Runnymede civic awards

Community

Mayor’s Special Recognition Awards

398 (Staines & Egham) Squadron Air Cadets

398 Squadron exemplifies what a modern youth organisation should be - through aviation, adventure training and leadership opportunities, cadets gain confidence, resilience and essential life skills. The squadron plays a vital role in civic life, supporting remembrance events, flag raising ceremonies and serving the community. For its outstanding commitment to youth development and community service, 398 squadron is truly deserving of this award. None of this would be possible without the help of all the Cadet Force Adult Volunteers who give up their time freely to deliver life changing experiences for young people.

Flt Lt Kurt Henney

As Commanding Officer of 398 Squadron, Kurt’s personal impact on the next generation is profound – beyond the parade nights, he dedicates countless invisible hours behind the scenes, planning activities and training.  But it’s not just the Air Cadets who benefit… during the pandemic he was a lifeline to many, providing essential support to those who needed it. He takes part in local litter picks, mentors young people in marksmanship at his shooting club and delivers training for the Duke of Edinburgh award.   Kurt’s commitment to shaping the ‘citizens of tomorrow’ make him truly deserving of this award.

Special Recognition Awards

Malcolm Loveday BEM

Widely known as ‘Mr Chertsey’, Malcolm sadly passed away on New Years Eve 2025 but leaves behind him a lasting legacy.  Malcolm was the President of the Chertsey Society and a recipient of the British Empire Medal… he devoted decades to serving Chertsey through his tireless work across church, town and borough affairs.  He was a highly influential voice in the community, playing a key role in many important projects and well respected for his calm leadership and thoughtful contributions. Malcolm’s lifelong commitment, wisdom and unwavering dedication made him one of Chertsey’s greatest champions and his loss is felt deeply across the community.

Mrs Tara Ford & Stepgates Community School

Stepgates Community School, led by Tara Ford, were nominated for their exceptional compassion by a parent whose daughter was sadly diagnosed with a life-limiting neurological condition.  Despite her rapid decline, they never once said they could not cope with her requirements and have adapted their mainstream environment to meet her complex needs – providing specialist care, communication tools and inclusive activities.  The team ensures she remains happy, engaged and part of the school community… going far beyond expectations. Regular support and unwavering empathy have provided a lifeline to the family during an incredibly challenging year.

New Haw Litter Pickers

This group was formed by Brian Bainbridge and Leigh Brook and has grown into a thriving community group - in 2025 they collected over 1 tonne of litter. But they are more than just litter pickers… they have also partnered with local schools, raising £1500 for The Grange  Community Infant School, engaged with the eco-pupils at Fullbrook school, organise sponsored litter picks, maintain the flowerbeds along the broadway, support DofE students with volunteering opportunities and organise quizzes and stalls to help raise money for equipment – without their passion and commitment the New Haw community would not be what it is today.

Service to Community - Organisation

Winner: Winter Warmers at St Pauls Church

Winter Warmers was conceived following concerns that young people’s education was being significantly impacted by not having any breakfast.  Winter Warmers provides a free hot chocolate and choice of pastries each morning in the coldest months of December and January.  It is open to all, and students come from both secondary and primary schools to benefit – with around 150 breakfasts being given out each day.  The entire project is delivered by volunteers, and schools have noticed the hugely positive impact it has on students.

Highly Commended: Radio Wey

Radio Wey is a volunteer-run health and wellbeing radio station supporting patients, staff and the wider community of Ashford & St Peters Hospitals.  Over 42 volunteers (ranging in age up to 92!) broadcast more than 70 hours of live shows weekly – they visit wards to collect requests and provide 24/7 uplifting entertainment.  They actively support hospital and community events including special broadcasts for NICU families, and provide public broadcasting support at events across Runnymede.

Highly Commended: Egham Tabletop Society

This club has grown from a small group of hobbyists in 2022 to a thriving community space that now attracts over 50 attendees each week.  It provides a welcoming environment for people of all ages to enjoy tabletop games such as Warhammer and Dungeons & Dragons. The organisers have created an inclusive and supportive setting that helps to tackle social isolation, particularly in young men.

Finalist: Citizens Advice Runnymede & Spelthorne

The Citizens Advice team is dedicated to helping local residents through complex challenges – from benefits and housing to debt, health and crisis support, and in 2025 they helped a record number of people deal with over 24,500 issues. Their work continues to deliver life changing outcomes, including preventing homelessness and securing vital income for vulnerable clients.

Finalist: Belron International

For over 15 years Belron and its employees have supported White Lodge – not only through generating over £150,000 of fundraising, but also consistent, hands-on volunteering and genuine relationships with disabled children, young people and families. In 2025 Belron hosted an inclusive celebration of International Day of Persons with Disabilities, organising Christmas gifts for White Lodge children, volunteering at the Superhero Tri event. Their ongoing company culture encourages all employees to take part.

Service to Community - Individual

Winner: Daniel Howat

Daniel was nominated for his exceptional leadership of the Chertsey and Addlestone Christians Against Poverty Debt Centre.  Since founding the centre in 2016, Daniel has provided free, compassionate, face-to-face support helping people who often feel overwhelmed, isolated and without hope. Since opening Daniel and his team have supported over 200 clients with nearly 50 of them becoming completely debt free. His calm presence, professionalism and genuine care have enabled many to see a way forward and he has made a profound difference to the Runnymede Community.

Highly Commended: Yolanda Buster-Lopez

Yolanda is a very popular lady and received numerous nominations for her sustained and selfless contribution to local charitable and community focussed causes over many years.  Despite facing personal challenges of her own she consistently puts the needs of others first.  She has recently set up Mind Warriors Addlestone which is a local mental health community support group. Her work makes a meaningful difference to vulnerable people.

Highly Commended: Nicola Knight

Nicola is a dedicated supporter of Manor Farm Day Centre in Egham, caring for elderly clients and making a real difference in their lives.  Her warmth and commitment brings daily smiles to all those she supports, creating a welcoming and uplifting environment.  She is deeply valued by clients, staff and the wider community, and her exceptional service has earned admiration across Egham and Runnymede.

Finalist: Abdul Majid Hawa

Abdul is a founding figure in the Muslim Community of Egham and Englefield Green, having dedicated decades of service to shaping its identity, unity and growth.  He is a long-standing member of the Islamic Welfare Association of West Surrey and more recently The Runnymede Muslim Society. He provides steady leadership, guidance and a deep commitment to community development.

Finalist: Christine Leach

Christine is the driving force behind Chertsey & Addlestone Good Neighbours and has been central to its growth and success.  She has led the charity through a period of rapidly increasing demand with it’s workload increasing four-fold since 2019.  In 2025 Christine oversaw the introduction of a real-time computerised job allocation system – a change that made it possible for the charity to manage its expanding caseload effectively.

Finalist:Tara Fairbairn

Tara works at Belron and was nominated for her exceptional dedication to strengthening community inclusion and opportunities for disabled children, young people and adults across Runnymede. She consistently uses her role at Belron, and her own personal time, to lead meaningful, people-centred initiatives that break down barriers and create welcoming, inclusive experiences. Tara is a big supporter of White Lodge and helps coordinate many community fundraising events.

Volunteer Group of the Year

Winner: St John Ambulance, North West Surrey Network

St John Ambulance consistently make a significant impact on the Runnymede Community delivering their outstanding voluntary service.  During 2025 they provided first aid cover at over 250 community events, even giving up their time on Christmas Day to support the Community Christmas Lunch.  They have also delivered nearly 40 free first aid training sessions to over 600 residents - and their training directly saved a baby’s life where the skills learnt were used during a choking incident. They are an invaluable community asset.

Highly Commended: Loaves & Fishes at St Paul’s

Loaves & Fishes is a healthy lunch scheme run in the school holidays, designed to support families who usually receive free school meals during termtime. Many families have now come to view it as a lifeline in hard times, whilst children see it as a daily treat! In 2025 alone 4,300 lunches were provided and over 28,000 since the project started - it is a significant undertaking!

Highly Commended: Community Lunch Team at The Hub, Englefield Green

Every 2 months the Community Lunch team prepare and serve a meal for 50 – 70 local residents. These lunches provide far more than just a meal. They offer a warm welcoming space, where people can meet, talk and build friendships. For many attendees this may be one of the few regular opportunities for social connection, helping to reduce loneliness, support mental wellbeing and create a sense of community and belonging. 

Finalist: Thursday Club at The Hub Englefield Green

This volunteer lead after-school group offers a free, safe and welcoming space for around 25-30 children in years 3 to 6. Volunteers provide a wide range of activities including arts & crafts, board games and indoor sports - helping children to develop confidence, creativity and teamwork (away from their screens).  Every child is welcomed, listened to and encouraged.

Volunteer of the Year

Winner: Rita Nakalawa

Rita spends around 30 hours a week volunteering across all schools in Runnymede and is a regular face at Jubilee High, where she helps out with mentoring students. She is a pivotal figure due to the fact many young people know and trust her from their primary schools, and is therefore often the only adult that bridges both settings in order to support students who struggle with the transition into senior school. Rita also pioneered the St Paul’s Youth Café.

Highly Commended: Deborah Oates

Deborah volunteers at The Eikon Charity’s Hopes & Dreams Garden Club at Fulbrook School twice every week and consistently goes over and above to support young people’s wellbeing, through nature-based learning. She leads impactful projects such as the OWL Garden Makeover, creative planting experiments, artwork, growing and cooking produce.

Highly Commended: Penny Lympany

Penny has dedicated nearly 40 years to Scouting in Runnymede – starting as a Cub Leader and now serving as District Lead Volunteer, over the years she has supported over 1000 young people. Her leadership, positivity and tireless commitment ensures every group thrives.  Penny always goes above and beyond, often behind the scenes, always available to help, guide and inspire - Penny is the backbone of Runnymede Scouting

Finalist: Mary Wildsmith

Mary is the Treasurer and trustee of the Egham Royal Show, volunteers weekly at Strodes College supporting non-native speakers, listens to young readers at Trumps Green Infant School, manages donations at the Hope Café, supports local choirs and volunteers with the National Trust, Virginia Water Library and Boshers Allotments… and we’ve probably forgotten to list a few! Mary is an exceptionally dedicated and selfless volunteer.

Finalist: Pauline Chandler

Pauline has been volunteering at the Woodham & New Haw Day Centre for 15 years and works tirelessly looking after the tea bar. Each week she serves over 200 cups of tea & coffee and countless sandwiches & cakes.  Known for her warm and welcoming nature and helping newcomers quickly feel comfortable and part of the community, Pauline’s contribution is invaluable and both staff and visitors cannot begin to imagine the centre without her.

Green Champion Award

Winner: The Grange Community Infant School

Led by Eco Lead, Jacob Larby, the school have embedded environmental awareness into everyday life and the wider community.  Projects have included ‘Peaceful Walks’ – a sensory garden designed for outdoor learning, a PTA run nature garden, a popular school eco-council, wildlife themed school values, bird watching activities and Hedgehog Week. They are now creating a small forest area and working with Holme Farm to provide hands on biodiversity experiences.

Highly Commended: St John’s Church

Led by Rima Chai, St John’s Church in Egham’s passion for sustainability has driven multiple environmental initiatives. In 2025 Rima led 98 volunteers to remove 880kg of litter, established and managed a thriving community fridge, created a Repair Café and organised the successful Eco Fayre, attracting over 700 visitors.  St John’s Church is an outstanding role model and green champion.

Finalist: Suite 109 Costumes

Charlene Peterson runs a unique charity shop that recycles costumes to support disabled young people, ensuring that every penny raised provides access to dance, performance opportunities and community activities that many families would not be able to afford. Charlene gives up every weekend to run the shop, which is removing financial barriers, promoting sustainability and provides a supportive space.

Finalist: Chop and Change

Chop and Change is a pioneering hair salon leading the way within the beauty industry.  They have achieved zero waste in colour mixing and significantly reduced their carbon footprint.  They repurpose hair clippings for environmental projects such as oil spill cleanups and use biodegradable, cruelty free products. The owner, Julie, actively supports the Clean Cookstove Project in Africa, empowering women and improving health by reducing reliance on open-fire stoves.

Inspirational Person of the Year

Winner: Anna Watson

Anna is the Innovations Coordinator at The Eikon Charity and was nominated for her exceptional work supporting young people on the Garfield Road Estate through the Safer Streets project. Anna helped vulnerable young people feel safe, understood and empowered to make positive choices.  Anna has supported over 1,300 young people delivering creative and tailored activities that built resilience, confidence and belonging -ultimately establishing a Young People’s Engagement Group that gave them a real voice in local decision-making. Her professionalism, compassion and commitment have created lasting positive change.

Highly Commended: Simon Hayes

Simon is a long-time resident in New Haw and the owner of Ron Hayes & Son hardware shop and was nominated for his decades of service to the village.  Simon is involved in organising and leading many of the village events including the Midsummer Fair, Red Nose Day, and the annual Christmas Light Switch On.  He is admired for his positive can-do attitude, hands-on involvement and the ability to encourage residents and other businesses to participate.

Highly Commended: Annie Moore

Annie is widely recognised as the heart of Holme Farm, leading more than 50 volunteers, she has helped create a thriving organic allotment that supports education and outreach.  Annie’s popular ‘Soup Fridays’ is a winter initiative offering warm food and companionship using produce grown at Holme Farm. She also delivers the Mindful Gardeners Programme running gardening workshops across Surrey.  Annie has been described as a matriarch, counsellor, educator and the unifying force behind the Holme Farm community.   

Inspirational Young Person of the Year

Winner: Rosie Williams-Taylor

After losing a family friend to suicide in 2021, at just 8 years old Rosie was inspired to raise awareness and funds to support mental health.  She launched ‘Rosie Cares’ and has since raised over £10,000 through events, cake sales, raffles and sponsored walks.  Rosie writes letters to local businesses for sponsorship and helps out at awareness events – she  is a fantastic advocate for mental health and community support.

Sports and physical activity

Sports Club of the Year

Winner: Seymours Netball Club

Seymours Netball Club started back in 2011 as a school mum playground chat wanting a friendly judgement-free return to netball. Since then the club has grown to fielding 5 squads in the Surrey & Kingston leagues involving up to 70 women aged between16 to 50 each week.  The club is powered entirely by volunteers that is built on friendship, fitness and a shared love of netball.

Highly Commended: Royal Holloway Rounders Club

The Rounders Club at Royal Holloway are more than a Sports Club… they have shown true community commitment, as demonstrated last year when they lead a highly effective litter picking initiative in Englefield Green. Despite only being a small club, they always turn out with enthusiasm and organise themselves reliably, they maintain momentum during busy academic periods and encourage new members to take part. 

Highly Commended: Egham Boxing Club

Egham Boxing Club is a thriving grassroots organisation that has made a lasting positive impact on the local community. What began as a small local club has grown into a fully affiliated ‘England Boxing’ organisation, reflecting their strong standards in coaching, safeguarding and athlete development. The club has a powerful impact on members physical and mental wellbeing by helping to improve fitness, confidence, discipline and resilience.

Sports Volunteer of the Year

Winner: Charlotte Smith 

During Lotties time at Royal Holloway she has made an incredible impact both on campus and in the local community.  Lottie volunteers at St Jude’s Primary School coaching the Year 5 students and quadrupled the size of the school training squad. She has also been instrumental in the success of the new campus netball league – providing over 100 men and women access to netball, alongside being a student leader for the Royal Holloway Tea Parties Project.

Highly Commended: Eddie Renham

Eddie founded Surrey Youth Motorcycle Trials Club in the 1970’s and at 91 years old he still remains actively involved. The club gives children the opportunity to compete in monthly motorcycle trials. His passion has shaped generations… producing British and World Champions, while instilling life skills such as confidence and responsibility as well as promoting road safety. 

Highly Commended: David Poole

David is a driving force behind the Egham Hollowegians Rugby Club, rebuilding the club’s digital presence and achieving a monthly reach of over 25,000.  He has secured sponsorship for the club by approaching more than 25 local businesses.  David also delivered the winning proposal for the clubs first ever Community Takeover Day at Twickenham Allianz Stadium, creating an unforgettable experience for players and supporters.

Health & Wellbeing Award

Winner: Runnymede & Spelthorne Wellness Community

Cheryl and Suzanne, founders of the Runnymede & Spelthorne Wellness Community have built an inclusive, and supportive network that now reaches over 2500 people. They run the annual Egham Wellness Event offering a wide range of activities and donate all the proceeds to local charities.  Their work provides vital mental health support, reduces isolation and fosters local friendships.

Highly Commended: Jacqui Goldsmid

Jacqui is a Wellbeing Support Practitioner at The Eikon Charity and is the brains behind the We Move! initiative – an innovative, sports-based wellbeing programme. Drawing on her professional expertise and semi-professional football background, the programme combines classroom learning with physical activity to help young people understand their emotions, build resilience and learn practical strategies to improve their mental well-being.

Highly Commended: Dancing Mamas

Chloe Fawcett runs Dancing Mamas, an inclusive dance and movement class for all ages and abilities. With a special focus on new mums who can attend with their babies, it removes the childcare barriers of getting back into fitness and supports mental wellbeing.  Through her dedication and compassion she has made a life changing difference for many who might otherwise feel isolated.

Finalist: Egham Orbit Parkrun

Since launching in January 2025 Egham Orbit Parkrun has welcomed over 6000 finishers and has been supported by over 400 volunteers.  The volunteer team are the backbone of the event, creating a friendly and inclusive environment for all.  The Parkrun has become a vital community initiative promoting health and wellbeing by encouraging people to walk or run the 5km at their own pace.

Young Sportsperson of the Year

Winner: Stanley Sherlock

Stan has achieved major sporting success earning a place on the Judo England Potential team.  Training at Core Judo he has won numerous international medals and placed 5th out of 80 on his England Debut in France.  Stan is an exceptionally determined and hardworking young athlete and his supportive nature makes him a role model amongst his peers.

Sportsperson of the Year

Emily Nicholas

Emily is one of the top junior female rowers in Great Britain.  In 2025 she represented the GB Rowing Team in the Under 19 World Championships double scull, winning her second consecutive silver medal – establishing herself among the best junior rowers internationally.

Emily is also Captain of Boats at Sir William Perkins School and is a positive role model to younger rowers.

Sports Coach of the Year

Winner: Richard Johnson

Richard is the Head Coach at Egham Boxing Club and has built an inclusive and community focused club that brings people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities together.  Despite working full time with a young family Richard dedicates significant time to delivering high quality coaching that builds discipline and confidence. One of the many nominations ended with ‘He has changed my life from a dark place to a brighter place’.

Highly Commended: Jan Turner

Jan is a founding member and still leads and coaches the Seymours Netball Club, all whilst juggling three young children.  Through dedication, teamwork and community spirit, Jan has helped grow the club from a small social idea into a vibrant sporting community and continues to support women of all ages and abilities to enjoy taking part in netball.

Highly Commended: Jonathan Purssey

Jonathan from Core Judo is an outstanding Judo coach who puts every ounce of himself into coaching children and young adults into succeeding at high level sport. He provides many opportunities to compete at European competitions and not only supports the athletes on the mat, but off it too - ensuring he gives them time if they are struggling with any personal problems, really going above and beyond the role of a coach.

Arts

Performing Arts Group of the Year

Winner: Unity Dance Academy

Unity Dance has created a caring, confidence building environment where children feel safe, encouraged and supported.  Parents commented that their children often started as too anxious to participate but quickly grew in confidence through gentle encouragement and the warm and nurturing environment.  The older students mentor younger ones through a buddy system, and the academy’s ethos of kindness has made a transformational impact on children and families alike.

Highly Commended: Megan Jones School of Performing Arts

The Megan Jones School of Performing Arts is recognised for its strong commitment to community support and wellbeing in addition to offering high-quality performing arts training. In 2025 the school organised 2 major fundraising initiatives raising £2700 for the Kevin Cruise Foundation and £700 of baby food for St Peter’s Hospital.  Their philosophy of ‘growing better people’ as well as great performers makes them an impactful part of the Runnymede community.

Creative Arts Group of the Year

Winner: Runnymede Art Society

Runnymede Art Society is a long-established, volunteer-led community art group with over 50 members and provide older and more isolated members with a vital creative and social lifeline. For them the society offers friendship, routine and wellbeing through accessible and uplifting artistic activities. They meet weekly for painting and drawing sessions and put on 2 exhibitions a year.

Arts Teacher of the Year Award

Winner: Dorte Johansen of Ishtar Dance

Dorte is an inspiring and dedicated dance teacher who created Ishtar Dance in Chertsey back in 2009 providing belly dancing lessons to people of all ages, genders and fitness levels to improve physical, emotional and mental wellbeing. 

Her empathetic teaching challenges misconceptions about belly dancing and her classes are described as transformative and confidence boosting whilst promoting body positivity.

Highly Commended: Laura Gregory of LG Ballet

Laura is an extremely supportive dance teacher and LG Ballet school provides an environment where children can develop as dancers and become confident individuals. She provides students with multiple performance opportunities within the local community and has successfully helped children to secure places into top ballet schools such as Tring Park School, the Bolshoi Ballet Academy and the Royal Ballet School.

Musician of the Year

Winner: Gareth Green

Gareth has been conducting The Egham Band for over 35 years and has enriched the lives of many for us through countless performances, training of musicians and leading the band with passion and dedication. Gareth has elevated the band to the highest level in the brass band world, and his unwavering commitment to music, community involvement and developing local talent makes him a worthy winner.