The Gold and Silver Award Winners of this year’s Pride of Bracknell Forest Awards have been revealed! On Friday 21st April at The Old College, Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, the shortlisted nominees came together for a fantastic ceremony and black tie dinner, including performances from Sandhurst & District Corps of Drums, Uplands Primary School & Nursery Choir and the Artemis College Singers.
Discover more about our Gold and Silver Award Winners for 2023:
The John Nike Pride of Bracknell Forest – Young Person’s Award
Gold Award: Jenson Shamtally-Tedder
Jenson has shown how recovery from a brain tumour can take immeasurable patience, determination and courage, facing added difficulties during the COVID lockdown. During his recovery, Jenson has championed accessibility in schools and is tireless in his efforts to teach others about compassion and humility.
Silver Award: Myla Fraser
Myla has become a star of the Windsor Food Share, smashing their targets and records every time she volunteers. Giving up her time on a regular basis, she always increases collections on food drive days. Myla has rapidly become a positive role model for adults and children alike within the Bracknell Forest Community.
The John Nike Pride of Bracknell Forest – Adult’s Award
Gold Award: Mary Parker
Mary has been a PCSO with Thames Valley Police for over 15 years, and is a wonderful
inspiration to the community. Mary tirelessly listens, spends time with, reassures and
helps the Bracknell Forest Community however she can, and has played a vital role in improving quality of life in the region.
Silver Award: Brian Pettifer
Brain dedicates himself to neighbourhood activities and supporting the local community. Brian was nominated for his Christmas Post Room, where children can post letters to Santa and receive a personal response, as well as playing an integral role in his local gardening group and the Woodhurst Park Committee.
School of the Year
Gold Award: The Pines Primary School
With over 20 nominations, the Pines Primary School is celebrated by both its staff and pupils. Since being taken over by its current leadership, it has developed further into a caring and nurturing
environment, where all pupils are given the tools to thrive and are recognised for all of their individual successes.
Silver Award: Edgbarrow School
Edgbarrow School is recognised as a great community by its staff and pupils. Showing great teamwork, the school offers a wide range of extra-curricular activities, as well as promoting the well-being of the whole school community. The school also goes above and beyond to support all of its students.
Teacher of the Year
Gold Award: Debbie Smith
After 23 years at Sandhurst School, Debbie Smith is leaving a positive legacy at the school. Described as a warm and kind school leader, Debbie prioritises the well-being of her staff and students, and will be sorely missed upon her retirement this year.
Silver Award: Nicola Philpott
After nearly 20 years at St Joseph’s Bracknell, Nicola has had a huge impact in the community. She is a brilliant teacher who lives the school’s ethos, both in and out of the classroom. Caring, kind, and compassionate, Nicola is loved by her students and always strives to help them achieve their potential.
Sport and Leisure – Young Person’s Award
Gold Award: Zachary Callinan
Zachary is the number 1 ranked swimmer in Great Britain, and recently broke Olympian Tom Dean’s record in the 50m butterfly while winning gold at the National Arena League Swimming Championships. He is determined to reach the Olympics, and trains tirelessly 6 days a week to achieve this goal.
Silver Award: April Palmer
In the last 12 months competing in U17 Javelin, April has ranked 5th nationally, won gold at the Berkshire Schools Athletics Championships, won numerous other titles, and was selected to compete in the UK Schools Games in Loughborough. She also supports other young athletes in achieving their goals.
Sport & Leisure – Adult’s Award
Gold Award: Adam Thomas
As a Team GB, Team Scotland and Bracknell AC sprinter, Adam is a sensational athlete. In the last 12 months, he has been British Indoor 60m Champion, become 5th ranked sprinter in the world, broken a Scottish record, and competed in the Commonwealth Games and Diamond League.
Silver Award: Chris Reid
Since taking over Sandhurst Town Boys & Girls FC, Chris has dedicated himself to the community’s young footballers. He makes special efforts for the sport to be accessible to all, and works tirelessly to build the confidence and skill of all in the club. Under his leadership, the girls’ teams have grown
eight-fold.
Business of the Year
Gold Award: Tesco
Across its numerous sites in Bracknell Forest, Tesco strives to uplift the local community. Through its Community Grants scheme, Tesco supports groups and projects that are important to our local
residents, notably helping tackle hunger, support young people, offer mental health support, and much more.
Silver Award: Ozone Ice Rink
Following the closure of the local ice rink, the team at Ozone used their own Ice Hockey skills to open a new rink. The team are determined to give back to the local community, offering their venue to businesses, schools, and charities as a place to build teams, skills, and self-belief.
Charity of the Year
Gold Award: Stepping Stones Recovery College
Stepping Stones undertake tremendous work with adults who are suffering from mental ill-health. Described as an indispensable lifeline by those who use their services, Stepping Stones work tirelessly for our community, offering free and open support to anyone aged over 18 in Bracknell
Forest.
Silver Award: Jealott’s Hill Community Landshare
The team at Jealott’s Hill Community Landshare were nominated for providing a quiet and productive haven, where the community can work and support each other in horticultural activities. The small
team of volunteers have been praised for their constant dedication and hard work for the local community.
Volunteer of the Year
Gold Award: Eileen Mann
Eileen has volunteered with the Great Hollands Community Centre for over 46 years. Through running the local magazine and the New Community Centre, Eileen has given so much of her life to ensure residents have an active centre to meet their needs and understand what is happening locally.
Silver Award: Phil Wood
Phil has dedicated his life to Scouting and the young people of Bracknell Forest. He runs a Scout Group for 259 young people, and is actively involved in District and County Scouting. Phil has helped scores of Scouts to develop personally, empowering them to make meaningful contributions to society.
Team of the Year
Gold Award: Vsi Razom
Natalia Vil and Ashleigh Toomey founded Vsi Razom to help and support Ukrainian refugees. Vsi Razom has created a community hub where refugees can find a safe space and support when they are in need. Natalia and Ashleigh also provide English lessons and fundraise to send supplies to war-torn regions of Ukraine.
Silver Award: Brakenhale School CCF
Run by Andrew Bury, the Brakenhale School CCF inspires young people to become valuable members of our community and achieve their goals. The cadet force regularly raises money for local charities
and takes great efforts to recognise the contributions of other local heroes, such as on Remembrance Day.
Community Contribution Award
Gold Award: The Yorkshire Rose
During the cost of living crisis, the Yorkshire Rose pub volunteered to provide free meals to the elderly and vulnerable residents of Bracknell Forest – a practice they started during the COVID 19 lockdowns and continued into last winter. They have become a vital part of the Warfield community, and are helping to reduce the burden of the cost of living and of loneliness.
Outstanding Contribution Awards
Outstanding Contribution – Charity Award: involve Community Services
involve are a small local charity that helps to support other charities and community groups throughout Bracknell Forest, Wokingham, and the surrounding areas. Alongside this, involve runs a volunteering scheme that matches volunteers with suitable placements. They work tirelessly to improve the quality of life for all in our community, enriching the lives of the people and organisations they support.
Outstanding Contribution – Individual Award: involve Community Services
Martin Gocke was a remarkable member of the Bracknell Forest Community. Martin dedicated his life to serving the community, having a profound impact on the lives of young people. He held numerous positions as an educator, including head of department at Easthampstead Park School, Deputy Director of the National Curriculum Programme, Acting Director of Children’s Services, Chairman of the Schools’ Forum, Governor at Kennel Lane School and College Hall, and Chairman of Youthline and Adviza.
Despite suffering health challenges, he remained a passionate volunteer until shortly before his passing in April 2022. Martin Gocke was a true champion of the Bracknell Forest Community.