Shining examples of community honoured by Sleaford awards

The awards, coordinated by Sleaford Town Council and the Sleaford Standard, were a resounding success, this year held at a new venue – The New Chapel in Greylees.

Welcomed and hosted by Town Crier John Griffiths, guests were treated to music by Sleaford Training Band and a new piece by Sleaford Poet Laureate Julie Street, before tucking into a delicious buffet and winning prizes in a raffle in aid of Mayor Coun Alison Snookes’ chosen charities for her year in office.

Winner of the Sleafordian of the Year Award was John Feneley, a ranger for North Kesteven who oversees upkeep of Lollycocks Field and The Nettles art space, encouraging volunteers to maintain and enhance the environment. He also volunteers much of his spare time to litter picking, building bat boxes and other projects to boost outdoor spaces within the town.

Young Sleafordian of the Year was Rachel Shields, a young gymnast who also dedicates her spare time to coaching other younger members of Sleaford Elite Gymnastics Club.

The team from Greylees Engagement Network won the Community Award for their many efforts in creating a community feel to the fledgling village with lots of inclusive family events.

The Sporting Endeavour Award went to Luke Tinsley who manages three junior and senior teams at Sleaford Town FC, putting all his energies into boosting people’s physical fitness, social connections and mentoring young players.

The Overcoming Adversity Award went to Henna Karim-Sayer of The Bairns Cafe, who overcame isolation and mentally tough times while having her first child to then vow to create a safe, supportive, social space for new parents like herself. Her award was accepted by her proud dad, Muhammed Karim.

The Mayor’s Award was presented to Kaitlyn O'Dell on behalf of her sister Megan, a 15-year-old who has overcome the loss of both her parents and grandparents to put the needs of others and her fellow students before herself while continuing in her own studies at St George’s Academy in Sleaford.

Coun Snookes said: “It has been about recognising quiet acts of kindness, long hours of volunteer service and everyday commitments.

"They remind us that community is not just a place, it’s a shared responsibility.”

She said to recipients: “You have shown that positive change begins with action, you have inspired hope.

"To our award recipients we say thankyou for your dedication, your time and energy, and your inspiration.”