Harlow Council has celebrated individuals and organisations that have made outstanding contributions to the local community after Civic Awards were announced last Wednesday (24 February).
Due to the COVID pandemic the awards were announced at a virtual special council meeting. The awards were for the year 2019 – 2020 when Councillor Clive Souter served as Chair of Harlow Council.
The awards were given to:
Alfie Babb – Harlow Town Football Club
Alfie was nominated by Councillor Mark Ingall for his commitment to Harlow’s football and youth development. Having become Harlow Town FC’s Head of Youth Development at just 18 years old, Alfie has been instrumental in encouraging the football club to reach out to the local community, running assemblies in local primary and secondary schools, promoting the importance of leading an active, healthy lifestyle, hosting indoor futsal tournaments, as well as encouraging Harlow schools to utilise the stadium to host sports days and other events.
Neil Boggas – Harlow Rugby Club
Nominated by Councillor Shona Johnson, Neil has been recognised for his work in coaching the girls and ladies teams, whilst playing and coaching for the Saints team and running his own business. He has worked hard to pass his level 2 coaching qualification and is a massive asset to the girls/ladies and the Saints team at Harlow Rugby Club.
Jamie Pring – Linkfest
Jamie, who has run the Linkfest music and arts festival in Harlow for the last 10 years, was nominated by Councillor Jodie Dunne. Each summer, Linkfest becomes a focal point in the town and plays an important role in Harlow’s musical and cultural communities. Jamie is recognised for all the hard work he has put in to bring fun and entertainment to thousands of people from Harlow and beyond.
Changing Lives
Councillor Chris Vince nominates David and Ben from Changing Lives, an organisation which has been dedicated to helping the young people of Harlow for the past two years. Changing Lives is a project designed to focus on the most vulnerable young people in our society to introduce them to sport and other activities as well as educate them in the dangers of becoming involved in gang related activity and knife crime. It has been wonderful to see the positive impact the project has had on a number of young people from across the town.
Marjorie Hale
Marjorie, who is a qualified church reader and attends St May’s Great Parndon, was nominated by Councillor David Carter for her continuous voluntary work for over 35 years at the Sumners Farm Close extra care supported housing scheme. Marjorie attends three days a week, helping with the lunchtime meals and staying after to help with activities such as bingo, Hoy and card playing among other things. She holds an all-faith service once a month for those who wish to attend and acts as a listening ear for residents and members of staff.
Val Fitzjohn – Harlow Royal British Legion
Val, who was nominated by Councillor Maggie Hulcoop, worked tirelessly each year for Remembrance Day to ensure that the whole community could be included. She was instrumental in putting together the hanging poppy display which appeared outside the Civic Centre, and encouraged members of the public to knit hundreds of poppies and to bring in plastic bottles which were then in turn cut and painted into poppies. She also thought up the idea of hanging poppy baskets, which council officers made and donated to Princess Alexandra Hospital to display. Sadly, Val passed away towards the end of 2020 but we were able present her with her Civic Award last year. She is remembered as a true community leader.
This year’s Civic Awards nominations have for the first time ever been opened up to the public. You can now put forward any residents, groups or organisations that have contributed to Harlow. For full details on the criteria and to complete a nomination form, visit www.harlow.gov.uk/civic-awards
Nominations can be made until 5pm on Friday 2 April 2021.
