THIS weekend people across the country will come together to celebrate the patron saint of England, St George.

To celebrate the day, the Daily Echo, Southampton City Council, Mettricks and Southampton Voluntary Services have united to host the second St George’s Day Community Awards.

A month ago we asked our readers to nominate people who have made a difference to the city of Southampton.

This year we received an influx of nominations, here is the shortlist of the 2017 St George’s Day Community Awards:

The Haven Lunch Club

The team of volunteers serve around 25 isolated people each Friday with a two course, home cooked lunch and after, provide a raffle, games and a time of chat and friendship.

Adam Manning and Friends of Weston Shore

Adam founded the Friends of Weston Shore and for many years the group has worked to help improve the quality of the site through numerous litter picks as well as raising public awareness.

John Preston

He has spent most of his retirement helping the older residents of Bassett Green. John helps by running errands, walking dogs and going to the shops for them. John also cuts the communal grass areas with his own lawn mower.

Farhad Zarin

He is a volunteer at Awaaz Radio and was instrumental in bringing radio programmes for the Iranian community.

Lorenzo Geddes

Lorenzo has lived in Newtown, Southampton, for many years and has made a valuable contribution to the members of the Caribbean community.

Nazrul Chaudhery

When the Channel 4 programme, Immigration Street, was being filmed in the inner city, he worked hard to empower the community to come together to stop the film being produced.

Jane Brice

She has dedicated her time to the Botley Neighbourcare organisation, which offers residents transport to doctors, dentist and hospital appointments.

Southampton Sikh Seva

Southampton Sikh Seva is a group of nine males that helps feed vulnerable and homeless people in Southampton.

They prepare food in the local Sikh place of worship and serve the food with other free items.

Lynda Walton

She has been involved in various community organisations including: Holyrood Estate Tenant

Association, Southampton

Women’s Forum, Community Solution meetings with Integrated Commissioning unit, to name a few.

Mike and Lyn Holder

Mike and Lyn were the chairperson and treasurer of Lordshill Community Association. During their time in these positions they were instrumental in several initiatives including getting a permanent centre, trying to strengthen the committee and organising community events.

Yellow Door

The organisation enables victims to overcome the negative impacts of abuse, empower them to move forward with their lives and continue on to develop and maintain safe and healthy relationships.

Phoebee Corcoran

She has spent more than two years collecting shoes and clothing for both Hampshire Air Ambulance and the British Heart Foundation.

Beverley Dowdell

She is the chairperson of the Black Heritage Organisation. Beverley is also the main fundraiser as well as events organiser.

Brian and Janet Eldridge

The couple run the Solent District Dog Training Club and they have raised in excess of £220,00 for charity.

Ian Williamson

Ian has been organising community clean ups in the Lordswood area, particularly Lordsdale Green way area.

Janson Road Residents Association

The association has been instrumental in working with businesses to tackle the issue of rubbish and street drinking.

Pirrie and Harland Residents’ Association

The residents’ association organises activities and events, including a street party, quiz nights, and curry nights.

Heather Frances

Heather has worked tirelessly to support community-based mental health service, Creative Option, and fundraise to secure its survival.

Gabriel Chmura

He was main organiser of ‘Miles for Bartek’, a set of fundraising events that has helped nine-year-old Bartek have rehabilitation therapy – although he did not know the boy he raised around £9,000.

City of Sanctuary Southampton – Women for Women project

The project attracts women from different nationalities, breaking down barriers by sewing sessions and health groups.

Barbara Storey

Barbara started SOS Polonia more ten years ago, to help any Eastern European newcomers understand British culture.

EU Welcome and David Adcock

The organisation has contributed to minimising community tensions by working to support different cultures in the city.

Helen Ransome

She is the founder and director of the Art of Heritage festival in St Denys. Helen encourages residents to get involved and supports them to express themselves through art and music.

Anne Cato

Anne is an active member of Priory Road Luncheon Club. She has recently succeeded in getting funding for the start-up of an activity group.

To book a ticket for the event which will take place tomorrow at Southampton City College visit: bit.ly/2ndvc24