We are the champions

Well done: Brent Mayor Cllr Jim O'Sullivan with Stephanie Barrett, Sheila Perry and Philomena O'Riordan

LOCAL community heroes have been recognized for their outstanding contributions to their neighbourhoods in a celebratory event.
Brent Housing Partnership awarded three residents the title of ‘Neighbourhood Champion’ at their Neighbourhood Champion Awards held this month at the Crown Moran Hotel in Cricklewood.
Awards went to Stephanie Barrett from South Kilburn, Sheila Perry from Kingsbury and Philomena O’Riordan from Brentfield, who had been nominated by local residents for their community work.
Cllr Jim O’Sullivan, Mayor of Brent, said: “This was a very special event that recognised the exceptional residents of Brent.
“My congratulations go out to the Neighbourhood Champions; they are a shining example and deserve this accolade.”
The awards are an annual event organised by the housing partnership’s Neighbourhood Warden Service, highlighting the achievements of residents who work to make their community safer by challenging anti-social behaviour and getting involved with local community groups.
It was attended by the mayor, housing partnership members and staff, local councillors and police representatives.
Kathy Ellison, chairwoman of BHP’s Board, said: “I was proud and privileged to be in the company of the Neighbourhood Champions.
“It was very inspirational listening to the good work that our tenants are doing in the community, caring for other people and being good neighbours.”
Mrs Barrett, who has lived in Brent for almost 50 years and is registered as disabled, has cared for people through her nursing work and mentoring, and is chair of local tenants’ and housing board associations in Kilburn.
She said: “This award is very special for me. It is nice to be recognised and receiving this award has given me drive and inspiration to continue the work I am doing.
“I feel these are all very productive and rewarding activities and more people should get involved.
“The Neighbourhood Police and BHP’s Neighbourhood Warden Service are doing an excellent job and really contribute to making residents feel safer.
“I am proud to work alongside them and look forward to the future and making a difference to people’s lives.”

Pupils get 10 out of 10

TEENAGERS across the borough were celebrating last week as they collected their A-level results.
After a long summer of anticipation, Brent pupils finally discovered on Thursday whether they had got the results needed for much-coveted university places.
Despite a difficult year which saw its governing body sacked and the head teacher, deputy head and bursar suspended amid allegations of financial mismanagement, Copland School in Cecil Avenue, Wembley, saw a 91 per cent pass rate, with 50 per cent of pupils achieving A to C grades.
Acting deputy head, Sudersham Bhamdari, said: “Under the circumstances Copland staff and pupils have performed well, which just shows we have a caring school environment despite the problems we have faced this year.”
JFS School in Kenton were delighted to see their best ever A-level results, with 96 per cent of results at grades A to C including 57 per cent at grade A.
They estimate that 70 per cent of sixth form leavers have secured their places at Russell Group universities with all Oxbridge and medicine applicants being successful.
Headteacher Jonathan Miller said: “I am delighted and proud of the hard work and commitment of our students who have secured such fantastic outcomes.”
Capital City Academy in Doyle Gardens, Willesden, saw its results dip slightly with 54 per cent of students attaining A to C grades this year compared to 71 per cent last year, although the high 97 per cent pass rate was maintained.
Student Zolboo Badrait, 18, of Cambridge Road, Kilburn, moved to the UK from Mongolia just eight years ago speaking little English.
He got a B in Drama, a B in Art and C in Media Studies, which has secured him a place at Brunel University to study Broadcast Media.
Mr Badrait said: “My experience of school has been adventurous, interesting and hard work.
“I am happy with my results – I got the grades I need to go to my university of choice.”
Principal Philip O’Hear said: “We are delighted to have kept up our very high pass rate of 97 per cent.
“Once again, we expect the vast majority of our A-level students to go on to higher education and we would like to congratulate them on their achievement.”
Brent’s member for children and families Cllr Bob Wharton said: “I would like to send my congratulations to all Brent pupils who sat A-Levels this year and to thank the teachers and parents who have supported them.”