Islington Tribune - by MARK BLUNDEN Published: 1 June 2007
George Collins
Unsung heroes step forward
SOME of Islington’s unsung heroes will get a big thank-you for their hard work tomorrow (Saturday). Dozens of volunteers nominated by schools, groups and organisations will attend a tea party hosted by Islington South and Finsbury Labour MP Emily Thornberry at the Claremont Project in White Lion Street, near Angel.
One of the nominees is 79-year-old Stan Rose, who works as a volunteer for the Dorcas Project at the Walter Sickert Community Centre, in Canonbury.
Project co-ordinator Herve Nourisson said: “Stan has been volunteering for over two years. He is so very committed and puts in lots of hours each week visiting two elderly clients who are a bit isolated or are in need of some support.”
Another nominee is George Collins, aged 90, who lives in Barnsbury and has been looking after the reception for Age Concern Islington at Manor Gardens Centre in Finsbury Park.
Sue Black, an Age Concern access and inclusion officer at the centre, said: “George does sterling work for us every afternoon. He makes sure all our drop-in clients are kept happy and attended to, tells jokes and generally prevents clients from getting cheesed off about the inevitable waiting time”.
The winner will take over the title from Johnny Chilton, who was saluted last year.
Mr Chilton was a regular volunteer at Age Concern Drovers Centre in North Road, which provides a range of activities for people over 60. He won the award for making tea, washing up, moving furniture, running errands, doing escorting and visiting members when in hospital.