Local celebrities honour the District’s volunteers

Dr Hilary Jones, MBE, Tom Hart Dyke and Sir Peter Wanless were among the many people who honoured the District’s community and voluntary groups at the ‘Making it Happen’ awards 2022.

The awards took place at St Nicholas’ Church in Sevenoaks on 9 March 2022 and celebrated the selfless individuals who give up their spare time to take care of others.

All eleven categories boasted some amazing people and organisations with Dr Hilary Jones presenting three trophies, including the Lifetime Achievement Award, Local Hero and new for 2022, the Healthy Living Award.

Walking group Every Step Counts scooped the new award for their weekly gentle walks throughout the District. The walks encourage group exercise and are a great way to socialise.

The Lifetime Achievement Award honoured Sevenoaks resident Angela Painter, who is involved in various volunteer projects throughout the District including the Domestic Abuse Volunteer Support Service (DAVSS) and the Sevenoaks District Voluntary Sector Forum.

Leader of the Council, Cllr Peter Fleming was this year’s Master of Ceremonies, and says: “It was great to be back hosting these awards. Every person who attended deserves recognition for their hard work and it was wonderful to have a night dedicated to our most selfless residents.”

For more information about the awards, visit www.sevenoaks.gov.uk/communityawards

ENDS

Notes to editors

All winners

Community Arts/Sports Group of the Year – Ros Barker and Sue Evans

Best Business in the Community - Life on High

Contribution to the Environment Award - Peter Woodruff

Youth Group of the Year - Anthony Shipwright

Charity Project of the Year - Friends of Holcot

Local Hero – Ray Edun

Carer of the Year - Paige Simmons

Volunteer Group of the Year – Joint winners - Edenbridge Community/Care for Our Community/ Sevenoaks Larder/ West Kingsdown Community Cupboard

Healthy Living Award - Every Step Counts

Lifetime Achievement - Angela Painter