Winners and Finalists 2021 — NK Community Champion Awards

Thank you to everyone who nominated in the 2021 NK Community Champion awards. It is great to see so many people tirelessly volunteering within our communities, stepping up to help others both in the face of coronavirus and more broadly.

Having had the difficult task of selecting finalists from all the nominees, we're proud to share the list of winners and finalists for 2021.

The finalists for 2021 are:

Contribution to Arts & Culture

Winner

Natalie Mason, Sleaford

Extending well beyond her interest and role as a teacher, Natalie has rescued, repaired and re-interpreted the William Alvey School’s air raid shelter, preserving and curating a valuable asset for both the school and wider community. Investing countless hours and personal expense in transforming the erstwhile store into a living museum, engaging with local groups, collecting oral history, raising money, repatriating medals and creating a lasting memorial to former pupils who fought and died.

Jonny & Emma Hoare, North Rauceby

Chairman of Sleaford Little Theatre, Johnny and Emma’s offer of hosting an outdoor Shakespeare show at their home – the first ever in the group’s 70-year history – this summer ensured the group could fulfil its cultural aims and purpose. Through their energy, hospitality and active participation, the show went on; bringing great relief and respite from the restrictions of the pandemic, recreation for the players otherwise denied their artistic outlet and a much-needed financial fillip.

International Bomber Command Centre, Canwick

Through their personal endeavour the 500-plus volunteers, are central to the success, daily operation and very existence of the IBCC involved in everything from research and archiving to educational support, educational tours and administration. Aged 14 to 87, they embody the very spirit of the community they seek to honour, putting others before self. Alongside the paid team, the volunteers underpin every aspect of the centre’s cultural, artistic and heritage outreach.

Community Business

Winner

Manor Farm Shops, Leasingham

Continuing to offer an exemplary level of community care and consideration which escalated into extensive home deliveries during initial pandemic lockdowns, Manor Farm Shops continues to ensure supplies are available whenever and wherever they’re needed. For years they have arranged a free Christmas carols get-together, offering refreshment and asking for nothing more than charitable donations. Known to always go above and beyond expectations, they are regarded as a real community lifeline.

Hume Arms, South Kyme

Over their 13 years of tenure Maeve & Vijay Shulka have worked hard to make the Hume Arms an integral part of village life, not just a the local watering hole but a real focal point of village activities. From free breakfasts for litter pickers to accommodation for village clubs and societies, charity and fundraising events, they bring the community together. Additionally, they look out for villagers with delivery of meals, lockdown shopping, roving welfare checks and quiet offers of support.

Mother Nature, Sleaford

A champion of plastic-free living, Mother Nature staff have a real passion for the environment and customer wellbeing; not compromising on either. Offering a much-needed solution to a growing problem, with zero-waste re-fill stations for cleaning, personal care and grocery items, local supply connections and active promotion of alternatives for good health. Their lifeline was especially vital to those with special dietary needs during lockdowns who otherwise struggled to source essentials.

Contribution to Climate Action

Winner

Benjamin Willetts, Skellingthorpe

Through Old Wood Organics, Ben is creating a growing community (in both senses of the word) that champions sustainable horticulture and builds a happier, healthier life for himself, his family and volunteer learners with neurodivesity. His no-dig market garden is buzzing with biodiversity as it blooms into a beacon of hope for a lot of people and a better ecological future; inspiring others to live more lightly and consume less processed packaged goods in the interests of personal and planet health.

Les & Christine Parker, Quarrington

Not only through their individual, personal endeavours, but also through their instigation of and leadership within Global Sleaford, Les and Christine champion all things pertaining to climate resilience. Working tirelessly to raise awareness of the climate crisis, they engage sensitively to bring the facts to individuals in creative, impactful ways. Les is also a champion of safe cycling, working with agencies in the promotion of better, healthier, climate-conscious travel

Sleaford Climate Action Network, Sleaford

Formed on the cusp of the Coronavirus pandemic, the Sleaford Climate Network has continued to grow in size and impact as ever-more environmental groups join the network to increase collective reach, engagement and impact. Through many hours instructing on the realities and actions needed to address the climate crisis and encouraging local and national climate action, Tim and associates are motivated by a concern for the wellbeing of future generations.

Coronavirus Response

Winner

Sage Gardener, Eagle Hall

An established support network to enhance health and wellbeing alongside learning and befriending within a therapeutic nature setting, the core team and volunteers running Sage Gardener had to entirely rethink their operating model and styles of outreach in response to the pandemic. From testing new technology to extending beyond their own comfort zones to ensure no-one went without provision of food, assurance or resources, the volunteers reached out in every possible (safe) way.

Branston Good Neighbour Scheme, Branston

Emerging from a phenomenal support group that sprang up within days of the first lockdown, the Branston Good Neighbour Scheme sees a core group of 30 volunteers collect shopping and prescription, check-in on the elderly and vulnerable, carry out small jobs, befriend and run a food larder to ensure ‘no one goes without’. Making time in their lives to help others, each person helps with anything if they are able, clicking up 3,000-plus jobs for 350 people over 18 months.

Brant Broughton Brownies, Brant Broughton

Through their own initiative, the Brownies delivered goody bags containing wide-ranging items to those affected by loneliness in the four communities they draw from in order to ease the sense of isolation suffered by many and assure them that they were not alone, that they were important to the community and that the were cared for. In return the recipients corresponded back saying what a lovely surprise it was to receive the plants, colouring books crayons and other items.

Contribution to a Better Environment

Winner

Roberta Bray, Ruskington

Inspiring and supporting positive environmental action in her immediate area, Roberta is relentless in her reach and determined in her mission to achieve plastic-free status for Sleaford. With 900 people and 15 businesses signed up and 20 further allies, her Plastic-Free Sleaford community campaign takes a proactive solutions-based approach. She also organises litter picks, liaises with schools, churches and groups, and runs a local Wombles group, gardening swap shop and Terracycle drop-off point.

Trees for Heckington, Heckington

An ongoing project established with the aim of creating accessible community woodland in or close to Heckington, the Trees group has planted 20 trees locally and taken on the daily care of a further 31 in the parish council-planted arboretum. Advocating trees for their carbon-capture, cooling, soil stabilisation and improvement, flood alleviation, bio-diversity enhancing and broader health and wellbeing benefits, the small hard-working group is ever exploring opportunities for long-term environmental gain.

Walking Wombles, Navenby

Set up as a Facebook group in March 2021 in response to increasing littering of the verges in Navenby and round-abouts, the Walking Wombles quickly motivated into a group of 91 people each picking litter on the daily walks rather than through organised events. Collectively picking up 20 bag a week, and now seeing a significant reduction in the quantity and types of littering, from Wellingore to Boothby Graffoe the verges are now immaculate and there’s enhanced community pride and spirit.

Contribution to Health & Wellbeing

Winner

Thomas Dunning, Waddington

Drawing on his own experience to inspire, motivate and help others in the realisation and expression of their personal situation, Tom is a mental health ambassador dedicated to supporting his peers in his spare time. Through a running group where talking and support take precedence, a no-holds-barred autobiography opening up his own story, international public speaking events, talks within UK schools, colleges and workplaces and as an NHS service user governor he is helping to improve mental health provision, awareness and recognition.

Judy Johnson, Sleaford

Across a range of different responses, Judy works tirelessly in support of vulnerable families, volunteering with the Sleaford Food Larder, and supporting student and family health, wellbeing and provision of needs; ensuring that students were equipped with internet, laptop, food and other essentials. Without her logistical and emotional support keeping them safe, happy and well in the light of ongoing uncertainties, many children and their families would be lost.

Sue Williams, Sleaford

As the lead contact for United Together, an umbrella organisation of four adult Sleaford-based wellbeing and mental health peer support groups, Sue draws together provision and supports individuals between sessions. A care-worker professionally, she provides a vital link and level of understanding that ensures the right services can be reached and accessed by the right clients. In all cases friendships and confidence are built and isolation conquered.

Longstanding Contribution to a Group or Organisation

Winner

Helen Zealand, Sleaford

Involved in Scouting within Sleaford for well-over 20 years, Helen is now a Group Scout Leader. Living, breathing and sleeping Scouts, she devotes multiple events each week across multiple age groups as well as co-ordinating all activities giving up weekends for camps. The glue holding the team together, stepping in whenever and wherever needed and leading the Cubs too, over the years she has personally given thousands of children the opportunities to enjoy the outdoors and learn important skills.

Gordon Forsyth, Lincoln

Chairman of Parents and Autistic Children Together, Gordon ensures autism support for families adults and professionals within North Kesteven and elsewhere is responsive and relevant. Over 18 years as a committee members driving PAACT forward, Gordon has tirelessly sought to improve the lives and support mechanisms for autistic children; overcoming his own technical difficulties to ensure support continued in a Zoom-world and ever finding more time in every day to help someone further.

Thelma Smith, Leasingham

Over 17 years Thelma has been the driving force behind the success of Laffletics, a weekly adapted sports club for people with disabilities in Sleaford. Conscious of the personal challenges faced by participants, she is motivated by the joy they derive from meeting and competing at their own levels across wide-ranging sports from football, basketball and cricket to yoga, field events and tai chi. She organises the activities, volunteers and facilitators, impacting positively on everyone’s lives and confidence

Good Neighbour

Winner

Chris Banks, Sleaford

From taking meals to the housebound, to climbing into a loft to isolate a water leak at 2am Chris has brought a high-degree of reassurance to his neighbours knowing he is so close and happy to help. A hardworking man who expresses his belief that we all have a responsibility to look after each other in kind and meaningful actions, he inspired his children to act similarly by baking cakes, making pictures and crafts for the elderly in their community and chose to re-gift their Easter eggs.

Anni Hibberd, Bracebridge Heath

Neighbourly to the core, when asked to look out for a neighbour’s house while they’re away, Anni goes the extra mile by tending the garden, sweeping the path and generally caring for it as if it were her own; reassuring them that it is in safe hands. A good listener with helpful advice and kind words, her actions, charm, friendliness and sentiment are regarded as contributing greatly to the street’s relaxed and friendly atmosphere as much as its resilience through the pandemic.

Evie Ronie, Sleaford

Aged just eight, Evie’s sense of wanting to help and lift her neighbour’s spirits saw her spontaneously step out in support and solidarity. Having hear the news and felt it was all a little too sad, she felt she ought to do something herself to make a difference. She made up little baskets of flowers and eggs and dropped them off along her street to cheer up her neighbours.

Contribution to Community Safety

Winner

Dunston Yarn Bomb, Dunston

Through the actions of a core group of around 20 crafters, Dunston was transformed into a blaze of colour, a festival of crafting and a dynamic dialogue raising awareness of domestic abuse this summer. By knitting, crocheting, stitching and engineering decorative elements for public display on benches, phone boxes, notice boards, bridges etc, the Dunston Yarn Bomb had everyone talking about the issue, raised £1,280 for EDAN Lincs, strengthened community cohesion and opened up channels of hope for those affected by the issue.

June Gwillym, Metheringham

Passionate about the need for mutual understanding, engagement and communication between the police and communities, for some years June attended and then chaired the B1188 Community Police Panel. Since its disbandment she has maintained her vigilance, setting up a support group and pushing neighbourhood policing and scams awareness just a much. An invaluable go-to contact for people and help in promoting safer communities and taking pride in where they live.

Jade Hope John, Sleaford

While North Kesteven remains among the safest places to live, when an assault took place in the summer, Jade instinctively wanted to respond. Through due diligence she arranged a ‘reclaim the streets’ walk attended by 60 people across the age and gender spectrum, showing support and solidarity with those impacted by inappropriate behaviour and language and providing a platform for positive outcomes. Self-defence techniques and personal alarms were shared and Jade is scoping longer-term positive outcomes.

Community Spirit

Winner

Mark Reynolds, North Hykeham

Under Mark’s leadership, the Hykeham In Bloom programme has grown and flourished from five run-down planters to 17 displays across the town nurtured by a healthy crop of volunteers, all enthused by his enthusiasm. Through the medium of flowers, community spirit really blossomed as people admired the displays and connected in conversation with each other, Mark and those nurturing them. He’s expanding to wildflower planting, bat and bird boxes and litter picking across a more inviting, welcoming and safe town and won the East Midlands In Bloom Silver Award this year.

Zoe Ireland, Ruskington

Having initiated and organised an outstanding village response of community support in the initial lockdown, Zoe immediately stepped up to collect around the village to help the Afghan evacuees arriving in the country with nothing. Her selflessness sets an example to the whole community, which again responded with open hearts. Having researched ways to help, contacted relevant agencies, identified need and dedicated her home as a drop-off point, she then dropped notes of warmth and welcome into the pockets of the donated clothes.

Mark Reynolds, North Hykeham

Sleaford Islamic Society, Sleaford

Building on an established practice of reaching out into the community and opening the doors of the Sleaford Prayer Hall in a mutual exchange of community cohesion and connectivity, Sleaford Islamic Society has most recently driven the local response in support Afghan evacuees. Within an hour of issuing a 10pm appeal, piles of donations, initially for arrivals in Scarborough and more latterly in Lincolnshire, were arriving. Beyond this they foster interfaith relations and understanding, hosting school visits, feeding for the homeless and supporting good causes wherever there is need.

Contribution to Sport

Winner

John Davies, Metheringham

From mowing the green three times weekly, watering it, buying seed and tending it, to organising the matches and generally doing what needs to be done, John invests countless hours to keep Metheringham Bowls Club on the ball. He’ll arrange the league games, sort the refreshments and when the chance arises play in the matches himself. Deriving great pleasure from seeing the matches played, he works alongside and in service to his fellow club and committee members to ensure the facilities are at the top of their game.

Shaun Fisher, Sleaford

Whilst furloughed from work by the pandemic restrictions, Shaun was not wanting to sit idly by and instead provided online health and fitness classes and advice via Facebook. Like the Joe Wicks of NK, with no obligation to do so, he did it because he cares about people’s fitness, wellbeing and motivation. Recording classes, doing them live and setting individual goals and timetables to encourage and keep his followers active, he was there seven days a week; maintaining the contact virtually for those unable or unready to return.

Barry Howorth, Holdingham

For over 13 years, from player to coach and now general manager, Barry has promoted and built up the Lincolnshire Bombers American Football Club. Now with three teams, he makes himself available 24/7 to support players with a safe space and through the complexities of playing as a contact sport in these trying times. By investing evenings, weekends and family time and despite Covid restrictions, Barry has seen the club flourish under his passionate leadership, with a permanent home and strong sense of community.

Young Achiever

Winner

Riley Pickwell, Sleaford

At the age of 19, and on the cusp of lockdown, Riley set up a whole new football club; throwing himself wholeheartedly into the enterprise, forming a committee, securing a ground, finding a sponsor, fundraising and signing up to FA standards and initiatives. Never letting himself be deterred from ensuring Sleaford United FC is available for the area’s young men to assist their mental health at a testing time, he’s done so much more than just getting 11 lads together to play. Now with two teams, he’s juggling this with university studies and playing sport himself.

Keira & Cain Dodsworth, Sleaford

It’s not usual for children to have to take on a caring role, but when their mum was diagnosed with a spinal nerve disorder, life changed overnight for Keira and Cain. The teenagers became chief carers and through all of the uncertainty of their mum’s health over the past year, have been amazing; ensuring the home runs effectively and getting to school. Through the upheaval of Covid and periods of home-schooling both Keira and Cain focused on their school work, stepped up, assisted their mum in her return home and continue to be her greatest support.

Laurel Mountain, Great Hale

In response to the tragic death of her childhood best friend from cancer, Laurel ran a marathon that raised more than £2,000 for the charity ‘Jamie Forever ‘12’. Devastated by the death, Laurel turned her grief to good, benefitting others through a cause that gives gifts to children who are terminally ill or have cancer. A beacon of positivity, putting others first, she showed strength, determination, compassion and resilience to complete her mission during the pandemic and whilst studying for her GCSEs.