Showcase success for our Big Local Volunteers at our 2017 Awards Evening

By Serena Lola

Juhi Kumra and Haroon Lukka jointly won the Big Local Youth Leadership Awards for 2017

On Friday the 24th of November Big Local members and people of the community (as well as family and friends) gathered to celebrate another successful year at Heston West Big Local and reward everyone for their hard work last year. Everyone enjoyed a night of fun, food and fabulous performances along with the award ceremony for all the hard workers in the Big Local.
The event began with some spectacular performances such as Azon and Milton Ferreira as well as many others, which truly made it an amazing event and a great way to start the evening. Throughout this we had our journey of Heston West, which was presented by two of our young volunteers- Juhi and Mustafa. This highlighted all the tremendous things we did over the year and showed what we can all achieve when we work together as a community. From holding small community gatherings to going to parliament we truly did a lot and this event was all about celebrating that and the difference we made in our community.

We also had speeches from some of our young volunteers in which they shared their journeys and it really was inspiring to hear how we as the youth are involved in the community and how they really want to make a change. It goes to show that no matter your age you can make a difference and strive to do something great.

Rajan and Serena presenting

If that wasn’t enough we then were shown the fantastic videos made by the Sunday film making club which ranged from showcasing our events to tackling social issues through film. This really showed the true spirit of Heston west and what it’s all about and you can find all of these videos on our YouTube channel. This showcase of videos was a real joy for everyone to watch and even the volunteers in them who were in them and cringing the whole way through!

Anjali's inspiring speech

Afterwards we learnt more about the NDA campaign, which was created by on of our own young volunteers- Megha who is trying to make a difference to the lives of people suffering due to natural disasters in Puerto Rico and Mexico. This was a really important campaign and is on going as we are trying to raise £5000 by May 2018, so any donations are helpful.

Then came the main event: the awards presentation and this year was particularly special as we introduced the Brian Clark awards in memory of him as he was a founding member and a delight to the community, so this was very special in remembering him and an honour for the winners. I addition to that very honourable award our volunteers were also awarded for all their hard work as well as community members and the local MP Seema Malhotra for all their hard work and contributions to the community, 2017 was really a great year fro progression and success for Heston West Big Local.

Amazing performance from the Tamil Community Group dancers