WE ARE backing Fab Frank to win a national award, and are urging our readers to vote for him too.
Street Warden Frank Charles, 44, has made it to the final of the Local Government Association Council Worker of the Year Award.
The father-of-two, who is now based at the Wardens' office in Langthorne Park, Leytonstone, is a charity fundraiser and record-breaking stunt man.
He has organised gift appeals for sick children at Whipps Cross University Hospital, arranged Christmas dinners for older residents and run juggling workshops, reading classes and football sessions.
He has started a Saturday morning dads' club, set up a Shop Watch scheme and runs to raise money for charity.
Frank is up against three other workers from other councils across the country.
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Voting is now underway and The Guardian believes our readers should vote for Frank to win the award.
This week, we found out more about Frank .
Frank lives in Wanstead with his second wife Paula, and sons Justin, 17, and Lewis, 11. He lost a son Ashley to Hirschsprung disease. He was brought up in the Bakers Arms area of Leyton.
He was educated at Thomas Gamuel School, Colchester Road, Walthamstow, George Mitchell School, Farmer Road, Leyton, and Leyton County High School for Boys, Essex Road (now Leyton Sixth Form College).
Frank has worked as a groundsman at the Elms private sports ground, in Coppermill Lane. He has also had jobs as a stock cutter in a fabrics factory and as a youth worker. He has been a Street Warden since 2004.
WHAT ARE YOUR HOBBIES?
I like reading Buddhist texts and meditation. I also enjoy meeting people, cycling and keep-fit."
YOUR FAVOURITE COMEDY?
Fraser - It is well written, every single line is funny. I also like Cheers and was really sad when it came to an end, but there have been one or two spin-offs, including Fraser, which have been good as well.
AND FAVOURITE FILM?
I like the Shawshank Redemption, it is a really powerful film that keeps you gripped to the end. The other film I like is the 1960s comedy It's A Mad Mad Mad Mad World, it is very funny and has a lot of well-known stars in it.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE MUSIC?
Faithless - they mix strong, very conscious lyrics with great melodies. They sing about political and spiritual issues and about what's going on in the world. It is really good dance music.
FAVOURITE FOOD?
I love Chinese. Especially egg and fried rice, it is very simple but that's what I like!
BEST EVER HOLIDAY?
When I went to the Maldives with Paula on our honeymoon a few years ago. It was a total paradise, tropical sea, clear water exotic fishes and lovely weather. The people were very friendly, we got around on bikes and there were not too many people there. I would like to go back but it is not the cheapest place to go to.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE BEST MOMENT OF YOUR LIFE?
The birth of my three sons, and also my second marriage, to Paula. She is a great help and inspiration.
IF YOU WERE PRIME MINISTER?
I would like to ensure that money is ploughed into the NHS to make sure people get seen rather than be on a long waiting list. I would make sentences fit the crimes as I don't think they do at present. I would give police more powers and free them from paperwork. I would beef up the pensions so that elderly people who have paid into the system are not left scrimping and saving.
To vote for Frank visit www.localgovernmentchannel.com Click on "awards 2008" then "care and commitment" followed by "Frank Charles"
Posted by: Mr Khalid, walthamstow on 9:52pm Thu 8 May 08
is joke this waddens? walk street in red tea shart loking sroffyness and walk 3 parsons evry time s and waste monys shart hang out i see yeteday baker arm leyton 4 wadden do no think just get mony for the what do?
is joke this waddens? walk street in red tea shart loking sroffyness and walk 3 parsons evry time s and waste monys shart hang out i see yeteday baker arm leyton 4 wadden do no think just get mony for the what do?
I would just like to say that Frank goes above and beyond the duties of a street warden and truly derserves this award. Even in his short time in Leytonstone, he has set up football sessions for youth in the park, tea dances for the elderly and even attended a Spring Festival and did some impromptu juggling & tricks. We need more people like Frank in the community!
I would just like to say that Frank goes above and beyond the duties of a street warden and truly derserves this award. Even in his short time in Leytonstone, he has set up football sessions for youth in the park, tea dances for the elderly and even attended a Spring Festival and did some impromptu juggling & tricks. We need more people like Frank in the community!
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