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Feature Item:
Dynamic duo’s battling spirit
Thursday, 16 June 2011
TWO campaigning pensioners who are still fighting the closure of a borough’s libraries have been nominated for a South London Press Our Heroes Award.
Married couple Peter and Pat Richardson have worked tirelessly to try to block Lewisham council’s closure of five libraries.
The duo have been supported by others in running a campaign that led them to the steps of Number 10 Downing Street in May.
Despite their claims that the closures are against the 1964 Museums and Libraries Act, the doors to the libraries were all shut on May 28.
However, the group has been given hope of a reprieve after receiving a letter from the Department of Culture Media and Sport on May 27 to say the issue was being looked into.
Mrs Richardson, 65, said: “We would both much rather campaign on issues that really matter rather than use our retirement to sit around on a beach somewhere.
“I used to be a primary school teacher and I saw first hand the huge part libraries play in getting children interested in reading.
“We believe we have proved that what the council has done in closing them is illegal.”
The pair first got involved in library-related issues more than a decade ago when they joined the Users and Friends of Manor House Library in Lee.
At the time, the group was fighting a council threat to close libraries at Manor House, Grove Park and Blackheath – a campaign that was won.
Mr Richardson, 75, also worked for six years on the group’s project team helping with background work as part of the refurbishment of Manor House Library.
The library in Old Road was reopened in March, 2009, when the project was completed.
Mrs Richardson said: “Peter spent many, many hours working away to help on the project, which he deserves a lot of credit for.
“We just both love helping and I can’t see us stopping being that way really.”
The couple were nominated for the award by Ray Woolford from the Lewisham People Before Profit party, which has supported the campaign.
The annual Our Heroes Awards culminates in a gala ceremony at the headquarters of award sponsors Shell on November 15.
Copyright Tindle Newspapers Ltd Thursday, 23 May 2013
Other Our Heroes Awards 2011:
Ex-Heroes reveal Junction wish list - Tuesday, 01/Nov/2011
Proving kids can be good citizens - Tuesday, 11/Oct/2011
We keep on caring when state stops - Friday, 30/Sep/2011
Friends to ‘needy’ - Wednesday, 28/Sep/2011
Actor’s dedication to common touch - Friday, 23/Sep/2011
Shakespeare actor has common touch - Wednesday, 21/Sep/2011
‘I know my son will become blind’ - Friday, 16/Sep/2011
Son’s illness inspires mum - Wednesday, 14/Sep/2011
A taste of success for prison officer - Tuesday, 13/Sep/2011
Nine-year-old raises £200k for park - Friday, 09/Sep/2011
Denise helps teens patch up their lives - Tuesday, 06/Sep/2011
From pop charts to criminology... - Friday, 02/Sep/2011
‘Extra mile? Dave goes the extra continent - Wednesday, 31/Aug/2011
Headbutt couldn’t stop me in riot role - Friday, 26/Aug/2011
I tried to make a difference... - Tuesday, 23/Aug/2011
‘Creative kids less likely to turn against society’ - Friday, 19/Aug/2011
‘Whirlwind’ rugby fan trains Tigers - Tuesday, 16/Aug/2011
Grandad’s quest to help kids walk for first time - Wednesday, 10/Aug/2011
‘I want people to have hope’ - Friday, 05/Aug/2011
‘I just can’t stop my fundraising’ - Tuesday, 02/Aug/2011
A real kick from football training - Friday, 29/Jul/2011
Lifesaver: It was nothing special - Tuesday, 26/Jul/2011
Keey site to keep kids out of trouble - Friday, 22/Jul/2011
Rapping teacher is role model for kids - Tuesday, 19/Jul/2011
Advice on gardening from the grown-ups - Friday, 15/Jul/2011
If I help one person, it’ll be worthwhile - Tuesday, 12/Jul/2011
‘Life can change with just a word’ - Friday, 08/Jul/2011
Getting to art of the matter - Wednesday, 06/Jul/2011
Art of the matter - Tuesday, 05/Jul/2011
‘John has given voice to people at the bottom’ - Wednesday, 29/Jun/2011
Martial arts man fighting for peace - Tuesday, 28/Jun/2011
Mr Grass Roots in the running for Our Heroes award - Friday, 24/Jun/2011
‘I love looking after children’ - Tuesday, 21/Jun/2011
‘Always trying to make us laugh...’ - Friday, 17/Jun/2011
Dynamic duo’s battling spirit - Thursday, 16/Jun/2011
‘I lifted him like sumo wrestler’ - Friday, 03/Jun/2011
Prime Minister helps launch the hunt for South London's unsung heroes - Friday, 27/May/2011
Sir Ray Tindle
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