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Bradford tenant, Linda Adams has been honoured for her inspiring community work and commitment to helping others.

 

Linda is the recipient of the Gerry Pickersgill Award for 2006 which is made annually by the Bradford District Federation of Tenants and Residents in memory of a dedicated Area Housing Manager, who died suddenly in December 2000.

 

Gerry Pickersgill was such a popular figure with tenants and staff that he was known as ‘Mr Keighley’.

 

His widow, Janet and Geraldine Howley, Chief Executive of the Bradford Community Housing Trust Group, presented Linda Adams with an engraved trophy on behalf of the District Federation.

 

Local tenants groups and area federations around the district were asked to nominate people who had shown outstanding tenant involvement and helped fellow residents in a special way. These were judged by a panel of housing representatives.

 

Linda was presented with the award in recognition of her commitment to improving people lives in the Canterbury area.

 

Four years ago, Linda set up the Canterbury Residents Group to bring residents together to get things done. They quickly made their mark by lobbying the Council to tackle road safety problems in the area.

 

Linda holds a weekly drop-in session on the estate and provides valuable advice to groups searching for funding opportunities. She also runs a Christmas hamper service with the help of a team of volunteers aimed at bringing some seasonal joy to needy residents in Canterbury. This year, over 200 hampers were handed out.

 

Housing Manager, Anna Fryer from Bradford West City Community Housing Trust, has worked with Linda for a number of years. She said: “Linda works tirelessly to help others and is a firm believer that residents working together can make a difference.

 

“I am delighted Linda has been recognised with this prestigious award.”

 

The District Federation of Tenants and Residents also presented Christine Tomlinson and Vera Hodgson, members of the Clayton Community Action Group, with a special recognition award. The judging panel were impressed with their commitment and enthusiasm to encourage community spirit and friendships by organising events, trips out and activities for people of all ages.

 

Harry Whittle, Head of Operations at Aire-Wharfe Community Housing Trust, who was one of the judging panel, said: “The nominations have been of a very high standard and it was difficult to choose an outright winner, but everyone was impressed by Linda Adams tireless work in her community.”

 

Geraldine Howley, Chief Executive of the Bradford Community Housing Trust Group, said: “Well done to Linda, Christine and Vera who have all given countless hours of their time to helping tenants and local groups.

 

“Linda Adams has helped to breathe new life into the Canterbury area and its residents. In Clayton, Christine Tomlinson and Vera Hodgson have worked hard over many years to help people of all ages enjoy a better life. Residents have benefited greatly from these three special ladies.

 

Fourteen residents in all were nominated for the Gerry Pickersgill Award and each will receive certificates of recognition.