On Friday 10th February at our annual Birthday Party we were pleased to announce the winner of the Captain Manchester award, sponsored by Auto Trader UK: Russell Boardman!

The award was in recognition of the individuals with true Mancunian spirit; selflessly give their time, money and resources to help to improve the communities across Greater Manchester. Essentially, Russell Boardman embodies the true spirit of Forever Manchester. The award was presented by Allison Ross.

Unfortunately, Russell couldn’t be there on the night, so Michelle (who is involved in one of Russell’s projects) collected the award on his behalf.

Russell is a resident of the Shiredale estate in Harpurhey and a volunteer at the Tenant Management office. Russell goes the extra mile and does everything he can to make things happen and happen fast. Russell could be said to be a community builder on his own estate! When residents applied for funding for a hanging basket project, Russell had the brackets on walls before the Cash 4 Graft application ink was dry!

This was part of fellow Birthday Party award nominee, the Flower Power to the Neighbours, project. Based in Harpurhey, Flower Power to the Neighbours made hanging baskets to put on either side of the doors outside each property on Calderbrook Walk to improve the look of the Square, to come together as a community and welcome new tenants. It has brought the neighbourhood together as a community, giving them the opportunity to get to know more about each other, and has even been used to welcome two new neighbours who have been there for less than a year and give them support in moving in their new property.

Without Russell’s practical help, this project would have been unable to go ahead. Russell, Captain Manchester salutes you! Congratulations from all at Forever Manchester.