CIVIC HONOURS: 24 local people awarded for making H&F a better place to live

WINNERS: Lifetime achievement honour

Retired nurse Elena Hutchinson – known to many as 'Aunty Pam' – was nominated for a lifetime achievement civic honour.

She's lived in H&F for more than 45 years and has built a reputation of unwavering dedication to and love for her local community.

Over the years, Elena has managed three foodbanks in partnership with City Harvest London to ensure that no member of her local community goes hungry. She's a constant advocate for her neighbours and has dedicated time to her local church and congregation, known for offering emotional support and compassion to those in need.

Her award was collected by her daughter Marilyn who also donates her time to the foodbanks and who said:

"My mum used to work three jobs, she's very hard working and I've always known her to care for others. She's not a lady that likes to sit at home and she loves doing what she's doing. She would continue it whether she was getting an award or not.

"We get to know everybody who comes to the foodbanks. We know all of them so well that we even notice if we don't see them, we know what's happening in their lives and we're integrated in that community because that's the whole point. That's how we help each other, by being united."

Elena – who is 74 and a grandmother – says she has 'no plans' to slow down.

Other lifetime award winners:

Jana Hassan was celebrated for more than 20 years of work establishing and running the White City non-profit Harmony Neighbourhood Nursery. The nursery employs more than 50 local people and has helped more than 1,000 parents and carers maintain employment or study for qualifications thanks to its affordable childcare fees.

"The White City community welcomed me with such warmth, respect, and compassion," said Jana. "I really enjoy working in a diverse, community-based environment, where I can truly make a difference in the lives of families and young children. The award means so much to me."

Local West Kensington legend Darmett (Dawn) McLean has been a familiar face in H&F for more than 50 years. She spends her time on the Lytton Committee advocating for local residents and ensuring the council hears their voices. She also regularly supports her local foodbank, runs youth clubs and fundraising events and leads the Lytton Garden Club.

Teresa McGinn was nominated for her dedication to HF Mencap. She founded the organisation in 1999 and worked there until 2024, growing the organisation. As part of that work, she co-founded Funky Nite, one of the first learning disabilities focused nightclubs in 2001.

"I am delighted and overwhelmed to win this prestigious award," Teresa said. "I see it not only as a validation of the contribution that I have made, but also as recognition of the importance of people with learning disabilities being visible in our local communities."

"Winning this award is a great honour. It's not just recognition of my efforts, but a celebration of the community I've served for so many years. I am receiving this award to celebrate the achievements of the community members I support."

RSPB Community and Ecology Adviser Kate McVay was nominated for her work to protect and nurture the ecology of Wormwood Scrubs over the last three years. She's dedicated countless hours, often in challenging weather conditions, to train and support local people passionate about safeguarding the park's unique ecology.

"I absolutely love working with volunteers from the local community," said Kate, 27. "I feel absolutely honoured to have been nominated for this award and incredibly flattered to have won. Reading my nomination genuinely made me tear up."

Tony, 70, and Sue Millard, 67, well known publicans of The Clarence, in Fulham's North End Road, received a Civic Honour for their fundraising work. The pair have supported several local charities, including Fulham-founded Taxi Charity which helps veterans and their families.

"We've run the pub for 35 years and we love all the locals," said Sue. "We are one big happy family and are always thinking of ways to help. We feel very lucky to have taken on the pub and are just very happy to try and make a difference, no matter how small."

Shepherds Bush resident Claire Hickney was celebrated for her support of her neighbourhood. On her daily walks to work she's working to improve the environment around the Uxbridge Road area. This includes everything from reporting fly tipping or campaigning for more bins, she's also litter picking using her own resources and her commitments have made a noticeable difference.

WINNERS: Individual contributions to building a stronger, safer, kinder borough

Retired school governor Emma Bruce was nominated for her support of St Peter's CE primary between 2000 and 2024. During her tenure, Emma oversaw the school's rebuilding project, Ofsted inspections, chaired the Admissions committee, worked closely with the school's SEND and Early Years team and prioritised the wellbeing of the staff.

"I am very humbled even to have been nominated for this award. I am sure there are more deserving people out there but I am of course absolutely thrilled," said Emma.

Founder of the Hammersmith & Fulham Dementia Action Alliance, Peggy Coles, 66, works to raise awareness about dementia and advocates for improved services. Since 2019, her work has included bringing together key stakeholders and community groups to create a more effective support system with H&F's Dementia Partnership Board, the Dementia Training Academy and the Dementia Action Alliance.

"My daughter did her Gold Duke of Edinburgh community service project running art workshops for local residents with dementia and their carers, and I just carried on with the seed she planted! I'm very proud of the award and of the organisations that have joined to support residents living with dementia," Peggy said.

Youth Council member Rohan Mehta was nominated for In the Bag, his initiative that offers curated, cost-free hygiene kits and job-seeking support to those facing hardship. Through his own financial contributions and donations from local businesses, Rohan assembles kits after school and on weekends.

"I'm incredibly honoured to be recognised for the work I've poured so much time and heart into. But more than that, I'm grateful that this platform helps shine a light on the ongoing issue of homelessness—and the role we can all play in addressing it," Rohan said.

Sagal Ali Osman was celebrated for her support of local residents' health over the last 15 years. She's founded the West London African Women's Service and led efforts to bring attention to women who have undergone female genital mutilation. She's also hosted workshops and provided education on everything from cancer and vaccinations to sexual health and domestic violence.

Nikita Crocker was nominated for the English class she's set up and run over the last three years. Open to H&F's asylum seeking and refugee communities the class has expanded in the last nine months to include a creche so that parents can also attend. Read more about the classes here.

WINNERS: Group contributions to building a stronger, safer, kinder neighbourhood

Volunteers for The Green Project Shepherds Bush were awarded a Civic Honour for their efforts to support green spaces and nature in the north of the borough.

"I'm not a gardener by profession, but I am one at heart," said Maria, an accountant, founder of The Green Project Shepherds Bush.

"I started the project in June 2020 by simply knocking on doors and inviting neighbours to come together and do some planting. That experience truly changed the way I saw my community. Community gardens offer so much, I love that our efforts can brighten someone's day."

The 21st Hammersmith Scout Group was celebrated for the fun, friendship and adventures they provide to more than 80 young people each week in Hammersmith.

Local volunteers who litter pick, garden and bag duck food as part of The Friends of Bishops Park were also recognised with a Civic Honour. The litter picking group, started five years ago, meets almost weekly and the gardening group meet monthly to deadhead and weed the roses. Their duck food bags, launched in 2022, raise money for park projects. The total so far is £2,500.

WINNERS: Group contributions to building a stronger, safer, kinder borough

The Sipho Bowen Foundation provides free monthly hot meals and toiletries and runs events and workshops including bingo nights and football tournaments for parents and youths.

"For my 39th birthday I wanted to give back to the community that I grew up in," Sipho explained.

"I decided to gather some friends, cook some food, gather some toiletries and went out into the community and that was that. I didn't realise it was such a need, I thought it was going to be a one off thing but the phone just started going crazy, and then it turn into every last Friday of the month."

The Masbro Elders Project received a Civic Honour for their almost 40 years of work. The self-help group supported by a host of volunteers, businesses and charity partners, provides high quality social care programmes on topics ranging from health and wellbeing, through to digital inclusion and tackling climate change. The group have performed at the Lyric Hammersmith and Bush Theatre, produced their own annual art exhibition at the Masbro Centre, visited the seaside and more.

"I love working with such an interesting and diverse array of elders. It is a joy engaging with people who have such a wealth of life experience, varied life stories and journeys," added Tina, project manager at Masbro Elders Project.

The charity Mother and Child Welfare Organisation were nominated for their work with the NHS, Met Police, prison services, social services, and the wider community. They provide help for families and young people and work to stop knife crime and gang violence, and to support prison rehabilitation.

"This award is for everyone in our organisation, for all the staff and volunteers and professionals we work with," said charity founder Khadra Ali Hared. "It is an award for all the families as well. It will bring pride to everyone who is part of the organisation. Today we know that people see us and know what we are doing and value our contribution. That means a lot to us."

Parentsactive CIC received their award for their work empowering parents with Disabled children and young adults for more than 20 years.

Their impact has included fundraising and installing wheelchair accessible swings and roundabouts in Wormholt and Ravenscourt parks, and working with H&F Council to set up our three new Family Hubs.

"I love my job, I don't even see it as a job, I see it as a passion," said Nandini Ganesh, CEO of Parentsactive CIC. "Nothing gives me more satisfaction than when a parent of a Disabled child says Parentsactive helped me. It is not just me, it also my whole team who help and advocate for parents to the best of their ability."

WINNERS: Special recognition award

Father-of-three Leigh Porter, 48, has lived and worked in H&F for 25 years. He was nominated for his work with Scout troops in Fulham. Leigh works to help children gain essential life skills, confidence, and resilience in a nurturing and enjoyable setting and is always ready to lend a hand or provide thoughtful solutions.

"My son started Cub Scouts at another group and I thought that given my techie background I might help with some computer or electronics badges. Almost the next week one of the leaders asked me to try a uniform on," explained Leigh.

"I stayed because I saw that I was making a difference, not only to the lives of those in Scouting, but also in my own life and in our community."

Lifelong resident Hazel Mann, 77, was a congregation member of St Alban's Church in Margravine Road, Hammersmith, before being asked to become Church Warden. She was nominated for her tireless work to keep the church open when their Vicar left.