Last week Sutton celebrated and showcased some of the borough’s most outstanding citizens and inspiring leaders at the Cultural Awards.

The awards, held at the Honeywood Museum, recognise some of Sutton’s most inspirational people, those unsung heroes who have had a positive and lasting cultural impact upon Sutton. The annual awards honour eight projects, events, people or groups (all nominated by residents) which have made an impact on the cultural life of the borough.  Following nominations from residents, a panel of local experts led by the Mayor of Sutton choose winning entries.

Amongst this year’s winners were two 16 year old volunteers, Josh Brookes and Jamie Olney. The two manage all aspects of Libraria- a project providing opportunities to local musicians. Through their hard work, there have now been 7 Libraria band nights in the last 2 years, giving opportunities to 20 local young bands and which have brought over 500 young people to the Sutton Central Library.

The Christopher Singers also claimed a cultural award for their efforts in raising money through their performances for The Children’s Unit at the Royal Marsden Hospital, so far they have donated over £40,000.

The full list of the 2014 Award winners is below:

· Dawn Lambert – Sutton Arts Council

· John Thornton – Sutton Arts Council

· The Imagineers group – Samia Tossio /Hana Horack /Paolo Tossio/Chris Wood /Richard Wilson/ Karin Jashpara /Lucy Dean/Jane Howard/Simon Honey

· Christine Lindsay representing Gary Mason Rhythmical Empowerment

· Charitable Foundation

· John Steele representing The Christopher Singers

· Gary Milson / Rockstock

· Stephanie Jarvis / Belsize Court-Housing 21

· Joshua Brookes & Jamie Olney – Libraria (Rock bands)

Colin Beech Sutton Council’s Executive Head of Communities and Neighbourhoods said:

‘The Cultural Awards are a fitting tribute to some of our boroughs most exceptional citizens, rewarding projects which open up the arts, give new skills, recognise the diversity of the borough and make a contribution to the local community.”