The Golden Wonders of Milton Keynes

2.22.00pm GMT Thu 7th Dec 2006

Winners of this year's 'Golden Wonders' event, which celebrates people aged 55 plus who go the extra mile to help others, will be honoured by the Mayor of Milton Keynes next Monday (Dec 11th).

The search began in the summer for those special people who really make a difference and inspire their neighbours, friends and colleagues.

It followed from last year's immensely successful Golden Wonders competition, organised by Milton Keynes Council and its partners, particularly Age Concern.

And on Monday, the winners of the various categories, will be presented their prizes by Mayor Cllr Brin Carstens, in his chamber, from 6pm onwards.

Jane Reed, Performance and Quality Manager, who was involved in organising the competition, said "We have had a terrific response again and choosing the winners has been very difficult. Once again we have more than one winner in the category for inspirational individual or couple.

"All the people who are winners or have been recognised show how much they have to offer their community. Their energy and enthusiasm puts a lot of much younger people to shame!"

Cllr Irene Henderson, Cabinet Member responsible for Housing & Social Care, added: "The competition was part of the council's continuing programme to support and recognise the importance of older people in the community and just how much they can contribute. All the people recognised here are an inspiration to others - young and old."

The prize money, totalling £1,000, will allow the winners to spend some money on their favourite community project.

The Winners:

Inspirational individual or couple (£250 each)

Nelly Farran

Nelly has set up a residents' group and supports all the people in her close - Nelly checks on them daily to make sure they are well; and carries out many kindly errands. Together they are known as "The Old Codgers"!

Together with the Safer Communities Wardens, Nelly has made a film about improving life within the community and feeling safe.

Nelly is a regular visitor to schools, taking part in assemblies, talking about the war, and taking part in role-plays to increase understanding about issues such as violence. Nelly is a very busy lady.

Bill Green

Bill is a very busy man! On top of working full time he makes a huge contribution to the Willen community. He helps run the "Willen World Cup" annual football tournament; he runs training sessions for Willen Junior football team and runs them to matches; he is the treasurer of the Youth Club; and church warden - cutting the churchyard grass, always making sure it looks nice for weddings.

He runs stalls for Willen Hospice; has completed the 3 peaks race; is a magistrate; and a champion blood donor. He is a kind and helpful friend.

Community Project - (£500)

Mr and Mrs Roshan and Pushpa Bhabutta

Over the last 10 years Roshan and Pushpa have worked tirelessly for the community, particularly for the Hindu elderly. They are the driving force of the Dosti club, a weekly lunch club that through their efforts has evolved into a social and cultural focus for many older people who would otherwise be lonely and isolated.

They organise workshops and seminars about health and other issues that affect people's lives. They also organise activities and outings that make a huge difference to the quality of life for Asian elders.

The Dosti club is a shining example of what can be achieved through the dedication and hard work of our "unsung heroes".

Recognition and thank you

Charles Allum; Anita Rose; Sydney Shadbolt; Age Concern Milton Keynes