Riots rector awarded for 'outstanding community building'

A London church rector who took to the streets to support locals during last year's riots has been acknowledged for his community building work.

Fr Rob Wickham, Rector of St John at Hackney Church went out onto the streets of Hackney to offer assistance and pray for those in need during the unrest.

Just one week after the riots, he organised a tea party on the street opposite the church that brought together 400 people from the surrounding area, one of the worst affected by the violence. The tea party helped the local community begin the healing process.

Since then, Fr Rob has continued to support local people and businesses in moving on, and has secured money from London Diocese's Emergency4London Fund to support young people seeking paid employment.

Fr Rob received the Speaker of Hackney's award for his outstanding community building during and after the riots.

The award was presented by Hackney Council's current Speaker, Councillor Susan Fajana-Thomas, during a communities celebration evening.

Speaking about the award, Fr Rob said: "The events both during and after the riots remain at the forefront on my mind. After them I saw the community at its best, during them I glimpsed aspects of our community at its most broken.

"It was a great privilege to be present in the midst of both, standing side by side with colleagues, strangers and friends, and it is to them that I dedicate my award from the Speaker of Hackney for recognition of community building.

"The issues raised before, during and after the disturbances need constant attention, and together we can build for a better community where perfect love can cast out all fear."

Fr Rob was one of three winners on the night, which included an Award for the Soldier of the Year awarded to Lance Corporal Edward Sonnex and Primary School of the Year, which went to Queensbridge Primary School.