe, which opened its doors last month, the event was arranged by Tina Harrison MBE, community volunteer lead at Trinity Foodbank, and Gill Smith, founder of community group Radcliffe Litter Pickers.

The pair each received a £250 grant from Bury Voluntary Community and Faith Alliance (VCFA) and Bury Council via the “Let’s Value Volunteers” fund.

The event took place on March 7 and more than 80 people were honoured, each receiving badges and certificates.

Gill said: “We [Tina and I] thought that we could do more if we combined our funding. We put on the awards and everyone enjoyed a buffet on the night.

“It’s important to make sure the people in our community feel valued.

“It was a successful evening and everyone had a good time. It was tricky but we managed to keep it a surprise!”

Tina added: “We had a lovely buffet provided by Harrison’s Catering and a lovely relaxed evening.

“Volunteers don’t do it for thanks but we felt they do so much for so many that we needed to celebrate and say thank you.

The awards were presented by former BBC presenter and High Sheriff of Greater Manchester, Eamonn O’Neal.

Bury Council chief executive Lynne Ridsdale was also at the event.

She said: “Volunteers are the unsung heroes of our borough, and so many activities would not take place without them

“It was a pleasure to visit Growing Together Radcliffe at their new premises and see and to say thank you for some of the tremendous work being done to support the local community.

“It was also great to hear how volunteering is good for the volunteers themselves, by becoming more active, making new friends and feeling a sense of achievement.”

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Winners included volunteers from: