Lawn Manor governors hailed as community champions

Two governors of Swindon’s Lawn Manor Academy have been recognised by Mast the Magazine (MTM) for their contributions to the community.

MTM – or Mast the Magazine – was set up ten years ago as a publication for Asian, Black and Ethnic Minority communities in the South West of England.

Each year, MTM wishes to celebrate people who have gone to extraordinary lengths to support their local communities with an awards ceremony in Bristol.

Lawn Manor Academy governor Bazil Solomon has been given the MTM Award for Community Champion of 2022.

A local councillor for Liden, Eldene and Park South, Bazil is Swindon Borough Council’s people’s community heritage champion.

Additionally, he is also chair of the inclusion advisory group to Wiltshire FA and Swindon Town FC Community Foundation, which promotes equality, diversity and inclusion in football and raises awareness of football opportunities to under-represented communities or diverse backgrounds.

Bazil Solomon said he was delighted to win the award.

He added: “This one's for my mum in South Africa, who taught me the value of growing communities. It warms the heart because of the lovely days over the years spent with family, friends, residents, teachers, students and colleagues, and as a governor for Lawn Manor Academy, charities and Councillors sorting out community issues.

“I share the award with the big team that helps me – as well as my inspirational wife and daughter, Sharon and Amelie.  There are all sorts of issues in the world at the moment, including the cost of living crisis, the war in Ukraine and climate change, but there are great things going on too - the strength of community, the developments during the worse pandemic of this century, and growing grassroots football. We keep the faith for better days ahead.”

Governor Nazma Ramruttun was honoured with the MTM Batook Pandya Lifetime Achievement Award by the MTM.

In 2014 and 2015, Nazma was also honoured with the MTM Empowering Women accolade.

A member of Swindon Borough Living Well, Nazma sits on the Diverse Independent Advisory Group, South Swindon Independent Advisory Group and Police Powers Scrutiny Panel with Wiltshire Police.

She is also a member of the Swindon Senior Forum, Healthwatch, and the Swindon Interfaith Group. Nazma was diagnosed with cancer some time ago and following treatment has become a Cancer Buddy at GWH.

She said of her award: “When I was diagnosed with cancer a few years ago I was made aware that I was being nominated for an award, but I asked not to be put forward as I was dealing with the treatment and feeling very tired.

“It took me by surprise that I was nominated this year, and it was a shock – but a very pleasant one – to hear that I’d won this. I said in my speech that volunteering is rewarding. I was so glad that I’d taken my husband with me to the ceremony, as I wanted to thank him on stage, as well as thank all the other people I’m involved with.”

Sandra Muir, headteacher at Lawn Manor Academy said: “We are very proud that two of our governors have been recognised across the South West for their great contributions to our community.

“Lawn Manor Academy prides itself on supporting pupils from all backgrounds to be the very best versions of themselves, and play their part in making our community one that is inclusive, safe and respectful of everyone. Nazma and Bazil are fantastic role models as community champions, and we congratulate them on their well-deserved awards.”

Lawn Manor Academy is part of Ascend Learning Trust.