Central Swindon North Parish Council is delighted to announce the winners of this year’s Pride of the Parish and Allotment Awards. These prestigious accolades serve to celebrate the unsung heroes, green-fingered enthusiasts, and community champions whose tireless efforts make our Parish a significantly brighter, kinder, and more vibrant place to live.
The awards ceremony, hosted earlier this week at Moredon Community Centre, brought together residents from around the Parish to shine a light on the incredible dedication found within our community. Whether through the meticulous maintenance of allotment plots, the selfless gift of time to support local initiatives, their contributions to our youth, or providing life-changing care for those in need, this year’s recipients represent the very best of our community spirit.
Allotment Winners
Most Improved Allotment – Aiga Western
Aiga is the deserved winner of the Most Improved Allotment award for her work in transforming a plot that was in poor condition when she first took it over. Remarkably, this impressive overhaul was achieved in the space of just three months. A very commendable transformation, and a testament to Aiga’s dedication and investment in her allotment.
Award presented by Inspector Lawrence Copeland and Councillor Paul Exell
Allotment Runner Up – Elizabeth Abrams
Lizzy secured the Runner-up award for her beautifully maintained plot, which stands out for its meticulous care and variety of features. The judges were particularly impressed by her inclusion of environmental elements that support local biodiversity.
Award presented by Parish Operations Manager, Andrew Briggs, and Councillor Kevin Small, Parish Chair
Allotment Best in Show – Peter Hobson
Peter Hobson was honoured with the Best in Show award for an entry that demonstrated truly outstanding crop quality and meticulous plot management. His site was further distinguished by the implementation of strong environmental practices, marking it as a benchmark for excellence within the parish.
Award presented by Swindon Deputy Mayor, Neil Hopkins, and Chief Inspector Carly Nesbitt
Pride of the Parish Winners
Volunteer of the Year – Maria Mazzotta
The Parish is full of unsung heroes, and we’re very pleased to celebrate the valued contributions made by Maria to help keep our community clean and tidy. Come rain, wind or shine, Maria can be seen litterpicking around the local area.
Young Person of the Year – Lilly-Mae Bishop
Lilly-Mae has been named Young Person of the Year in recognition of her dedicated volunteering with Shine and the Beach Hut, and elsewhere within the community; a commitment she has maintained since she was just seven years old. Lilly-Mae is a valued community contributor who consistently works hard to introduce innovative ideas for local improvement.
Award presented by Councillor Paul Park and Beech Avenue Head Teacher, Charlotte Beckhurst
Community Group – Ask Danny
The Community Group award goes to Ask Danny for their remarkable advocacy and compassionate support for adults with learning disabilities during hospital stays. By working closely with specialist nurses, the charity provides a trusted voice and essential guidance to ensure patients are never left without the right information or care. Furthermore, they significantly improve patient wellbeing by providing sensory boxes and comfort bears, helping to reduce stress and make the hospital environment more bearable.
Award presented by Councillor Vanessa Bentley and Chief Inspector Carly Nesbitt
Carer of the Year – Kerrie Barrett
Kerrie Barrett has been named Carer of the Year for her selfless dedication to caring for her parents and her work running the Chronic Pain Awareness Group. Kerrie has been active in the local community for many years, and the award highlights her exceptional commitment to providing care and support, both within her own family and within the wider community.
Award presented by Councillor James Yeowell and Parish Clerk, Andy Reeves
Overall Winner – Richard Kimber
Richard will be well known to residents as one of your most active community representatives, and has been named the Overall Winner for his tireless dedication and commitment to the Rodbourne Cheney community throughout the years. Richard is commended for his work with the Rodbourne Cheney Residents Association, his role in keeping the residents newsletter alive, and relevant, his community advocacy, and his selfless volunteering.
Award presented by Deputy Mayor, Neil Hopkins, and Councillor Kevin Small, Chair of the Parish