Hundreds of local community heroes rewarded with Jubilee lunch

Friday, 10 June 2022 10:50

By Victoria Smith

Invited by the Mayor of Bury, Councillor Shaheena Haroon, local ‘community heroes’ enjoyed afternoon tea and entertainment at the Castle Armoury on Sunday.

Jumoke Ilevbabor founder of the African and Caribbean Women’s Centre, said: “I had a really good time at the Jubilee lunch. It was a very happy occasion in which all sectors of the Bury community were represented.

“People turned out in their numbers to attend the event and Bury Council did not leave any stone unturned in ensuring that guests had a lovely time.”

The lunch was one of many Jubilee events taking place across the borough, with the Jubilee picnic in Clarence Park, roads being closed across the borough for street parties, and hundreds attending the beacon lighting at Peel Tower

Jon Shaw from the 44th R.O.B.O.T (Bury and Ramsbottom) Scouts, said: “My partner and I enjoyed the lunch. It was nice to be recognised, more so for my partner Cathy Bladen who worked tirelessly right through the pandemic as a care worker, contracting Covid twice and still doing her job now.”

Immediately before the lunch, a service of thanksgiving was held at Bury Parish Church where the Reverend Julian Heaton, Rector of Bury, led a service to mark the 70th anniversary of the accession of Queen Elizabeth II.

Councillor Haroon said: “We are blessed to have so many community heroes in our borough, dedicated to looking after their neighbours, loved ones and all those in need.

“This was a lovely event and, on a day we all celebrated the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, a fitting way to show our appreciation for all the good that they do.”