The Newark and Sherwood Community and Sports Awards 2026, organised by us in partnership with Radio Newark, concluded successfully on Friday 25 September at The Renaissance at Kelham Hall in Newark.
The event honoured 13 incredible individuals, groups and organisations who have gone above and beyond to support the community and champion the growth of sports in the district.
Some of the inspirational stories of the night included the Courage and Bravery Award, which was awarded to Ezmay Usher, who was diagnosed with cancer in 2025 at the age of 17. She set up Ezmay’s Journey on Facebook to share her experience of battling cancer with honesty, humour and grace, bringing hope, comfort and inspiration to around 1,800 followers.
Sadly, Ezmay passed away in May this year. Accepting Ezmay’s award on her behalf was her mum Emma, who said:
As a family, we’re incredibly honoured to accept this award on behalf of our beautiful Ezmay, and wish more than anything that she could be here tonight to receive it herself. This award means so much because it recognises not just what she went through, but the strong, brave and incredible person she was. Forever 18. Forever proud. Thank you.
Education Provider of the Year, an award which recognises outstanding educational success or support within a learning environment, was awarded to Laura Donaldson. As Vice Principal of Magnus Academy, Laura has led pioneering work to improve boys’ aspirations, wellbeing and attainment. She also created the district’s first Community INSET Day on empowering boys, bringing school staff together with around 50 external partners to build lasting change.
In her acceptance speech, Laura said:
As anyone who works in a school will know, this award really isn’t about me, it’s about all the people that work in our school, our support staff, our teaching staff, but most importantly, our students. I feel incredibly privileged to be able to work with some of the most remarkable young people in Newark. They amaze me every day with their kindness, their compassion, their determination.
Bilsthorpe Veterans Breakfast Club were the winners of the Emergency Services and Armed Forces Award, for veterans facing isolation or struggling to reconnect after service. It offers understanding without judgment, renewed confidence and camaraderie.
On collecting their award, they said:
This award belongs to so many people. We would like to thank all of the volunteers and supporters who give up their time to help make the club what it is. Your commitment, hard work and kindness have helped create a welcoming environment where veterans can feel valued, supported and connected. Most importantly, we want to thank every veteran who attends the Breakfast Club. You are the heart of this group. Your friendship, humour, stories and support for one another are what make the club special.
Winner of Sports Achiever of the Year, Lucy Beardsmore, has represented Team GB at under-17 level and returned from the European Biathlon Championships with two gold medals and a silver.
To mark this achievement, Lucy received a special congratulatory message on stage from Amy Hunt, 2026 European Championship gold medallist, and the first athlete to win four gold medals at a single European Championship. Amy said:
I was the 2017 Junior Sportsperson of the Year, so it feels incredibly special to pass this award to another great young sportswoman. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for you.
Councillor Paul Peacock, Leader of Newark and Sherwood District Council, gave a welcome speech to attendees on the night of the awards. He commented:
The Newark and Sherwood Community and Sports Awards are a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the people, groups and organisations that make our district such a special place. From outstanding sporting achievements to acts of kindness, dedication and community spirit, every nominee has a story that deserves recognition. These awards shine a spotlight on the individuals who go above and beyond to support others and inspire positive change, and we are proud to celebrate their contributions.
The Renaissance at Kelham Hall, which served as the venue and a gold sponsor for the event, added to the celebration's grandeur. Alex Hopkins, Director of Sales at The Renaissance at Kelham Hall, shared:
We were delighted to once again host the Newark and Sherwood Community and Sports Awards and celebrate the remarkable people who make a difference across the district. The awards are a fantastic opportunity to recognise achievement, dedication and community spirit, and as sponsors of the Courage and Bravery Award, we are proud to support an event that highlights inspiring stories such as Ezmay's. It was an honour to welcome nominees, finalists and guests of the 2026 awards to The Renaissance at Kelham Hall for this special occasion.
Active4Today, another gold sponsor, celebrated the winners of the Creating Change for Sport and Physical Activity Award. Andy Freeman, Chair of Active4Today Board, stated:
At Active4Today, we are committed to supporting opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to be active and enjoy the benefits of sport and physical activity. The Community and Sports Awards provide an important opportunity to recognise the individuals, clubs and organisations whose passion and commitment encourage others to get involved and make a positive impact. We are proud to sponsor the Creating Change for Sport and Physical Activity Award and were delighted to present the award on the night to Andy Unwin, who has grown Edwinstowe Community Cricket Club to almost 60 players, two league teams and a genuinely inclusive club culture.
Congratulations to all the winners and nominees who made the Newark and Sherwood Community and Sports Awards 2026 a memorable and inspiring event.
Here are the award winners:
- Rik and Marian Ludlow – The Irena Sendler Humanitarian Award (Sponsored by the Polish Cultural Institute London)
- Farnsfield Cricket Club 1st XI team – Sports Team of the Year (Sponsored by Greencore)
- Terry Trickett - Citizen of the Year (Sponsored by Currys in partnership with GXO)
- Recycling Ollerton and Boughton - Business Commitment to the Community Award (Sponsored by Newark Business Club)
- Grace Britchford – Young Person of the Year (Sponsored by Murphy)
- Gilly Hagen – Community Champion of the Year (Sponsored by Newark College)
- Andy Unwin – Creating Change for Sport and Physical Activity Award (Sponsored by Active4Today)
- Bilsthorpe Veterans Breakfast Club - Emergency Services and Armed Forces Award (Sponsored by Barcode Warehouse)
- Lucy Beardsmore - Sports Achiever of the Year (Sponsored by Smiths Timber Merchants)
- The Friends of Trent Vale Trail - Community Group of the Year (Sponsored by Ringrose Law)
- Laura Donaldson - Education Provider of the Year (Sponsored by National Civil War Centre)
- Ezmay Usher - Courage and Bravery Award (Sponsored by Renaissance at Kelham Hall)
- Eileen Clare - Lifetime Commitment Award (Sponsored by Wright Vigar)
Gold sponsors for the awards were Murphy Group, Active4Today, The Renaissance at Kelham Hall, Wright Vigar and Radio Newark. Without their support, the awards could not have taken place. Photography on the night was taken by Stuart Wilde. The trophies presented on the night were designed and handcrafted through an intergenerational project with joinery students from Newark College and members of The Shed in Collingham.
More information on the awards and the winners can be found at the Community and Sports Awards.
Full interviews and videos will be shared by the District Council and Radio Newark in the coming weeks on their website and social media.