The spirit of community service shone brightly in Leicestershire as Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council celebrated its unsung heroes. The annual Making a Difference awards ceremony, held at Hinckley Rugby Club, recognised 36 outstanding winners across five distinct categories for their dedication to improving the borough.
A Night Celebrating Community Contribution
Organised by the Borough Council, the awards serve a vital purpose: to honour the indispensable role volunteers play in local life. From supporting vulnerable residents and enhancing the local environment to boosting cultural offerings, the nominees represented the very best of community spirit. Executive Member for the Voluntary Sector, Councillor Michael Mullaney, praised the attendees, highlighting the inspiring mix of experience. "It’s inspiring to see people who have given decades of service alongside those just starting their volunteering journey," he said. "Every nominee deserves recognition for strengthening our community."
Spotlight on the Winners
The awards were divided into categories designed to capture the breadth of voluntary work. Hinckley Museum received recognition in the 'Contributing to Our Local Heritage, Culture or Tourism Offer' category for its work preserving and promoting the area's history.
In the 'Creating a Sense of Community Pride' category, awards were given to both groups and individuals. Jaysha Mistry was honoured as an individual, while the Markfield & Field Head Wombles group was celebrated for their collective efforts in fostering local pride.
Environmental champions were also applauded. Tony Carter was recognised in the 'Protecting Our Community’s Environment' category for his dedicated work. The ceremony also highlighted the next generation of volunteers, with Chloe Wood winning in the 'Young Volunteer' category.
Lasting Recognition for Local Champions
The celebration does not end with the awards ceremony. To ensure these community champions receive ongoing recognition, all winners will be spotlighted on the Borough Council’s social media channels throughout the festive period. This initiative aims to share their inspiring stories with a wider audience and publicly thank them for their commitment to making Hinckley and Bosworth a better place for all.
The success of the event underscores the powerful impact of local volunteering. From caring for green spaces and heritage sites to building community bonds and supporting neighbours, the work of these 36 award winners forms the backbone of a vibrant, resilient, and proud local area.
