Thanks for making a big difference
Inspirational local winners of BBC community awards
LOCAL heroes have been crowned community champions in BBC Radio Berkshire’s Make a Difference Awards.
Eight community champions were announced as winners across the county – with four recipients of the awards coming from West Berkshire.
BBC Radio Berkshire editor Duncan McLarty said: “We have been so inspired by the lengths that local people have gone to in supporting their friends, neighbours and communities. It’s a huge pleasure to celebrate all their achievements in this way.”
And the winners are… Remap Berkshire MakeAbility – Community Group
Twenty-eight volunteer MakeAbility engineers based in Woolhampton design and make free gadgets and equipment for people with special needs when nothing suitable can be found commercially. Ed Smith – Fundraiser Newbury-based Mr Smith has taken on several charity challenges since losing his wife to cancer at a young age. He completed the SAS training walk and recently rowed the Atlantic.
Caroline Saunders – Carer Hillview in Newbury provides supported living for adults with learning disabilities and care manager Ms Saunders was nominated – and ultimately chosen as the winner – for being “amazing” throughout the pandemic and keeping everyone safe and well during Covid restrictions.
Briony Palmer-Reid – Great Neighbour
Ms Palmer-Reid, from Newbury, campaigned for safety railings to be put up along the Kennet and Avon Canal after the death of a toddler in March, 2021.
Make a Difference was set up at the beginning of the first lockdown in March 2020 to recognise the achievements and contributions made by people in their community.
The winners received their accolades at a ceremony on Friday, September 2, at Reading Town Hall.
We have been so inspired by the lengths that local people have gone to in supporting their friends, neighbours and communities