| Local hero honoured for lifetime of community work |
| Friday, 22 July 2011 14:44 |
 Sadiq Khan MP and Wandsworth Mayor Councillor Jane Cooper joined over a hundred service users, staff and local community figures at the Hestia Age Activity Centre this week to honour Celeste Nri OBE, the founder of the centre, and pay recognition to the huge contribution she has made to older people’s services in Wandsworth. Sadiq Khan MP paid tribute to Celeste in front of a packed hall, and finishing by presenting her with a commemorative plaque and the news that the hall would be named in her honour.
Celeste founded the centre in 1984, when she realized there was no provision for older black and other ethnic minority people to socialise, take classes and stay active in retirement. The centre now provides a place for all Wandsworth residents over the age of 60 to stay active, healthy and independent, through a packed schedule of classes and social events.
Sadiyah Muhammed, the Centre Co-ordinator, said, “It’s wonderful to bring Celeste back, thank for her hard work, and show her that the centre is carrying on in the spirit she founded it in.
“This has been a hugely important service for black and ethnic minority older people in Wandsworth – I’m delighted we can now offer this to all residents over 60 in Wandsworth.
“It’s a vital service for our users – helping them stay physically and mentally fit and out of hospital.
“Naming the main hall after Celeste was the least we could do after all her hard work – ‘Celeste Nri Hall’ – it just sounds nice!”
Sadiq Khan MP, who led a tribute to Celeste and presented her with the commemorative plaque naming the hall, said, “Celeste Nri OBE is a true hero – her work has touched the lives of hundreds of people in the decades since the centre was established.
“I’ve been a regular visitor to the Age Activity Centre since my days as a local councillor, and it’s been wonderful to see it go from strength to strength under Celeste’s stewardship.
“I look forward to visiting the Celeste Nri Hall for many years to come.”
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