Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council’s first ever Community Awards have recognised 28 individuals and groups for their outstanding contribution to local life.
The winners were honoured at a special ceremony at Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council in King’s Hill this week (Wednesday November 19, 2025).
The awards aim to put the many unsung heroes of the borough in the spotlight, by celebrating those volunteers, neighbours and residents who do so much for others in their community.
There was a strong response to the call for nominations, with winners selected across five categories – each one demonstrating the energy, impact, spirit and kindness that is often appreciated but sometimes goes unrewarded.
The major prize of the evening was the Outstanding Community Achievement Award, which went to Joe Shepherd, from Larkfield who runs four choirs and a ukelele group, in the Larkfield and Leybourne areas, including sessions that use singing to help with stroke rehabilitation. Joe, who cares for his disabled wife, and is an avid fundraiser, also took an award for Individual Volunteer of the Year.
He said: “I am truly honoured that somebody thinks I am worthy of such an award. I have found that I have a gift for enabling people to enjoy singing and I absolutely love doing what I do. Whether the group is fifteen or fifty members the principle aim is to have fun and make friends. I have a simple "yard stick" that I use - if people don't leave the session with a smile on their face then I have failed! Fortunately, I don't think that has ever happened.”
An award for the Outstanding Community Group went to Tonbridge Pride. Volunteer and organiser Zoe Duerden said: “Everyone at Tonbridge Pride is ecstatic to have won Outstanding Community Group in the TMBC Community Awards. What began as a day to spread love, acceptance, understanding and education has grown beyond belief, with over 20,000 people attending from across Kent. Run by the community, for the community, this award is incredibly humbling and would not have been possible without the support of volunteers, sponsors and officers at Tonbridge Castle. We hope you will join our celebration and share this achievement with us.”
The 50 volunteers who help run the Sustain Food Bank in Tonbridge, were also winners in the Outstanding Community Group category. The food bank, based at Tonbridge Baptist Church, has been running for over a decade and opens three times a week, to provide food and hygiene support for around 100 families in Longmead and Trench.
Emma Lander has run the project for four years and said: “As a dedicated team of volunteers we feel honoured to have been both nominated and then to go onto receive this award. The recognition will continue to motivate us to provide this much-needed support to our clients. Volunteering for Sustain is hard work to serve needy people every week. But it's great fun and the team is like a big family. “
Cllr Des Keers, cabinet member for community services, has been instrumental in bringing the awards to fruition. He said: “What an incredible evening, celebrating the selfless commitment and compassion of people who are making a difference to our borough and the environment we live in.
“The dedication I’ve seen and heard about during these awards is an inspiring reminder of the impact that ordinary people can have, when they turn ideas into action.
“Well done to everyone who has been nominated and awarded - and here’s to the many hundreds of people who may not have been represented here tonight but give their time and effort to our community every day.”
Leader of Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council, Matt Boughton, said: “I’m delighted for all our winners and feel truly grateful for the support and excitement that these awards have generated. The strength of community spirit demonstrated here tonight has been humbling, and I’m already looking forward to next year’s ceremony.”
List of Community Award Winners 2025:
- Outstanding Community Achievement Award
- Joe Shepherd* (also see below)
- Outstanding Community Achievement AwardIndividual Volunteer of the Year
- Ashely Crowdey (for her work with Girl Guides, the allotments and environmental initiatives).
- Rebecca Howells (for her tireless work caring for injured and vulnerable hedgehogs).
- Carl Lewis (for his work as a flood warden and involvement with remembrance events).
- Omolola Oyewusi (for tackling loneliness in older people, supporting hundreds of families with food and care, empowering women and championing inclusion through numerous community projects).
- Chris Parker (for supporting people living with dementia and their families).
- Michael Pollard (nearly 20 years of consistent volunteering at Leybourne Lakes Country Park).
- Liz Simpson (for leadership and dedication to the East Malling Centre)
- Joe Shepherd * (for using his talent to bring joy, connection, and healing through music to the Larkfield and Leybourne communities).
- Jill Waite (for her tireless efforts to care for others and enhance the Tonbridge community).
- Phil Waite (for his continued acts of quiet service to the Tonbridge community through keeping the town clean, safe, and welcoming).
- Environmental Contribution
- Communigrow (outstanding contribution to education, wellbeing, and community growth in their food education charity)
- Emily Simons (for establishing and running the Hildenborough Litter Pickers)
- Haysden Country Park Volunteers (commitment to conservation and community service over 20 years)
- Tonbridge Repair Café (for innovation and community service, where volunteers come together to fix items, reduce waste, and support a more sustainable and connected community)
- Outstanding Community Group
- 1st Snodland Scout Group (outstanding contribution to the Snodland community)
- Babons Cancer Support (for their compassion and dedication, recognising the vital emotional and practical support they provide to individuals and families affected by cancer.)
- Communigrow (exceptional work in education, wellbeing, and community support, using gardening)
- Grow 19 (recognising their dedication to helping young adults with SEND build confidence, independence, and valuable life skills)
- Tonbridge & Malling Dementia Friendly Community (recognising their work in providing cafés, music groups, training, and information that foster understanding, connection, and community inclusion)
- Tonbridge Lions Club (for bringing people together, providing vital help in times of need, and making Tonbridge a better, kinder place for all.)
- Tonbridge Model Engineering Society (recognising the joy they bring to people of all ages through their steam and electric train rides.)
- Tonbridge Parkrun (12 years of volunteering in all weathers to provide a safe, welcoming space for people to run, walk, or volunteer together.)
- Tonbridge Pride (Tonbridge Pride has become a powerful symbol of unity, positivity, and pride in the Tonbridge community.)
- River Walk Music Festival (recognising their efforts in organising lively summer events that bring people of all ages together to enjoy music and friendship)
- The Russett Players (recognising over 13 years of bringing people together through theatre in East Peckham.)
- Sustain Food Bank Volunteer Team (for outstanding community service offered by 50 volunteers to help 100 families a week)
- Young Community Champion (aged 17 and under)
- Max Bryer (for regularly spending his free time litter picking and making Ditton a better place for everyone).
- Community Safety Award
- Rachelle Harte (for dedicated service improving security and public safety at the Tonbridge Christmas Festival).
Nominations for the Community Awards 2026 will open to residents of the borough soon and will be advertised on the council’s social media channels and website.