Community and Sports Awards

The Newark and Sherwood Community and Sports Awards 2026, organised by Newark and Sherwood District Council in partnership with Radio Newark, took place on Friday 25 September at The Renaissance at Kelham Hall in Newark.

The event honoured incredible individuals who go above and beyond to support the community and champion the growth of sports.

2026 award winners

13 worthy winners were awarded for their exceptional contributions in various categories.

The Irena Sendler Humanitarian Award (Sponsored by the Polish Cultural Institute London)

Rik and Marian Ludlow

Rik and Marion Ludlow have opened both their home and their hearts to families from Ukraine and Afghanistan. From schools and GP registrations to cars, insurance and the bewildering details of starting again in a new country, they have offered practical help, friendship and a true sense of family.

Sports Team of the Year (Sponsored by Greencore)

Farnsfield Cricket Club 1st XI Team

Farnsfield Cricket Club’s First Eleven made history by becoming the first Nottinghamshire side to win the ECB Vitality T20 Club Plate national title. Ten members of the fifteen-player squad came through the club’s own junior system, and many now coach and mentor the next generation.

Citizen of the Year (Sponsored by Currys, in partnership with GXO)

Terry Trickett

At 89 years old, Terry Trickett uses his iPad, his photography and an endless curiosity about the world to bring joy to others. Through his daily Terry’s Travels posts, he gives people who are housebound or isolated a window onto familiar places, new landscapes and a warm online community.

Business Commitment to the Community Award (Sponsored by Newark Business Club)

Recycling Ollerton and Boughton

Since 1999, Recycling Ollerton and Boughton has combined environmental service with life-changing opportunity. Alongside recycling collections for more than 10,500 households, it provides meaningful supported work for over 45 adults with learning disabilities, building skills, confidence and belonging.

Young Person of the Year, up to age 17 (Sponsored by Murphy)

Grace Britchford

At just ten years old, Grace Britchford has raised more than £23,000 in donations for schools, helping provide books, equipment and learning resources for more than a thousand children. She began with a wish to leave a legacy at her own school, and then made sure other schools benefited too.

Community Champion of the Year (Sponsored by Newark College)

Gilly Hagen

For almost 50 years, Gilly Hagen has championed volunteers, patients and older residents across Newark and Sherwood. From shaping health services and Best Years Hubs to founding the accessible transport charity Blidworth On The Move, she has helped people remain heard, connected and independent.

Creating Change for Sport and Physical Activity (Sponsored by Active4Today)

Andy Unwin

What began in 2024 with a handful of women curious about softball cricket has grown, under Andy Unwin’s guidance, to almost 60 players, two league teams and a genuinely inclusive club culture. He has even arranged childcare so that practical barriers do not keep mothers from taking part.

Emergency Services and Armed Forces Award (Sponsored by The Barcode Warehouse)

Bilsthorpe Veterans Breakfast Club

Bilsthorpe Veterans Breakfast Club is far more than a place to share a meal. For veterans facing isolation or struggling to reconnect after service, it offers understanding without judgement, renewed confidence and the camaraderie of people who simply get it. For some, it has become a genuine lifeline.

Sports Achiever of the Year (Sponsored by Smiths Timber Merchants)

Lucy Beardsmore

Lucy Beardsmore has represented Team GB at under-17 level and returned from the European Biathle Championships with two gold medals and a silver. Behind those results are more than 15 hours of training each week, balanced with her academic studies, and an extraordinary level of discipline and determination.

Community Group of the Year (Sponsored by Ringrose Law)

The Friends of Tent Vale Trail

The Friends of Trent Vale Trail turned an ambitious volunteer-led idea into a free, accessible 15-mile route from Newark to South Clifton. Over eight years, they secured and managed more than £700,000, negotiated with landowners and overcame every practical obstacle to create a lasting community asset.

The Friends of Trent Vale Trail smiling holding awards trophy.

Education Provider of the Year (Sponsored by National Civil War Centre)

Laura Donaldson

As Vice Principal of Magnus Academy, Laura Donaldson 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.

Courage and Bravery Award (Sponsored by The Renaissance at Kelham Hall)

Ezmay Usher

Courage is not always found in one dramatic moment. Sometimes it is the quiet determination to keep moving forward through the hardest of circumstances. Through Ezmay’s Journey, Ezmay Usher shared her experience with honesty, humour and grace, bringing hope and comfort to around 1,800 followers. Very sadly, Ezmay passed away in May 2026, so her mother Emma accepted the award on her behalf.

Lifetime Commitment Award (Sponsored by Wright Vigar)

Eileen Clare

Eileen Clare has spent around 40 years supporting older people in Balderton, including 20 years as a volunteer after retiring from her role at Ghent House. Now 80, she continues to lead the William Ghent House Senior Citizens Club, bringing friendship, activity and connection to more than 60 members.

How awards were nominated

Nominations for the awards took place between 29 May to 3 July 2026. During these dates, nominations were submitted by completing an online form.

All nominations were considered by an independent panel of judges on Monday 28th July.

Awards evening

On the night, award winners and guests were treated to a two-course meal, an award ceremony, and a party hosted by our partner Radio Newark.

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