“Real awards for real people”

The 11^th annual CBH Tenant and Leaseholder Awards took place before a packed house at Cheltenham’s Jury’s Inn last Tuesday night (2^nd).

Tenants, leaseholders, colleagues and partner organisations all came together to celebrate the extraordinary people who make a real difference in our communities, often without recognition.

Proceedings were kicked off by Cheltenham Borough Homes’ chief executive, Paul Stephenson, before the compere for the evening, BBC Points West’s Steve Knibbs, took over the reins.

Attendees were treated to an inspiring talk from guest speaker Robin Shaw from ‘Aspiregers’ a local organisation spreading autism awareness. With this week marking Autism Awareness Week, it was the perfect opportunity to promote the different abilities that young people and adults with autism can bring to everyday life.

In one of many touching moments of the evening, Mayor of Cheltenham Cllr Bernie Fisher – who was celebrating his birthday – granted Robin his wish of being an Honorary Cheltonian, even allowing him a brief moment wearing the Mayor’s chain to acknowledge Robin’s upcoming performance with South Wales rap group Goldie Lookin’ Chain.

Later in the evening, Lawrence Miller and Cathy Griffiths from Barnwood Trust gave a presentation on the work that they do in our communities and their Building Belonging vision to give disabled people and people with mental health problems the opportunity to shape where they live to help them and others.

Either side of dinner, awards were given out in categories including Community Impact, Young Star, Personal Achievement, Partner Impact and Judge’s Choice.

The much coveted title of Tenant of the Year, presented by Cheltenham Borough Council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for housing Cllr Peter Jeffries, went to Margo Moss – described as a ‘walking miracle’ for her contributions to the community in Hesters Way.

Speaking after bringing the event to a close, Cheltenham Borough Homes’ chief executive Paul Stephenson said: “These awards are an absolute highlight of the year for me, and it means a lot to be able to celebrate some of the extraordinary individuals and groups who go the extra mile to make a real difference to their neighbourhoods.

“The stories shared were simply inspirational and it was wonderful to hear about the incredible achievements of those who go above and beyond to help others. I’d like to personally thank all the winners, nominees, attendees, sponsors and colleagues for helping to make this year’s awards the best yet!”

CBH would like to thank the Mayor, Robin Shaw from Aspiregers, Lawrence Miller and Cathy Griffiths from Barnwood Trust, Steve Knibbs for compering, Nationwide Windows and Doors and Travis Perkins Managed Services for their generous sponsorship, the representatives from our partner organisations and to colleagues who helped to organise and deliver such a wonderful celebration.

Full list of winners:

Community Impact Award sponsored by Nationwide Windows and Doors - St. Paul's SPACE Team
Personal Achievement Award sponsored by Travis Perkins Managed Services - Lisa Sheppard
Young Star Award sponsored by Travis Perkins Managed Services - Alfie Lightstone and Liam Rogers
Partner Impact Award - Marisa Regan, Tesco
Judge's Choice Award - Kevin Bourne
Tenant of  the Year Award sponsored by Nationwide Windows and Doors - Margo Moss