DOWNEND & Bromley Heath Parish Council has given awards to two ‘community champions’.
Fiona Konteh and Nickie Corr were honoured for their efforts to make the area a better place to live at the council’s annual meeting.
Fiona was nominated for her continued efforts bringing together neighbours in Bromley Heath, which has led to the formation of the Oakdale Road Community Group.
Starting from a plan to hold a street party for the late Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022, the group set up more community events, including more street parties for the Coronation and Christmas, and regular coffee mornings.
Parish council chair Janet Biggin said: “From road closures to metres of home-made bunting, Fiona’s efforts to unite the area have created memorable moments for the whole community to share.
Fiona has also won funding for two defibrillators for the Oakdale Road area, some of it from the parish council, and there are plans for more in the surrounding area.
Cllr Biggin added: “These projects were made possible by an active group of volunteers, called Oakdale Road Community Life Savers, set up by Fiona. She has arranged training for neighbours enabling them to activate the defibs, should the need arise, empowering local people to save a life in an emergency situation.
“Fiona has helped to turn a road of residents into a collective group of neighbours and, ultimately, friends, due to her endless work, to keep a sense of the community alive.
“She is a true Community Champion and deserves this recognition in the community we call home.”
The second community champion was Nickie Corr, founder of not-for-profit community interest company Mud Pie Explorers, which runs a forest school at Lincombe Barn Park and Woods.
The organisation works with schools, children educated out of school and with special educational needs or disabilities, and provides holiday activities and after-school clubs.
Mud Pie Explorers aims to give children “a sense of freedom and belonging”.
Cllr Biggin said: “I am sure you will all appreciate this wonderful group of people to be an extraordinary lifeline, allowing children to be out of doors, enjoying the freedom of experiencing the natural world, with such dedicated volunteers – I think we can all say that they are truly community champions!”
