The unsung heroes and heroines of Tower Hamlets were recognised for their services to the community – for sporting, artistic and cultural achievements and for success in business – at the annual Tower Hamlets Civic Awards Ceremony on 26th March. Councillor Abdul Mukit MBE, Speaker of Tower Hamlets Council, presided over the service as part of his ceremonial role.
Ten residents were honoured this year with an award. •Tania Nalywajko, Avril Couhlan, Mohammed A. Mosabbir, Faruk Miah, Dean Pursall and Rev.James Olanipekun received awards for providing outstanding services to the community. •Muhibur (Shamim) Rahman, Mohammed Iqbal Hussain and Mohammed Wadud Miah were recognised for bringing credit to the borough through sporting, artistic or cultural achievements. •Md Gulam Kibria won the award for bringing benefits to Tower Hamlets through success in business and in community involvement.
Attending the ceremony, John Ludgate, Deputy Lieutenant of Greater London, said: “Every year I am impressed by the positive impact that Civic Award winners, and nominees, make in Tower Hamlets’ communities. I am proud to be part of a tradition that recognises and thanks the unsung heroes and heroines, who work tirelessly for others.”
Winners of awards for the provision of outstanding services to the community
Penny Wilson nominated her neighbour, Tania Natywajko, for her community work. Penny said: “Tania has lived in Mile End all her life. In 2008, she championed the creation of communal gardens filled with naturalised planting, fruit and flowers.” Tania was also recognised for her work organising street parties for local communities and the creation of new spaces for children to play.
Helen Goody nominated her friend and neighbour, Avril Coughlan, from Mile End East.Helen said: “Avril is tireless, always thinking of others. She never ceases to help her community and local people. She deserves recognition.” Helen also praised the community events that Avril organises and fundraises for.
Sadequl Amin nominated his colleague Mohammed A Mosabbir, from Weavers ward. Sadequl said: “Mohammed A. Mosabbir is a community activist and most of his adult life has been involved with local community and voluntary organisations. He considers helping vulnerable and disadvantaged people of the community a noble work, and he dedicates his time and resources for the local community. He is a gentleman and a role model.”
Cllr Khales Uddin Ahmed nominated Faruk Miah, from Bromley North. Mr Miah was recognised for bringing the community together in his work with the Bromley by Bow Centre for the last 20 years and in his role as Secretary for the Bangladeshi Umor for Union Trust. His work has made Bromley by Bow what it is today and he deserves recognition.
Cathy Pursell nominated her husband, Dean Pursell, from Bow. Cathy said: “For the past 15 years, my husband has done voluntary work. He has raised thousands for local people, raised money for mobility scooters, stair lifts and household goods. He is now 85 years old and still raising money for people. I am so very proud of him. He is my husband and hero.”
Simon Olanipekun nominated his dad, Rev James Olanipekun, from Poplar. Simon said: “I am nominating my dad because he is a community hero. He has been on Poplar Harca’s board since 2009; he has been a governor of my school for eight years; he is a Community Champion Co-Ordinator and has been on the borough’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee for four years.”
Winners of awards for bringing credit to the borough through sporting, artistic or cultural achievements
Jewel Choudhury nominated his friend, Muhibur (Shamim) Rahman, from Shadwell. Jewel said: “Shamim is a sports personality and father of four who has lived in Tower Hamlets for 40 years. He recently achieved his ultimate goal by competing in the GSBA athletics World Champions 2014 in Rome, where he won Silver and Bronze medals. He is a role model for the borough’s young people.”
Junel Uddin nominated his colleague and friend, Mohammed Iqbal Hussain, from Bethnal Green. Junel said: “Iqbal is a FA Level 3 football coach which he achieved in June 2008. At the time he was only the third Bengali person in the UK to get this. Since 1997 Iqbal has coached football to players that have become fathers and grandfathers. His full time job is a care worker for people with disabilities. Vallance Community Sports Association is very lucky to have him.”
Mohammed Wadud Miah, from Stepney, was nominated by his manager, PC Steve Austin. Steve said: “Wadud is a volunteer police cadet staff member. He gives up 16 hours a week supporting young people at cadet units. Wadud now heads up a group called “Youths Against Extremism” which he will now deliver across the UK. He does all this whilst working and studying in Tower Hamlets.”
Awards for bringing benefits to Tower Hamlets through success in business and in community involvement
Mohammed Abdul Karim nominated his business colleague Md Gulam Kibria, from Spitalfields and Bangla Town. Abdul said: “Without a doubt he has come far in life and done well in life because of his hard work, enthusiasm and determination to thrive both as a businessman and an individual, helping the community by employing local people. Md Gulam Kibria is forever giving to charity and has donated money towards schools, colleges and mosques.”