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Sutton Seniors’ Forum last Friday officially received the certificate, signed by the Queen, honouring this group with the 2006 Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.  The certificate was presented by Air Vice Marshal Clive Evans CBE DL, the Representative Deputy Lieutenant, on behalf of the Queen to the current Forum Chairman, David Dombey. The group also received an inscribed piece of crystal which was accepted by Chris Pennington, the former Chairman.

Paul Burstow MP, who nominated the group for the award, read his recommendation to the Forum meeting at the Thomas Wall Centre, Sutton attended by the Forum’s President, Sutton’s Mayor, Councillor Richard Bailey, accompanied by Mrs. Susan Bailey, many invited guests and Forum members.  Paul Burstow described how this non party-political group was started in 1996 and had grown into one of the largest of the 32 Seniors Forums in Greater London.  The award recognised the high standard of work in the community to represent the interests of  Sutton’s Seniors as well as arranging events to overcome the depressing consequences of social isolation felt by elderly people living alone in their own homes.

This award was first instituted in 2002 to mark the Queen’s Jubilee and was this year given to only 109 groups in the whole of the UK. Chairman, David Dombey, said how proud all involved in the Forum’s activities were to be recognised in this prestigious way.

The presentation was followed by a talk by Chief Inspector David Gair, from the Safer Sutton Partnership, on facts about the low level of crime in Sutton and he suggested the best ways for Seniors to ensure that they live their lives safely in the community.

Any Senior, aged 55+, living in the London Borough of Sutton, can apply to join the Forum by phoning 020 8401 2741.