David Mann, Chair of Bonny Downs Community Association, received Honorary Freedom of the Borough award at the Newham Civic Award Ceremony on 5^th December 2023. This is the highest award that Newham Council gives to residents (who are not former councillors) to recognise the significant contribution they have made in the borough.  

David received the award in recognition of his three decades of volunteering to lead charities, churches and schools across Newham. David is a local resident, former journalist, a Baptist Church minister and community organiser. He has also consulted on community organising internationally in places ranging from Tokyo to Kyrgyzstan to Tanzania 

“We are immensely proud of David,” said Sarah Laing, Managing Director of BDCA. “He helped form our charity in 1998 and continues to lead it today with vision and passion as our Chair of Trustees. His commitment and dedication to see communities transformed combined with his humble heart has been inspirational and set’s a wonderful example for generations to come!”