Curo Awards winners

Mon, 16 Sep 2024 16:51:08 Z

Keynsham resident Len Griffin won the Community Hero of the Year award at this year’s Curo Awards for the kindness and support he shows to his neighbours.

“Len is so helpful, his cheerfulness is brilliant,” said one nomination. “He really deserves to be recognised for all he does to help. He’s a special person and deserves this honour.”

Len accepts his award from Victor da Cunha and Jane Tabor

Victor da Cunha, Curo’s Chief Executive, and Jane Tabor, Chair of the Board, presented the awards at this year’s Big Get Together, Curo’s annual residents’ event, which took place at Mulberry Park, Bath, on Saturday 14 September. Curo’s annual Big Get Together is an opportunity for colleagues to have conversations with customers about the things that matter to them. More than 700 people attended the event, from young families to older residents in their eighties.

“I’m stuck for words, to be honest,” said Len after receiving his prize. “But I’d like to thank everyone who voted for me – it's really kind of them. I’m very happy.”

Ian Carter accepted the Community of the Year Award on behalf of Toynbee Road and Samuel Barnett Close, Bristol. He said: “In our community, we are people of different backgrounds and heritages, but we’ve all come together to look after each other. I have never felt this sense of belonging before, and I know it’s good for our health and wellbeing. We are social animals, and we need to live in community with each other.”

Ian said he was surprised yet honoured to accept the award. “I was flabbergasted to win this award for my community – it’s amazing, thank you!”

Ian accepts Community of the Year cheque from Victor da Cunha and Jane Tabor

Residents Dawn Neale, Fay Wright and Patricia Dennis also picked up Curo in Bloom awards – recognising the time and effort they put into their gardens and balconies – while Wellgarth Court, Bristol, won Community Garden of the Year.

Fay Wright, winner of Curo in Bloom Small Garden Award, with Victor

Victor said: “Curo’s annual awards are a chance to recognise the fantastic work of residents in the communities we serve. It was a real privilege to meet Len and Ian and hear how they make a difference in their communities. Congratulations as well to all the Curo in Bloom winners, who are making their communities brighter and more beautiful places to live.”

Celebrating Curo Awards

Wed, 20 Sep 2023 13:11:18 Z

Community and Curo in Bloom Award winners announced

The winners of this year’s annual Community and Curo in Bloom Awards were announced on Saturday 16 September at Curo’s resident event the BIG Get Together, which took place at The Hub, Mulberry Park, Bath.

Victor da Cunha, Curo’s Chief Executive, said, “It was a privilege to present the 2023 awards, which put our residents and the communities we serve centre stage. Huge congratulations to our winners and thank you to everyone who entered.”

Curo’s Community Awards celebrate local neighbourhoods and recognise the fantastic work of residents.

Steve Hartley (pictured above) won this year’s Community Hero Award. Neighbour Elizabeth Jackson was one of the people who nominated Steve. She says, “Since he moved into Tiledown Close, Bath, Steve has been busy helping people with their gardens, completing minor repairs and giving advice where he can. Everyone in our community has benefited from his help.”

St Johns Close, Peasedown St John, won Community of the Year. “Residents have worked very hard since lockdown to revive the events and activities at the community room,” said one of the nominations. “They hold monthly big breakfasts and anyone is invited. New residents are supported to find out about their neighbourhood and what’s on offer.”

The Curo in Bloom Awards highlight the beautiful outdoor spaces and gardening talent of residents. Strong entries across the categories made picking 1^st place prizes a tough task. The winners were:

Balcony & baskets: Malgorzata Burzynska
Small Garden: Viv Fear
Large Garden: Debra Smith
Community Garden: Phoenix House

Phoenix House won with a gorgeous memorial garden which resident Matthew Brimley created in memory of his late partner, Jen. It features a heart-shaped border and a vibrant mix of planting. “The garden is a peaceful place where we sit and remember Jen,” said Matthew. “Children love it – we’ve transformed it from a neglected patch of grass into a lovely space for them to play.”

All the 1^st prize winners were presented with a trophy and £75 Love2shop voucher.

If you’d like to nominate someone for next year’s Community Awards or enter the Curo in Bloom Awards, keep an eye on Curo’s social media and website. Nominations and entries will open in June 2024.

Curo News

Curo Awards winners

Celebrating Curo Awards