Celebrating the winners of Newark and Sherwood Community and Sports Awards 2025

This year, 13 worthy winners were awarded for their exceptional contributions in various categories, with a total of over 300 guests in attendance.

Some of the success stories included Marlene Ferris who won the Irena Sendler Humanitarian Award which looks for individuals who put others first and go above and beyond supporting those in the community. 

In response to her own experiences, Marlene spent over 40 years leading Newark Women’s Aid in supporting victims of Domestic Abuse. She transformed the refuge into a lifeline for more than 4,000 women and 6,400 children, dedicating her life to providing safety, dignity and hope.

Marlene said in her acceptance speech: “It’s a great honour and it’s making me feel very emotional. Thank you to everyone who has helped me along the way. I can see people in the audience who have helped us to stay open, to be able to support women who are fleeing terrible situations.”

Adam Savage, winner of the Courage and Bravery Award, survived a near-fatal accident at the age of 11, before rebuilding his life and becoming a fitness trainer. He now leads inclusive exercise classes for older people, stroke survivors and those with dementia, inspiring others through his story of resilience and positivity. 

Adam shared with the audience: “It’s really hard to explain why I do what I do, but I’ve been so close to death twice now, so I’d just like to give back to the community. Because if it wasn’t for people giving their time up for me, I wouldn’t be here now. So I’d like to say a big thank you, everyone.”

Bakkavor won the award for Business Commitment to the Community, for providing long-term, consistent support to countless local community groups and charities, donating food, funding and resources. Their generosity has brought joy and dignity to many especially with delicious cakes, as well as raising and donating over £200,000 to over 30 charities.

A spokesperson from Bakkavor said: “Everything we’ve done at Bakkavor over the last 15 years, every group that we’ve supported, every pound that we’ve raised, every cake we’ve donated, has been done through an amazing team. Thank you.”

Councillor Paul Peacock, Leader of Newark and Sherwood District Council, commented: “The Newark and Sherwood Community and Sports Awards is the perfect opportunity to say ‘thank you’ to those who make a real difference in our community. Whether it’s achieving something truly remarkable in their field of sport, going the extra mile to help others or setting up a community group to support those in need, the stories from our award winners are nothing short of inspiring. Our District is blessed with so many incredible people looking out for each other.’’

 

The Renaissance at Kelham Hall, which served as the venue and a gold sponsor for the event, added to the celebration's grandeur. Alex Hopkins, Director of Sales at The Renaissance at Kelham Hall, shared: “We were thrilled to host the Community and Sports Awards once again and were inspired by the amazing stories from our community. The Renaissance at Kelham Hall is the perfect venue to celebrate the district's greatest accomplishments, and we were proud to sponsor the Courage and Bravery Award. We were honoured to hand the award to a local hero who does so much for the community.”

 

Active4Today, another gold sponsor, celebrated the winners of the Creating Change for Sport and Physical Activity Award. Andy Freeman, Chair of Active4Today Board, stated: “At Active4Today, we support a wide range of sporting clubs to secure much-needed funding and improve facilities, providing more opportunities for people to be active. These awards celebrate some of the great sporting accomplishments from the past year, and the winner of the Creating Change for Sport and Physical Activity Award is an example of someone whose passion for movement has helped to improve the lives of so many.”

 

During the event, award winners were treated to a two-course meal, an award ceremony, and a party.

Councillor Linda Tift, Chair of Newark and Sherwood District Council also presented a cheque donation of £1,500 to the Chairman’s charity of the year, Newark Emmaus Trust.

Congratulations to all the winners and nominees who made the Newark and Sherwood Community and Sports Awards 2025 a memorable and inspiring event.

Here are the award winners:

• Marlene Ferris – The Irena Sendler Humanitarian Award (Sponsored by the Polish Cultural Institute London)
• Ash Williams – Education Provider of the Year (Sponsored by Harworth)
• Ginnette Hardy – Citizen of the Year (Sponsored by Currys, in partnership with GXO)
• William Swan-Dennis – Young Person of the Year, up to age 17 (Sponsored by Murphy)
• Maisie Mullett – Sports Achiever of the Year (Sponsored by Smiths Timber)
• Newark Rugby Club Women’s First Team – Sports Team of the Year (Sponsored by Bakkavor)
• Christine Stanley - Creating Change for Sport and Physical Activity (Sponsored by Active4Today)
• Adam Savage – Courage and Bravery Award (Sponsored by The Renaissance at Kelham Hall)
• Mac Mallard – Emergency Services and Armed Forces Award (Sponsored by The Barcode Warehouse)
• Bakkavor – Business Commitment to the Community Award (Sponsored by Newark Business Club)
• Maxine Storer – Community Champion of the Year (Sponsored by Newark College)
• Newark Friendship Group – Community Group of the Year (Sponsored by Ringrose Law)
• Val Spyve – Lifetime Commitment Award (Sponsored by Wright Vigar)

 

Gold sponsors for the awards were Murphy Group, Active4Today, The Renaissance at Kelham Hall, Barcode Warehouse, Wright Vigar and Radio Newark. Without their support, the awards could not have taken place. Photography on the night was taken by Jonathan Blackmore. The awards presented on the night were crafted by students from Newark College.

For more information on the awards and the winners, please visit the Newark and Sherwood District Council website at: https://www.newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk/communityandsportsawards25/

Full interviews and videos will be shared by the District Council and Radio Newark in the coming weeks on their website and social media.