Nine Lincolnshire Community Champions honoured with High Sheriff Awards

The awards were hosted by Lincolnshire Community Foundation and presented by the current High Sheriff of Lincolnshire, David Chambers DL, at a ceremony held earlier this month. They celebrate individuals who go above and beyond to support others and strengthen their local community.

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This year’s recipients represent a wide range of voluntary and community organisations across the County, including tackling loneliness and isolation in rural villages, preserving local culture and heritage, supporting people facing homelessness, improving community facilities and supporting children and families who face challenges.

Those recognised were:

• Belinda Darby – Volunteer Funding and Project Lead at St Gilbert & St Hugh’s Church Hall in Gosberton Clough, recognised for leading an exciting transformation project that has improved heating and accessibility for people with limited mobility, creating a vibrant and inclusive space for the whole community to enjoy in this rural village.
• Irene Astbury – volunteer community leader and Chairperson of the Ukrainian Cultural Centre of Lincoln, which provides initiatives supporting the welfare, cultural preservation and integration of Ukrainian refugees and families in the region.
• Judith Coe – a community church leader and volunteer with Spilsby Christian Fellowship, which runs a range of vital services including toddler groups, coffee-and-chat sessions, a food bank and school uniform bank.
• Fiona Lightfoot – volunteer Manager of the Helpringham Community Café, which provides a welcoming space helping to combat loneliness and isolation in a rural village with few other amenities.
• Andrea Houghton – manager of The Forge Project in North Lincolnshire, a charity providing practical support, shelter and opportunities for people experiencing homelessness or complex social needs.
• Judith Everitt – a long-serving volunteer and trustee with the volunteer-run Woodhall Spa Cottage Museum, helping to preserve and share the area’s local history.
• John Smith – Parish Councillor for Pinchbeck and West Pinchbeck, recognised for his contribution to the local community including securing funding to enhance community facilities, green spaces and local events, including support for Pinchbeck Community Hub & Library.
• Roy McKinney – a dedicated volunteer with Bourne-based charity Toolbar, which supports local people who are unemployed or looking to improve their job prospects.
• Paul Scott – a British heritage and natural history advocate best known for his leadership role in the Sir Joseph Banks Society museum in Horncastle.

High Sheriff of Lincolnshire David Chambers DL said:

“It was a pleasure to present these prestigious High Sheriff Awards to such outstanding individuals, who go above and beyond to support others in their communities. I would like to say a heartfelt thank you to them all and encourage them to keep up their incredible work.

It is always inspiring to see the pride and joy as recipients receive their awards. It is a clear reminder of the impact this recognition has, not only in motivating individuals but also in encouraging others to continue making a difference. It was a truly special occasion, with so many families there to celebrate together.”

Sue Fortune, CEO of Lincolnshire Community Foundation said:

“We were delighted to work alongside the High Sheriff to host this event. It’s important we take time to acknowledge and celebrate the incredible contribution that volunteers and community leaders make across Lincolnshire.

It was a huge success and certainly something we intend to replicate in the future”.

Award recipient Irene Astbury said:

“I was humbled and honoured to receive this award from the High Sheriff of Lincolnshire. It was a wonderful afternoon, and I’m very grateful to Lincolnshire Community Foundation for such a special event

The awards reflect the vital role played by volunteers and grassroots organisations across Lincolnshire. Many community groups delivering this kind of work are supported through funding, partnerships and initiatives that help local projects grow and reach more people.

Lincolnshire Community Foundation works with donors, businesses and partners to support community groups delivering vital services and projects across Lincolnshire.

For more information about Lincolnshire Community Foundation and its work supporting communities across the county, visit www.lincolnshirecf.co.uk.