Hackney church volunteers Joseph Constantine and Lucille Reid praised for community work
Joseph Constantine and Lucille Reid - Credit: Archant
Two selfless volunteers have been honoured for their outstanding work in the local community.
Joseph Constantine, 90, and Lucille Reid, 72, dedicated years to helping those in need as members of the Hackney Seventh-Day Adventist Church in Haggerston. Their efforts were praised in an award ceremony over the weekend.
Joseph said: “Whoever was in on this was very good at keeping it a secret for so long. I nearly didn’t make it here today as I didn’t want to leave my wife who cannot get out much due to health reasons.
“I feel deeply honoured and happy today.”
Joseph, a carpenter by trade, travelled to Britain from St Lucia in 1950. He has spent his 90 years feeding the homeless and carrying out building work for individuals in the local area.
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Lucille, a founding member of the church, devoted her time to teaching and choir directing as well as providing foster care for children.
She said: “I can’t believe this secret was kept from me for so long. I’m really chuffed and surprised.”
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The deputy high commissioner of St Lucia and Jamaica, and deputy speaker of Hackney Council Rosemary Sales, attended the ceremony to pay tribute to Joseph and Lucille’s many years of service.
