On Wednesday 12th December 2012 several of the Friends attended the North West Empowerment Awards ceremony. These awards were open to community or voluntary groups that have delivered a project regarded as having made a positive difference in their community. The Friends had been one of four shortlisted from 33 applicants in the “Better neighbourhoods” category, and although we did not win the prize we received a “highly commended” plaque for working with the Levenshulme groups on the community orchard!