COMMUNITY spirit has been recognised and rewarded at WWHA’s fourth annual Making A Difference Awards.

The gala evening which took place at City Hall, Cardiff, on Friday, October 14th, is Wales & West Housing Association’s very own version of the Pride of Britain Awards and the aim of the event is to celebrate the enterprise, endeavour, kindness and generosity shown by so many of our residents in various ways, shapes and forms.

This year’s winners were:

Good Neighbour
Dennis Brookes, from Hanover Court retirement scheme, Llandudno, Conwy. Dennis was nominated by his scheme manager Gay Baines on behalf of his fellow residents.

Fresh Start
Bonnie Price, of Hightown, Wrexham. Bonnie, 23, nominated by Housing Officer Donna Sutton.

Eco Champion
Jeff Bunce and Derek Rose, of Great Western Court, Bridgend, nominated by fellow resident Jean Gorton and WWHA Enviroment Officer Owen Jones.

David Taylor Local Hero
Lena Charles, of Danymynydd Retirement Scheme, Garw Valley, Bridgend. Lena, 93, was nominated by her scheme manager Yvonne Humphreys.

Green Fingers (Older Persons)
Eric Fitton and Margi Sharp, of Nant y Mor Extra Care Scheme, Prestatyn, Denbighshire. The duo were nominated by their scheme manager Karen Boyce.

Green Fingers (General Needs)
Andrew and Deana Taylor, of Clos Scotts, Marchwiel, Wrexham, nominated by Jill Willcox, Housing Officer.

Community Project
Cyfarthfa Fruit and Veg Co-Op, of the Twyncarmel estate, Merthyr Tydfil. The group were nominated by Helen O’Shea of the Gellideg Foundation.

This year we also awarded three Special Inspiration Awards:


Green Fingers (Older Persons)
Llys Bryn Felin Retirement Scheme, Rhondda Cynon Taf, represented by Lilian Randall, Robert & Hilary Shephard, Jeff Rogers and Margaret Tookey. They were nominated by Clive Sheridan, Site Superintendant

Green Fingers (General Needs)
Mount View Angels, Merthyr Tydfil, represented by Mary Cassidy and Andrew Selway, and nominated by Cllr Brian Mansbridge.

Community Project
Danymynydd Residents, Bridgend, for fundraising and community arts projects in association with Valley and Vale Arts, nominated by scheme manager Yvonne Humphreys.



Anne Hinchey, Chief Executive of WWHA, said: “Our Making A Difference Awards are the Wales & West way of recognising and celebrating community spirit in its various forms.

“This is the fourth year we have held these awards, and we are continually inspired by the stories and achievements that emerge from them.

“We are delighted for all our winners who are surely an example to us all.”

WWHA was also delighted to be joined by its contractor partners:

• GKR
• LH Evans
• Ian Williams
• Bushmede Ltd
• Gibsons Specialist Technical Services
• Graham Group and
• Cambria Maintenance Services

 who sponsored individual categories.


And post-dinner entertainment
was provided by emerging Cardiff cabaret act Gentlemen
Prefer Blondes.    

A video of this year’s event will be available for viewing on YouTube shortly.