Scouting couple honoured at awards

A Blackburn couple will receive the Outstanding Achievement award at the One Voice Community Champion awards for their work in the scout movement in Blackburn.

The award will be presented to Janet and Howard Alderson Perkins at the annual dinner which will be held on Saturday, February 27.

Since the 1990s Janet and Howard Alderson-Perkins have worked with scouting groups in the Blackburn district. The couple, who are deputy and district commissioners for Blackburn District Scouts have led and managed volunteers within Scouting for almost 30 years.

Through their work, Janet and Howard have seen first-hand the impact that Scouting has had on thousands of young lives as well as those of the adults involved, giving them all skills, confidence and life changing experiences.

Howard said:

Janet and I are honoured to receive the 1V Outstanding Achievement in recognition of our work with Scouting in the Blackburn District.

We are both passionate about giving young people a platform to thrive and develop as good citizens in the community.

Scouting offers something no other association provides; fun, friendship and a chance to try skills they may never have tried before. Oh and the chance to get muddy without getting told off!

The award has come as a great surprise and we accept it, not only on our behalf, but of every leader within the association who work tirelessly week in week out on behalf of young people.”

The One Voice Annual Dinner, sponsored by Community Integrated Care, HPA Solicitors and Blackburn College and supported by the Baiter Sehat Project will take place on Saturday, February 27 at Maida Restaurant in Blackburn.

The dinner will feature the 1V Community Champion Awards, a key note speech from the Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, Councillor Mohammed Khan, One Voice presentations as well as a fabulous three course dinner.

There are five other awards to be announced on the night – the Woman of the Year, Man of the Year, Institute of the Year, and Youth of the Year and the new Mohammed Khan award.

Councillor Mohammed Khan, Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, said:

I am thrilled that Janet and Howard are being recognised for their dedication and years of work in Scouting in the borough. They have made a real difference to our community and they thoroughly deserve this award.”

One Voice Chairman Abrar Hussain said:

The 1V Community Awards has quickly become a highly anticipated event in Blackburn and Darwen. We are delighted with the calibre of nominees this year, which reflects the incredible work being done in the community by them.

We are particularly pleased that Janet and Howard will receive our Outstanding Achievement accolade. They have provided a tireless service to the heart of our community.”