Proud of Bucks Awards

Read the full blog post about the Amersham and Villages Community Engagement Event.

Winner - Helen Tyers

“Helen was pivotal in setting up a memory café called Café22, a place for local people with dementia and/or memory loss to go with their carers to connect with others, to receive help and advice, and to spend an enjoyable few hours each week. Helen took this wonderful idea forward with great momentum and made it fly. Without her there simply would not be a Cafe22!”

Highly Commended – Jules Hargreaves

For galvanising support for the Ukraine war effort.

Winner – Maya Brown

“Maya is 17 years old and has volunteered as a Brownie leader since she was 12. Maya’s determination and relentless desire to care for people meant that, whilst working really hard to get herself better, she has used her experience to benefit others. Amongst other things she registered her dog as a Therapy Dog and supported 2 Brownie units to raise £1,400 for Therapy Dogs Nationwide.”

Highly Commended – Emma Pannett

For her role as school Senior Prefect for Charities and Community and care home volunteering.

Winner – Amersham Men's Shed

“The Shed has helped to improve the life balance and outlook of some men who may have struggled with self-esteem, health, social wellbeing and loneliness. The Shed identified a local need and, by its own efforts and self-funding, has worked hard to make it a successfully established and valued activity group within the community.”

Highly Commended – Family Food Hub

For making a positive difference to people’s lives by providing food and activities which promote a sense of wellbeing.

Read the full blog post about the Aylesbury Community Engagement Event.

Winner – Leyton Scarlett

“As 'Maintenance Volunteer' at Youth Concern, whether we need something fixing, the young people need supporting, you need a really good cuppa making or an event is happening, we are lucky enough to always be able to rely on Leyton. He is passionate about each and every young person that we help and would do anything for any of them, the staff, or other volunteers.”

Highly Commended – Marie Biswell

For her voluntary work as a BSL Interpreter.

Highly Commended – Martina Stewart

For supporting and advocating for others in her local area.

Highly Commended – Michael Hulcoop

For his work running The Money Management Centre.

Winner – Daniel Meakin

“Dan has organised litter picks, delivered Christmas gifts, raised funds for charity, and has an Easter egg hunt planned, all for his local community in Elm Farm, Aylesbury. The way he has embraced adversity and taken himself out of his comfort zone by engaging with his local community shouldn't be underestimated.”

Highly Commended – Olivia Underwood

For her voluntary work with Aylesbury Wombles.

Winner – FoodCycle

“Since July 2022, the Aylesbury FoodCycle volunteers have been hosting weekly community meals at the Vineyard, Aylesbury every Tuesday evening. The meals wouldn't be possible without their commitment and dedication. They have created a warm, welcoming space where people can meet and enjoy a healthy meal together whilst saving food from going to waste.”

Highly Commended – Nightingale Country Crafts

For making baby clothes, toys, blankets, tea cosies and decorations throughout the year which are sold through Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity shops and local events.

Highly Commended – The Petri Dish

For supporting Arts and Community in Aylesbury by providing a space for local musicians and artists to showcase their talents, as well as other services such as a food bank and repair café.

Highly Commended – Yarn Bombers

A group of crafters who together create knitted and crocheted flowers to display in the Market Square.

Read the full blog post about the Beaconsfield and Chepping Wye Community Engagement Event.

Winner – Richard Chalmers

“Richard and his team work tirelessly for the bereaved people in Flackwell Heath and surrounding villages to provide a warm welcoming evening with meals and entertainment, encouraging all those living alone without their loved ones to unite with others in the same position, making new friends and allowing all to move forward in a positive atmosphere.”

Highly Commended – Miles Green

For efforts in a wide range of volunteering roles in his local area.

Winner – Isobel Dawtrey

“Izzy has been volunteering with Beaconsfield rugby club U9s as an assistant coach. She always shows commitment and enthusiasm and the children love her. Her most significant achievement is the influence she has had on the girls in the team. It is great to see so many of them enjoying the sport and being inspired by Izzy.”

Highly Commended – Tia Dhillon

For her work with the Community Café and setting up a free Saturday morning Craft Group.

Winner – Knotty Greening Team

“This inspirational group of Knotty Green residents spearheaded an active climate change initiative to plant more than seventy trees along Sandelswood End and Howe Drive. They are an exemplary group, tackling climate change with practical, grass roots action, leaving a lasting legacy for their village and a guide for the whole county.”

Highly Commended – Flackwell Heath & Loudwater Age Concern Day Centre

For ensuring that lonely, elderly people are looked after on four days per week. They provide transport, a hot meal, and activities such as exercising, quizzing, crafting and encouraging conversations.

Read the full blog post about the Beeches Community Engagement Event.

Winner – Ann Sibley

“Ann has set up a monthly "Friday Club" for older, lonely people in our community. The day includes coffee, lunch, exercise class, crafts, games or jigsaws, a free raffle, and a quiz or entertainment. It started in June 2022 and has been popular ever since with now up to 60 people attending.”

Highly Commended – Andrew Strathdee

For his work with Community Association of Burnham and as Chair of Friends of Burnham Library.

Winner – Avi Bond

“Eight-year-old Avi Copland-Bond has raised over £750 for good causes through her 'Loomband for Good' initiative. She makes and sells £1 loomband bracelets, donating all proceeds to the Red Cross Ukraine fund, the Turkey-Syria Earthquake Appeal and to local good causes such as Thames Hospice and Burnham's Care and Share Foodbank. An inspiration to all young people!”

Winner – Thames Valley Heartbeat

“Mary and Bob Crocker have put together Thames Valley Heartbeat with other volunteers. Mary and Bob work tirelessly and voluntarily all year round to fundraise, procure the machines, and train volunteers. Stoke Poges now has five defibrillators spread across the parish. This is a truly life saving thing.”

Highly Commended – Care & Share Volunteers

For providing support to the community of Burnham through collecting and distributing donations of food, toiletries and other essential items through times of need.

Read the full blog post about the Buckingham and Villages Community Engagement Event.

Winner – Lucy Bignall

“Lucy runs a community choir with the aim of using singing to improve mental health. I can’t put into the words how much Lucy works, she has amazing energy and total belief in us. She makes us believe in ourselves and we all love her for it. For those of us in the choir, it’s a lifeline. Lucy does it because she strongly believes that singing helps improve lives and she is so right.”

Highly Commended – Tony Allen

For his work supporting men's mental health through exercise.

Highly Commended – Sharron Kay

For running the Waste Not Want Not Facebook group and involvement in Jedediah Pantry.

Winner – Hannah Steer

“Hannah has shown a hugely impressive commitment to Youth Voice. She has been part of the county-wide Youth Voice forum for the last several years, and has acted as Chair for the last 2 years. Hannah has championed young people's issues and experiences within adult spaces to achieve much-needed attention and resource such as the Buckingham Youth Café project. Hannah is truly a shining star.”

Highly Commended – Amy Haydock

For volunteering as a St John Ambulance Cadet for 12 years.

Winner – Hospital Car Service

“The Hospital Car Service is part of registered charity Community Care North Bucks. 24 volunteer drivers take patients to hospital appointments for a fee 70% cheaper than a taxi, relieving worry for patients about attending appointments. This group and service are a shining beacon of what community service is all about.”

Highly Commended – Buckingham Community Lunch Cooks and Servers

For providing a three-course meal every week which they serve in Buckingham Parish Church. This has been a massive help to people who are lonely or need a helping hand

Read the full blog post about the Chesham and Villages Community Engagement Event.

Winner – Graham Eades

“Graham is Group Scout Leader of 1st Chesham Scout Group and District Training Advisor. Graham was instrumental in the building of the build currently used by the Scout group and others, and was awarded the Silver Acorn by The Scout Association for Continued Outstanding contribution.”

Highly Commended – Colette Salkeld

For leading Chiltern Sunflower Support group, helping Ukrainians fleeing from conflict.

Highly Commended – Sarah Graham

For supporting Ukrainians and hosts as the head of Hilltops Support Group.

Winner – Aqsa Ahmed

“Aqsa has joined Citizens Advice Bucks as a social media volunteer. She has been doing an absolutely superb job of helping our charity produce and disseminate content to our local community. Aqsa does a very good job in making sure as many people in Chesham as possible know about our charity and how we can help them.”

Highly Commended – Oscar Ryley

For his involvement as a leader for Chesham Youth Centre.

Winner – The Repair Cafe

“The Repair Café was set up as a Sustainable Chesham project. It has a group of volunteers that undertake the advertising, organising of repairers and the running of the café. There are an additional group of volunteers who undertake the repairs. This project group has created a lovely warm space within the community for repairers and those wanting repairs.”

Highly Commended – Chesham in Bloom

For their dedication to beautifying public spaces and green areas within the community, making Chesham a more vibrant and welcoming place for residents and visitors alike.

Read the full blog post about the Denham, Gerrards Cross and Chalfonts Community Engagement Event.

Winner – Vitalina Darnopykh

“Vitalina joined a small group of volunteers who try and make life easier for Ukrainian seeking refuge. Vitalina has played a core role in everything. She has helped with translations, with finding accommodation, sourcing items our refugees need, linking them with council helpers and even acting as their link into NHS services. She has been a helping angel to many!”

Highly Commended – Karen Dickson

For leading Ukrainian Outreach for the local area.

Winner – Bethan Thomas

“Bethan is a volunteer at the CSP Youth Centre. She volunteers on a Tuesday evening with young people on the autistic spectrum disorder. She is mature in her compassion for others. She has arranged some excellent events including street dance and quizzes for the young people. She is positive and sees the best in others.”

Highly Commended – Daniel Buckley

For volunteering at the CSP Youth Centre for young people with Autism.

Winner – Chalfont St Giles Village Show

“The Village Show and Street Party are organised by a committee of between 12 and 15 volunteers. Throughout the year the team work tirelessly to bring together a professional show which belies the size of the village itself. The events are professional in their delivery and the funds raised are distributed to village groups and charities.”

Highly Commended – Macmillan Cancer Support

For working tirelessly over the last 29 years to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Read the full blog post about the Haddenham and Waddesdon Community Engagement Event.

Winner – Felicity Brooks

“Fizz has given hundreds of hours to Waddesdon for Ukraine and the food bank. When Waddesdon for Ukraine was set up, Fizz worked tirelessly, sometimes doing 10-hour days in order to ensure vital equipment got sorted and sent to the front line. Her joyous love of life, caring nature and empathy shine through, she never has a bad word to say about anyone.”

Highly Commended – William Piers

For being the driving force behind over 300 accessible gates installed on footpaths.

Winner – Douglas Young

“Douglas has been raising awareness of a rare and incurable condition that he lives with, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, including speaking at the Oxford Children's Hospitals Conference. He has inspired Oakley Parish Council to install a path around the perimeter of the playing fields and he continues to inspire others with his positive attitude and inner strength.”

Highly Commended – Jack Luckett

For Beavers volunteering and involvement in Community Liaison community.

Winner – Zero Carbon Haddenham

“The Zero Carbon Haddenham (ZCH) group run several projects in Haddenham which all aim to reduce the parish's carbon footprint. This is an innovative, hard working group who are prepared to work with others and don't seek to take the kudos for everything that they have done.”

Highly Commended – Brill with Ukraine

For bringing together Ukrainian refugees in and around the village, who meet regularly to offer support and to problem solve different issues they face.

Read the full blog post about the High Wycombe Community Engagement Event.

Winner – Elly King

“Elly, almost single-handedly, started the Bucks Pet Food Bank, distributing thousands of meals to animals in High Wycombe and the surrounding areas, and working with charities such as One Can and Helping Hands to help pet owners keep their pets. She is selfless to the core and just wants to help in whatever way she can.”

Highly Commended – Colin Hingston

Involvement with several Wycombe charities, with a particular youth focus.

Posthumous Award - Stephen Morton

His exceptional environmental works he did for the High Wycombe Community and beyond.

Winner – Laura Gonsalves

“Laura has contributed to Youth Voice in Buckinghamshire for over 10 years. She stands up for what she believes in and enjoys making a positive difference to her community. Laura’s valuable efforts in Youth Voice and Shout Out for SEND have helped to ensure services respond to the needs of diverse young people and keep the needs and experience of individuals at their heart.”

Winner – Horizon Sports Club

“The team are providing safe and fun sports sessions for children and young adults with disabilities, giving their members the opportunity to be themselves while getting active and feeling like part of an accepting group. Parents say it’s the best part of their child’s week, the can now play a sport they didn’t think they could or have allowed them to develop socially.”

Highly Commended – High Wycombe Shopmobility

For offering free daily hire of scooters or wheelchairs to enable people with limited mobility to get around High Wycombe town centre.

Read the full blog post about the Missendens Community Engagement Event.

Winner – Martine Denson

“Mop has served on the Committee of the Great Missenden Village Association (GMVA) since 2017. She has developed good working relationships with HS2 contractors, working for a better outcome. Recently Mop has been the driving force behind the Village Improvements Group of GMVA. Mop is a lovely, compassionate person who cares for the environment, the community and other people.”

Highly Commended – Martin Little

For spearheading Holmer Green Village Society to build a community Sensory Garden.

Winner – Holmer Green Youth Club Young Leaders

“The team of young leader volunteers are amazing. They bring fun, guidance and support at an age where children are changing. Sometimes children engage more with these young leaders. They are so supportive to all and ensure every child is involved. They are outstanding role models and happy to give their time to make a real difference in the next generation's lives.”

Highly Commended – The Lantern Club

A daytime club for local elderly members providing a social environment, including midday meal, which also gives their carers some respite.

Read the full blog post about the North West Chilterns Community Engagement Event.

Winner – Valerie Jenkinson

“Val has become a staunch member of the Parish Council and pioneer in the youth club. This year she brought the community together, organising a free lunch for over 30 people on Christmas Day and has set a precedent for further community gatherings. She is always first to help and volunteer. Nothing is to much trouble.”

Highly Commended – Leigh Axe

For a variety of volunteering, including organising the 'Over 50's Lunch Club'.

Winner – Olivia Lee

“Olivia does an outstanding job of chairing Pipers Corner HOPE (environmental and sustainability group), which has over 70 student members and over 25 staff members and is committed to tackling the Climate Emergency at a local level. The Green Organisation presented Pipers with two Gold awards for the environmental efforts made within the school.”

Winner – Stokenchurch Youth Crew

“They have made a positive difference to the youth of our village, encouraging young people to be part of the community. On a regular basis they are getting over 50 children to the youth club which is held every week in school time. This club is run purely by volunteers and they are a credit to the community.”

Highly Commended – Whiteleaf Conservation Volunteers

For carrying out vital work across the Community Board area to restore and enhance the special natural heritage of the Chilterns.

Read the full blog post about the South West Chilterns Community Engagement Event.

Winner – Robert Rendel

“Robert has been the driving force in creating the Lady Ryder Memorial Garden, to help those disadvantaged, or with mental health and other health issues to find better health through working in the community garden or simply enjoying its peaceful tranquility. Robert has maintained a steely determination to procure funding and support while adding different facilities at the gardens.”

Highly Commended – Corrine Hinch

For making thousands of poppies to raise funds for The Royal British Legion.

Highly Commended – Phil Laybourne

For raising over £10,000 for Thames Hospice through his photography.

Winner – Chloe Curtis

“Chloe has helped the Marlow Wombles at many litter picking events. Chloe has shown dedication to the cause of tacking the growing litter issue in her consistency to keep on litter picking. She and I tackled a major fly tipping area which took a long time! She also has set up a litter picking group at her school.”

Highly Commended – Ryan Benlembarek

For his voluntary work at Marlow's Ark Café.

Winner – Marlow Ukraine Collective

“They have worked tirelessly since the war in Ukraine began to support nearly 300 Ukrainian refugees that have settled in the Marlow area. The leaders of MUC have been amazing, not only in supporting the Ukrainians they have personally hosted but also in giving the support that makes hosting feel possible.”

Highly Commended – Wye Valley Volunteers

For making a huge difference to the community, such as helping with medical appointments, collecting prescriptions (during Covid), and facilitating people to attend groups that will reduce loneliness and isolation.

Read the full blog post about the Wendover and Villages Community Engagement Event.

Winner – Jane Gardiner

“Jane has made a massive contribution to Scouts as Beaver Scout Leader for the last 8 years. She and her husband have set up a Repair Café, and she is treasurer of Aston Clinton Society. She inspires others to get involved and leads by example in getting out to litter pick every week. She is hard working, always willing to help anyone and very good at it.”

Highly Commended – Debbie Jones

For volunteering work at Calibre Audio Library and neighbourhood support.

Winner – Theo Gardiner and Rhys Winfield

“Theo and Rhys have both been Young Leaders for Aston Clinton Beaver Scouts for a number of years. Both of them are incredibly reliable, helpful and inspiring for the Beavers. Theo and Rhys give up their time to play a major part in providing the opportunity to experience all sorts of different activities, outside of a school environment.”

Highly Commended – Ryan Hobbs

For work as Vice Chair of Youth Voice Forum and involvement in Wendover Youth Club.

Winner – Wendover News

“Wendover News is a local free paper for Wendover, enabling all groups to be advertised, helping locals to know what is going on and when, especially those not able to use computers. It was the idea of Jane Larkham who has been editor since its inception in September 1989 and is now retiring. She has worked tirelessly for the organisation.”

Highly Commended – Rhubarb Café

For providing the local community a safe space, a warm welcome and an opportunity to socialise, meet up with friends and make new ones.

Read the full blog post about the Wexham and The Ivers Community Engagement Event.

Winner – Valerie Tuckwell

“Valerie commits every week day and hour to volunteering and helping other people in and around her community! She gives up all of her free time to support the Ivers Hive, local food bank and generally looking after the vulnerable in the community. She is a kind, caring and loving lady, an invaluable part of the community and so fondly thought of.”

Highly Commended – Ciarán Beary

For his food redistribution work with London-Slough, Iver Heath foodbank and a local school.

Winner – Matthew Heys

“Matthew has volunteered his time to inspire younger and older generations to get outdoors and enjoy playing a sport. He is Junior captain of Berks, Bucks and Oxon County Golf U16s Golf Club, runs Fun Friday sessions and organised a Junior Captains charity golf day which raised £1500 for Thames Valley Hospice.”

Winner – Golden Oldies at St Peter’s Church

“Golden Oldies is a fantastic group of people that volunteer their time every Wednesday to provide a warm place with lunch along with games, bingo and quizzes for the people of the Ivers and surrounding areas. They hosted a fantastic Christmas party and are a fantastic addition to the lives of the local community.”

Highly Commended – 1st Iver Heath Scouts

For delivering a wide range of experiences and events enabling young people to develop skills for life and to have fun doing it.

Read the full blog post about the Wing and Ivinghoe Community Engagement Event.

Winner – Cathy Craft

“Cathy has been involved in many community activities over the years, not least at Cheddington Combined Primary School and more recently the Open Doors Group. Cathy is an inspiring lady to all ages, young and old. Her strong sense of community is clearly evident in all that she does for Cheddington Village.”

Highly Commended – Howard Jones

For his outstanding contribution to the Pitstone Community Car Scheme.

Winner – Jack Bridgen

“Jack loves helping people and is prepared to go above and beyond to support the local community. He is a leader at Beavers, he has helped raise money for charity by recycling Christmas trees. Jack is part of the community liaison community linking The Cottesloe School to the community, helping to redesign a local play area.”

Winner – Wingrave Warm Spaces

For offering a welcoming social environment where locals could come together in comfort.

Read the full blog post about the Winslow and Villages Community Engagement Event.

Winner – Susan Sparling

“Sue volunteers in a way that makes a positive difference in people's lives by organising and participating in three weekday group meetings in the village of Newton Longville. A Tuesday coffee morning, a warm space and Songs and Rhymes group. Her positive attitude, friendliness and smiling face gives everyone a warm welcome, seeming to put everyone else's needs before her own.”

Highly Commended – Eve Atkins and Pauline Curtis

For supporting Buckinghamshire Council to prosecute a fly-tipper.

Winner – Winslow Wheelers

“Leading bike rides, they now have over 70 members of all age groups and levels, beginning with enthusiasm of two! Their warm welcome, emphasis on safety, encouraging new riders whatever their age or ability, promoting exercise, health and mental well being is truly valued. They have raised money for the local food bank, Lions and other charities.”

Highly Commended – Rennies Cider

For raising over £20k for two charities, Aylesbury Youth Concern and the Woad Farm Project, through making and selling cider as well as creating strong community connections and support.