South Norfolk Community Awards 2025 winners
Sponsored by Clarion Housing Group
The awards recognise and celebrate the outstanding achievements of residents from across the district, who go above and beyond to support others or complete incredible achievements.
All shortlisted nominees were invited along to the awards ceremony at Glen Lodge, and the winner in each category received £250 to give to their chosen community group or voluntary organisation.
Celebrating our community heroes!
On Friday 4th July, the South Norfolk Community Awards ceremony took place at the beautiful Bawburgh Golf Club, celebrating the incredible individuals who make a real difference in our communities.
We were delighted to welcome our shortlisted nominees and extend a heartfelt thank you for their dedication and selfless volunteering.
The evening was filled with inspiring stories and well-deserved recognition, culminating in the announcement of this year’s outstanding winners.
A huge congratulations to all our shortlisted nominees.
Our 2025 winners are:
Business in the Community winner
The Wheel of Fortune, Alpington
This incredible local hub is a shining example of community spirit, offering a welcoming, family-friendly space filled with games, events, and sports teams. Through initiatives like the Chatty Café Scheme and exciting plans for a community shop, they’re making a real difference by tackling social isolation and supporting residents with free refreshments, social opportunities, and access to helpful resources.
Sponsored by Loads4Less
Young Achiever of the Year Award winner
Martha Hulse
As a Young Commissioner with the South Norfolk Youth Advisory Board, Martha has dedicated over 250 volunteer hours to making a real impact—improving youth accessibility, mentoring her peers, and leading meetings to ensure young voices are heard loud and clear.
Sponsored by Citrus Security Shredding
Town or Parish Councillor of the Year winner
Cllr Gillian Barnes
A dedicated member of the Forncetts’ community, Gillian has played a vital role in preserving St Peter’s Church, founding the Friends of St Peter’s group and securing essential funding to save this cherished landmark.
As Churchwarden and a long-serving Parish Council member, Gillian is at the heart of village life, supporting local events, fundraising efforts, and ensuring the church and community continue to thrive.
Sponsored by The Solar Panel Cleaning Specialists
Environmental Champion of the Year winner
Food and Beverage Buddies (FABB)
This amazing volunteer-led initiative fights food poverty and food waste by collecting surplus food—mainly from supermarkets—and turning it into parcels and meals for those in need. Each week, they support over 120 people, run community food tables, and deliver baked goods to elderly lunch clubs. With help from Local Area Coordinators, they also offer vital emotional support.
Sponsored by McKibben Management Consultants
Healthy & Active Award winner
BikeActive Norfolk
BikeActive Norfolk is a fantastic inclusive, volunteer-led organisation offering adapted cycling opportunities for people of all ages and abilities, including those with physical and learning disabilities. Through their weekly and seasonal sessions across Norfolk, they promote physical and mental wellbeing, independence, and social connection—all in a safe and supportive environment.
Sponsored by Bawburgh Golf Club
Connecting Communities Award winner
Heart of Gissing
Since its founding, Heart of Gissing has transformed a historic Victorian building into a thriving pre-school and built a modern community facility, together valued at over £1.5 million. This incredible charity brings people together by hosting events, supporting local clubs, and providing a welcoming venue for other organisations. They also champion environmental awareness and youth development, making a lasting impact on the community.
Sponsored by The Mayfields, Castlemeadow
Volunteer of the Year Award winner
Mark Ribbands
Mark has transformed Tibenham Community Hall into a vibrant venue for music, theatre, and events—donating hundreds of hours to install lighting, sound, and video systems, building a control room, and redecorate key areas.
Community Organisation of the Year winner
Waveney Foodbank
Waveney Foodbank is a true lifeline, offering not just food and vouchers, but compassionate, flexible, and rapid support—even on weekends and in emergencies. Led by dedicated individuals like Matt, they go above and beyond to deliver essentials, top up utilities, and provide kindness without judgment.
Sponsored by Help Alert
The Lifetime Achievement Award winner
Susan Thain
For over 23 years, Susan has devoted her time to supporting older people across Norfolk through her volunteer work with Age UK. From advocacy to telephone befriending and bereavement support, her compassion has brought comfort and companionship to some of the most vulnerable in our community.
