A ceremony was held to honour 43 individuals and groups – those “amazing people” who have made Horfield and Lockleaze “wonderful places to live, work and play.”
This year’s Horfield and Lockleaze Community Awards focused on celebrating the unsung heroes who live or volunteer in the community. The event was planned by a small team of local residents, but was supported by Ebenezer Church, Lockleaze Neighbourhood Trust and Lockleaze Sports Centre to cover the cost of food and venue.
The winners included individuals who support children’s wellbeing and physical activity, provide food support to the community, improve nature projects and green spaces, give their time to local schools, or promote sports and creative opportunities. Local groups such as the Friends of Horfield Common, the Grove Team at Orchard School and the 209th Lockleaze Scout Group were also collectively recognised.
Recipients of awards spanned the age spectrum. Nine-year-old Jack Shaw Jack reads to the elderly, supports a young boy from Ukraine, and has collected essential donations such as rice, toiletries, and socks to support those in need; he recently raised £1,700 for the Julian Trust homeless shelter by climbing Pen Y Fan.
Zach Holmes is a remarkable 16-year-old volunteer who helps distribute food to around 50 families at The Vench in Lockleaze, ensuring that food doesn’t go to waste. Additionally, Zach volunteers at The Vench Corner Café at the weekend. During the summer holidays, he even cooked over 100 burgers at a football tournament to feed hungry players and their families.
Two award winners were also celebrated for their 50-year dedication to the community and local church. Since the 1970s, Dennis and Alison Kinnersley have tirelessly supported Horfield United Reformed Church, through various roles, from elder and secretary to caretaker – ensuring the church and hall are welcoming and well-maintained, as well as actively contributing to local events and theatre productions.
Organiser, Rachel Varley, thanking all those who nominated and who made the evening such a success, added: “We wanted to showcase those who so generously go above and beyond, acting with kindness and generosity to create a positive impact here in Horfield and Lockleaze.
“In a time where our news feeds are full of the sorrows in our world, moments like the one described above remind us of the things to be hopeful about – the wonderful people being generous in our community!”
More photos of the event, taken by Tim Brooks, can be found at www.lockleazeandhorfield.co.uk/community-awards