Sevenoaks District celebrates the community

Published: Thursday, 16th March 2023

Last night (15 March 2023) Sevenoaks District Council held the ‘Making it Happen’ Community and Voluntary awards at St Nicholas’ Church, Sevenoaks.

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.

Cllr Peter Fleming, Leader of Sevenoaks District Council, says: ““What an incredibly inspirational and humbling evening. It was wonderful to be surrounded by such selfless and caring people from across our community. We are so fortunate to have individuals and groups who give so much of their time to help others.

“Judging the competition was very tough this year and everyone who was nominated absolutely deserved their certificates and awards.

“Thank you to Dr Hilary, all the other presenters and those who attended for making it such a special evening.”

For more information on the awards and photos from the evening, visit www.sevenoaks.gov.uk/voluntaryawards

Winners:

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