A former councillor has laid on the first of two Christmas lunches for pensioners in her old ward.
Dawn Barnett, who represented Hangleton and Knoll on Brighton and Hove City Council for 18 years, started the tradition shortly after she was elected.
And this week about 80 people came along to St Richard’s Community Centre, in Egmont Road, on the Knoll Estate, for some seasonal food and drink, music and dancing.
Mrs Barnett, who worked as a carer before entering politics, had a team of helpers for the event and is already preparing for another lunch in a few weeks’ time.
She thanked the many local individuals and businesses who contributed towards the community event and said: “I started doing it 17 years ago after I was first elected.
“Why? I’ve worked with old people for most of my life and I like old people. I am one now!”
At 82, she shows little sign of slowing down and, by the end, despite having been on her feet for several hours, had a word for each and every one.
One said: “She’s indefatigable!”
Very well done, Dawn – some of us, but not enough, sadly – wouldn’t be surprised that you did this. I am not a former constituent of yours but would very happily have voted for you if you had been in my ward. Basic humanity is beyond price in this world – especially in B&H – and even Peter Kyle (one of the better and perhaps the best Labour politicians in the City) was very warm towards you when you were voted out. If you need a financial contribution towards this heart-warming gesture of yours, then please email Frank or Jo accordingly, and I’m sure they will pass it on to me,
Fine lady, truly inspirational.
Sadly under-appreciated by the voters in her ward this time round, but a very fine human being in my opiniom. Rock on, Dawn – we need many more of you!
Never met Dawn Barnett but what an amazing lady. Generous beyond belief and a total credit
The way DAwn was treated by the Green administration and Platt’s Labour was a disgrace. Totally do not agree with her politics but she was an amazing Ward councilor and as these lunch’s show a generous and thoughtful person.
t is crucial that we reaffirm the importance of respectful dialogue, even in the presence of divergent political views. As long as our intentions align for the betterment of society, we should engage in constructive debates and collaborate to forge a path that considers the perspectives from both ends of the spectrum.
It’s a nice reminder of the Third Sector and VSCE work that goes on, often in the background, by a variety of individuals, who want to protect and look after residents through a phantasmagoria of activities. These are perhaps not often given the coverage that they deserve, and I for one, am humbled beyond measure by the effort that goes into these community facilities to make them successful.
It inspires me to do better.