Horsham District volunteers celebrated at awards evening

The awards evening took place at Slinfold Golf and Country Club on June 4.

There were eight award categories and the winners announced on the night for 2026 were:

• Community Champion Award – Sean Orr – Menshare Listening Group
• Dream Team Award – Billingshurst Emergency Assistance Team – BEAT
• Long Service Award – Lillian Millar – Cancer Research UK
• Above and Beyond Award – Jane Beasley – Henfield Electric Community Car Club
• Rising Star Award – Tara Clark – Henfield Youth Club ‘Quiet Night’
• Trustee of the Year – Tom Murray – Horsham Matters
• Young Volunteer Award – Nathan Hughson – Huxley’s Foundation CIO
• VSS Special Recognition Award – Henry Johnston – Cancer Research UK

The awards were presented by the Lord Lieutenant of West Sussex, Lady Emma Barnard, The High Sheriff of West Sussex, Gary Shipton and Horsham District Council Chair, Cllr Joanne Knowles.

Also in attendance were Deputy Leader West Sussex County Council, Cllr Sam Raby, Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities, Cllr Belinda Walters and Director of Communities at Horsham District Council, Paul Anderson.

Horsham District Council Chair Cllr Joanne Knowles said: “Our congratulations go out to all the winners and nominees for our 2026 Volunteer Awards.

“As a council we are so grateful for all the incredible work that the voluntary sector has been doing to help our communities. We feel we could not do all the great work we do without their levels of support.

“They make such a big difference to the quality of the lives of so many people across our district.

“If you think volunteering is something that you would like to get involved in, please get in touch with our Voluntary Sector Support team at the council.

“We have so many different roles on offer and your help has never been more needed or appreciated.”

To find volunteering opportunities in your area please visit the council’s volunteering website: https://www.horsham.gov.uk/voluntary-sector-support.

The Volunteer Awards scheme, launched for the first time in 2022, aims to highlight the many amazing volunteers who work tirelessly to improve the quality of life for residents and visitors of the Horsham District.