Champions of the community awarded for their contribution

Community-minded individuals, groups and businesses were singled-out across 11 categories, to shine a light on everyone who contributes to enhancing lives and localities throughout the district through their kindness, enthusiasm and energy.

This year around 150 nominations were made across the breadth of categories and there was an extra, pop-up award for caring contributions towards animal welfare, promoted by the council’s chair, Coun Chris Goldson in line with his chosen charities.

The winners were narrowly singled out by the panel of judges for the awards, which have been running for 14 years.

The event at The Hub, Sleaford, was compered by radio presenter Melvyn Prior and the 11 award winners in the NK Community Champion Awards for 2025 were presented with their trophies by the event’s sponsors:

Contribution to Animal Welfare – Fairfield Community Farm, Ruskington Fen – for the rescue, rehoming and care by volunteers of animals.

Contribution to Arts & Culture – Ruth Burrows, Sleaford – for the ways she has enriched and enabled others to develop and express themselves through art via her sketchbook club and various community workshops.

Contribution to a Better Environment – Jo Thompson, Greylees – for her determined efforts to restore and create access to the old Rauceby Hospital cemeteries that had been neglected for decades.

Contribution to Climate Action – Sleaford Climate Action Network – for the group's active participation in aspects of climate action, notably the successful E-waste campaign of spring 2025.

Contribution to Health & Wellbeing – The Sleaford Snails Walking Football group – for their encouragement and support towards restored physical and mental wellbeing through the club.

Contribution to Sport – Rachel Shields, Sleaford – for her active leadership and support of young gymnasts at Elite Gymnastics Club, while still only a school student herself.

Longstanding Contribution to a Group or Organisation – Kath Burke, Cranwell – for dedicating extensive time and energy for the benefit of the 1st Cranwell Scout Group and Scouting more widely.

Community Business – Duke of Wellington, Leasingham – in recognition of the vision and significant voluntary endeavour of Dave Warner, Karen Warner and Joan Murray, through which they rescued and revitalised the pub.

Good Neighbour – Stella Whitehead, Metheringham – for all that she does, through the Friendship Club, and more broadly, in being a good neighbour to many.

Community Group – Branston Community Group – for supporting the community of Branston and beyond in many distinct and caring ways.

Community Spirit – Norman and Zena Anderson, Leasingham - for their extensive, active and wide-ranging contributions to village life in Leasingham, particularly the church and other jobs keeping the village tidy.

North Kesteven District Council Leader, Coun Richard Wright also spoke at the ceremony. He commented: “Nominated by people who have been impressed by and had their lives positively impacted by them, these are volunteers and community-minded individuals who enhance our district by running sports clubs, showing consideration for others, building community cohesion, enhancing the environment, pioneering climate action, being a good neighbour or making things better through their business. They’re all thanked by being put forward for our annual celebration.”