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Celebrating the unsung community heroes in Horfield and Lockleaze
The many unsung heroes who dedicate their time to making a difference in their community were recognised in a joyous – and sometimes poignant – ceremony.
More than 150 nominations across nine categories were received for the 2024 Horfield and Lockleaze Community Awards, which celebrate the people who go above and beyond.
Categories included best business, best community group and the ‘made a big difference’ category, dedicated to award founder David Thomas (1962-2023), a local resident who generously supported many community projects in the area.
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The winners and runners-up were revealed at an award ceremony on Friday, held at Lockleaze Sports Centre.
Rachel Varley, one of the organisers of this years’ awards, told Bristol24/7: “Horfield and Lockleaze are filled with people who give their time and energy to make it a great place to live, and these awards aim to celebrate that.
“All the nominations were shortlisted by a panel of local residents and workers to give three finalists for each category, who were all then invited to the ceremony to celebrate their achievements.”
Rachel added: “We want to thank everyone for their nominations. There were so many wonderful people who were put forward who all deserve recognition for what they do to make our community a great place.”
The many unsung heroes who dedicate their time to making a difference in their community were recognised in a joyous – and sometimes poignant – ceremony
Addressing a room filled with more than 80 community champions and volunteers from across Horfield and Lockleaze, host Stewart North began the awards ceremony with a one-minute silence to remember those communities in Bristol who have faced unmeasurable challenges in recent weeks.
“Whilst we come to celebrate our neighbourhood tonight, we think of our friends in Knowle West, Easton and Sea Mills with heavy hearts. Everyone here knows that could just have easily have been us,” said Stewart.
Stewart, who is the key lead at Ebenezer Church on Filton Avenue, Horfield, continued: “We need to celebrate our communities, and everything everyone of you in this room does helps to work towards a safer, stronger, friendlier and more positive Horfield and Lockleaze. You are the heart of our community.”
With the glitz and glam at a modest level, an interlude of music provided by an outstanding local vocalist, and the occasional tear rolling into the locally-made spring rolls and cheese board on offer, the fourth annual Horfield and Lockleaze Awards began.
The full list of categories, winners and runners up of the awards are as follows:
Best business
Shortlisted for best business – Crispy Cod Fish Bar, Boing! Soft Play, Giacomo Licata Barber Shop.
And the winner is… Boing! Soft Play
Nominations said: “Boing goes above and beyond to support and offer fun for local families. They have an excellent little cafe with delicious and affordable food, staff and friendly and kind, and are a great comfort for those tricky early parenting years.
“The team at Boing! Work so hard to make sure they can offer the best service for families.”
Awards were given in nine categories, including best business, which was awarded to Boing! Soft Play in Lockleaze
Good neighbour
Shortlisted for good neighbour award: Annie Morris, Patrick Best, Maria Perrett
And the winner is… Annie Morris
Nominations for Annie described her as a special, amazing, supportive, kind and inspirational lady who shows love, compassion and encouragement to many in the Lockleaze community.
Achiever award
Shortlisted for the achiever award: Anna George, Rob Smith, Suzanne Wilson.
And the winner is… Suzanne Wilson
Suzanne is the chief executive for Lockleaze Neighbourhood Trust and has succeeded in securing the future of Lockleaze Neighbourhood Trust in the new Cameron Centre building on Gainsborough Square. The award recognised her significant efforts in setting up and acquiring funding for new projects across Lockleaze.
Volunteer of the year
Shortlisted for the volunteer of the year awards: Anna George, Steve Talbot and Simon Hawkins, Damien Phillps
And the winner is… Steve Talbot and Simon Hawkins
Steve Talbot showed his utter joy of being announced winner; cherishing the cheers from around the room and happily self-applauding, even punching the air a number of times, as he walked up to take his award.
Talking through the nominations, Stewart said: “Steve and Simon volunteer at the popup cafe at the Hub in Lockleaze. Both identify as having learning difficulties but that doesn’t stop them from providing the most tremendous service.”
Stewart continued: “Simon is great at remembering peoples names and what their favourite cake is. He will notice if one of the regulars hasn’t been in. Steve is a real ray of sunshine and great at making people feel welcome in the cafe. His amazing energy is infectious.”
Steve Talbot and Simon Hawkins volunteer at the Hub cafe in Lockleaze
Teacher of the year
Shortlisted for the teacher of the year award: Jacob Francis (Fairfield High School), Donavan Shand (Fairfield High School), Steve Pavey (Filton Avenue Primary School)
And the winner is… Steve Pavey
“In my 20 years of teaching in different schools all over the UK, I have never met a teacher who goes above and beyond for children like Steve does. There’s not enough space to write what he does, but he cares and supports all children,” one nomination said about Steve.
“I have never met a teacher who goes above and beyond for children like Steve Pavey does” – said one nomination
Made a big difference – in memory of David Thomas
Shortlisted for the ‘made a big difference’ award: Alex Bugden, Rob Smith, Allison Clarke
And the winner is… Allison Clarke
Allison Clarke leads the admin team at the North Bristol Advice Centre. Nominations described her as incredibly patient, helpful, friendly and professional, going above and beyond to ensure people get the help that they need.
Stewart added: “Allison makes a huge contribution to our community. People have nominated her as she exhibits uttermost professionalism, kindness and understanding when interacting with those in the community facing difficult times. The community at large would be at a disservice without her.”
Best sport or physical activity group
Shortlisted for the best sport or physical activity group: Bristol North Aikido Dojo, Purdown Panthers, Alien Dance Company
And the winner is… Alien Dance Company
Running regular dance classes at the Hub Community Centre in Lockleaze, Alien Dance Company said they were “absolutely honoured and overwhelmed to be shortlisted” for the awards.
One nomination said the teachers at Alien Dance Company gave their daughter the confident and ability to move from being a “shy girl that wouldn’t come out from behind my coat to dancing in front of thousands of people at Blackpool Tower”.
Best community group
Shortlisted for the best community group: Footprints at Ebenezer Church, North Bristol and South Gloucestershire Food Bank, Friends of Horfield Library
And the winner is… Footprints at Ebenezer Church
Footprints is a group for senior citizens in Horfield, Lockleaze and Filton. Sharing the nomination comments with the room, co-host Val Cook, who has lived in the area for 71 years, said; “This group does so much for all the community in the area. Meals, care, a warm space to gather, love for all ages. It’s a wonderful place to go with interesting talks and entertainment. Everyone is welcome and everyone is friendly.”
Best children or young peoples’ group
Shortlisted for the best children or young peoples group: Lockleaze 209th Scouts, The Vench, St Marys and St James Youth Club.
And the winner is… The Vench
The Vench is a free adventure playground and community centre in Lockleaze. Nominations for the Vench focused on their efforts in holidays and term time to support local children, alongside special mentions of staff and their efforts to make a difference in the community.
The Vench Adventure, a free playground and community centre in Lockleaze, was among the award winners
As the awards drew to a close, Maria Perrett, community activator for Lockleaze Neighbourhood Trust, told Bristol24/7: “Tt’s not just about the award, but hearing the positive things people think about you too – that can give you so much encouragement to continue with the great work you’re doing that makes such a difference in the area.”
She says that an award ceremony also brings great people together from across the neighbourhood who maybe haven’t met in the past. “It’s about making connections, and ensuring these people are recognised and know they are part of a wonderful community. It’s so important every single person involved in Horfield and Lockleaze, whether winners of awards, those nominated, or part of something else good, knows that their action and energy is truly valued here.”
You can find out about all the groups, businesses and individuals nominated on the Horfield and Lockleaze Awards website.
Emily Shimell is reporting on Lockleaze as part of Bristol24/7’s community reporter scheme, a project which aims to tell stories from areas of Bristol traditionally under-served by the mainstream media
All photos: Tim Brooks (@mit.brooks)
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