Warnham Parish Council announces first Community Award Winners for 2025
Warnham Parish Council has announced the winners of its first-ever Warnham Parish Community Awards, celebrating individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to life in the parish.
The awards were presented at the full council meeting held in Warnham on Tuesday 17 February 2025. Wendy Lott was named the overall winner and received a certificate, flowers, champagne, and a £250 voucher. The presentation was made by Councillor Sally Pavey, Chair of Warnham Parish Council.
Two further nominees, Tara Tew and Alan Dixon, were recognised with highly commended awards in acknowledgment of their exceptional service to the community. Both received certificates and champagne.
Speaking at the event, Cllr Sally Pavey said: “It was a well-attended presentation evening, and by keeping the winners a surprise until the night, many of the nominees and those who nominated them were able to join us. We were delighted by the response to the awards, which were made possible through the parish’s new community fund. This fund not only supports the awards but also helps with the costs of Parish Day and provides assistance to parishioners in times of hardship.”
The judging panel faced a difficult decision due to the high standard of nominations. Judges included Gytha Hodgson, representing Warnham Church of England Primary School Governors; Rev Rebecca Tuck, representing St Margaret’s Church; and the Chair of the Parish Council. The panel unanimously agreed on Wendy Lott as the overall winner, with Tara Tew and Alan Dixon receiving highly commended awards.
The presentation was hosted by Councillors Greg Maxam and Sally Pavey, who introduced each nominee and shared the reasons behind their nominations.
The awards were made possible thanks to the generous support of local individuals and businesses, as well as income raised from commercial stalls at the first Warnham Parish Day, held last year. The Parish Day will return this year on Sunday 12 July.
Nominees for the 2025 Community Awards were:
- Steven Fuller – for his efforts at Warnham Cricket Club
- Audrey Higgs – for her work organising events within the parish
- Yvonne Allmond – for being a community-minded individual and a friend to many
- Ann Lloyd – past councillor and organiser of parish community events
- James Coggin – for fundraising through the plants he grows for local and national charities
- David Bridges – for his work protecting local wildlife with Wild About Warnham
- Tara Tew – for her years of volunteering at the children’s playgroup
- Alan Dixon – for his community spirit and contribution to Christmas events
- Wendy Lott – for her post box toppers, WI involvement, Knit and Natter group, and refreshments provided at numerous parish events
Photograph: Winners Wendy Lott, Tara Tew/Sarah Williams and Alan Dixon with members of Warnham Parish Council at the Community Awards presentation.