We held our ‘Making it Happen’ Community and Voluntary awards at St Nicholas’ Church, Sevenoaks on 15 March 2023.
The awards celebrated the amazing volunteers and community groups across the District who selflessly use their time to help others.
The awards were hosted by Council Leader, Cllr Peter Fleming, who was joined by special guest Dr Hilary Jones from Good Morning Britain and Antiques Roadshow expert Lennox Cato.
There were ten categories up for grabs including Volunteer Group of the Year, Contribution to the Environment and Healthy Living Award.
The Local Hero category had so many nominees it was shared between Steve Grange of Westerham and Shirley Brigham of Sevenoaks.
The last award of the evening, Lifetime Achievement was given to Audrey Batchelor for her lifelong dedication to the voluntary sector in Edenbridge and beyond.
There was also a special posthumous award given to Margaret Parker for her service to the NHS, the charity sector and the community.
The winners in full:
Best Business in the Community – Sevenoaks Chamber of Commerce
Community Arts or Sports Group of the Year – Swanley Rugby Club
Healthy Living Award – Neil Biddle Tennis – Swanley
Older Person's Group of the Year – Every Step Counts
Charity Project of the Year - Sevenoaks Welcomes Refugees
Contribution to the Environment - Fidelity Weston
Volunteer Group of the Year - The Bridges Centre Edenbridge
Youth Group of the Year - Sevenoaks District Youth Mentoring Project
Local Hero - Steve Grange and Shirley Brigham
Lifetime Achievement – Audrey Batchelor