Gravesham’s heroes have been recognised in the Gravesham Civic and Community Awards 2025, presented at the annual meeting of Gravesham Borough Council at The Woodville last night (Tuesday).
Chosen from dozens of nominations, the awards, sponsored by Rosherville Repairs and Maintenance, recognise local people who have gone above and beyond to support their communities.
The winners are:
Fourteen-year-old Billy Johnson, a young carer, providing practical and emotional support for his older brother who has ASD, ADHD, learning difficulties, and a sleeping and eating disorder. Billy’s mum is a single parent, and he supports her by preparing and cooking meals and carrying out work around the house.
Billy is also a member of the Shadow Youth Board which works to raise awareness of children and young people services and the Young Carer National Voice. He is working with publishers to create a comic book for young carers.
Margaret Stephens who has volunteered at the Alzheimer’s and Dementia Support Service’s Beacon Day Centre since 2007, having worked there since 1993. Margaret is the longest serving member of the service’s team and has had a positive impact on hundreds of individuals and their lives.
Bilal Farooq is a passionate leader, volunteer and advocate for community empowerment who has dedicated significant time to encourage inclusivity, collaboration and positive change across Gravesham. Through roles with Gravesham Muslim Association, Gravesend Cricket Club, and Kent Muslim Hands, Bilal has worked to create platforms supporting all communities.
A former chairman of Gravesham Muslim Association, and a volunteer and trustee at Gravesham Mosque, he has worked to promote unity through helping organise events such as Eid in the Park, Taste Ramadan, interfaith walks and Eid Mela.
A Gravesend resident since 1967, Harjinder Pal Singh Bhullar has been an active fundraiser for 43 years, taking on walks and marathons to support many different charities helping the most vulnerable in society, including ellenor, Imperial Cancer Research, Dementia UK, the Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara, Khalsa Aid and Pingalwara.
He was a founder member of both the Indian Youth Federation Gravesend in 1968 and the local branch of the Anti-Nazi League. He founded the Ekta monthly newspaper in 1975/76 which was delivered door-to-door in Gravesend to keep the community updated on issues related to tackling the racism that was prevalent at the time.
Reuben Joseph has helped run and manage Gravesham Girls and Women FC for more than 20 years.
Reuben is the heart and soul of the club, dedicating countless hours to developing young talent and creating a sense of community. He has inspired many young girls and ladies to pursue their dreams, both on and off the field.
The winners of the group award are the volunteers at Community Cupboard. Open every Tuesday at Northfleet Veterans’ Club, the team prepares light lunches at affordable prices and hold raffles to help with funds.
Many of the volunteers have their own health issues but have built a support network between them and welcome on average 40 guests every week.
The Community Cupboard provides help for any community member affected by hardship. Visitors are able to access new items which include clothing, homeware, books and school uniform.
This year’s Mayor’s Special Award was made to George Rorke, headteacher of Thamesview School, for his exceptional leadership and dedication to his students and the wider school community.
Under his guidance, Thamesview has seen significant academic improvement.
George is deeply compassionate, going above and beyond his role by personally ensuring that students in financial hardship are provided with school uniforms.
His actions reflect a deep understanding of the challenges some students face and a tireless commitment to equity and inclusion.
Two local people were highly commended for their community work.
Debbie Underwood has been volunteering for We Are Beams, a charity supporting disabled children, for six years at its weekly family advice clinic, a lifeline for many parents and carers.
Dave Bennett gives his time in a variety of ways, from helping at his local gardening club, to taking on the role of quizmaster for charity fundraising, shopping for neighbours and walking dogs if neighbours are struggling to do so for any reason
Congratulating all those recognised, Cllr Deborah Croxton, cabinet member for community and leisure, said:
“Every day, many, many people give their own time to support others here in Gravesham.They don’t do it for thanks, they don’t do it for financial reward, they do it because they value our community and want to support their friends and neighbours."
“This network of volunteers helps bind our communities together and we are forever grateful to them for their efforts. Our winners this year are all thoroughly deserving of this recognition and the stories behind the awards give just a small insight into the effort, commitment and dedication each and every volunteer shows to being a Gravesham hero.”