Nominations Open for 2023 Community Champion Awards
Nominations for the Henley Herald Community Champion Awards 2023 are now open. The awards will honour those individuals who have gone above and beyond this year – proving that Henley is a very special place. As always, there will be no judging panel – the public will decide on who the worthy winners of the following awards should be by reading their nominations and voting on line during November. To nominate, please complete the online form below.
Charity Champion
Sponsored by Henley Self Storage
Awarded to a person who has given up their time voluntarily to help out a charity or good cause whether that be fundraising or volunteering time, or both. It is not perhaps about how much money they’ve raised but more about the challenges they’ve overcome.
Heart of Gold Neighbour
Sponsored by Meadow Farm Studios
Awarded to an individual who has proved to be an asset to their immediate neighbours. This may be that they have organised a street party for the Coronation this year, through good deeds done on a regular basis, someone who just brightens a neighbour’s day or an outstanding single act of kindness or courage.
Customer Service Champion
Sponsored by Brakspear
In memory of Rob Myles-Hooton who died in 2017 (who worked at The Three Horseshoes, The Queen’s Head and the Landlord of The Old Bell pub) who prided himself on giving a warm welcome to all his customers.
This year 2023 the award is only open to independent Henley businesses and their employee who goes above and beyond to give first class service and customer experience.
Young Sporting Superstar
Sponsored by IBS Office Solutions
In memory of Simon Priestley who had a real passion and was an all round natural at all sports. He was a regular team player at Henley Hawks for 18 years, a junior Hawks coach and a keen mountain biker.
Awarded to a young rising sporting star between the age of 11-18 who is excelling in any sport.
Top Teacher/Teaching Assistant
Sponsored by Southern Plant & Tool Hire
Awarded to an individual teacher or teaching assistant who has shown extraordinary commitment to have a positive impact on the lives of local children through their enthusiasm and commitment, both at school and home.
Community Champion
Sponsored by The Head Partnership Solicitors
An individual who takes pride and gives service to the community through hard work, dedication and commitment. An all-rounder who perhaps combines working with local community groups, charities, schools, sports clubs etc.
Award Nominee’s Criteria
All nominees be individual or a couple and must live or work in central Henley-on-Thames or within 3 miles including Shiplake and Harpsden.
Nominees can be any age. Award winners cannot be nominated in the same category again (see list below).
The Customer Service Champion must work for a central independent Henley business but may live outside the town. The Young Sporting Superstar may live outside Henley but should attend a Henley school or sports club.
Describe your nominee – up to 100 words and give an example to highlight the reason why they should win the award. These words will be published with the nominee’s name for the public to vote on.
Closing Date for nominations is Friday 27 October 2023 at 5pm.
Public voting opens on Wednesday 1 November and closes on 30 November.
By completing the Nomination Form you are agreeing to our Privacy Policy in line with GDPR Regulations May 2018.
Previous winners were:
Charity Champion – Sue Prior from Nomad (2018) Hilary Arthur from Riverside Counselling (2019) Gary Boys (2020) Angela Face from Nomad (2021) Emma Jane Taylor (2022)
Community Champion – Laura Reineke from Henley Music School (2018) Keith Whiting (2019) Tom Fern (2020) Harriet Barcella (2021) David Eggleton (2022)
Heart of Gold Neighbour – Louise Hastings (2018) Brian Dix (2019) David Eggleton (2020) Henley Mutual Aid Group (2021) Sharon Harper (2022)
Top Teacher – Tim Hopkins from Badgemore (2018) Luke Harding from Gillotts (2019) Kelly Chapman (2020) Denise Williams (2021) Gillotts LSA Team (2022)
Customer Service Champion – Josette Ofiera – WH Smith (2018) Lin from Sainsburys (2019) Amelia Legg from Waitrose (2020) Drifters (2021) Leanne Dallarda (Gillotts)
Young Sporting Superstar – Georgina Robinson-Ranger for Rowing (2018) and Olivia Belcher for Gymnastics (2019) Daisy Stevens (2021) Emily Simmons (2022)
Make Us Smile Superstar – Charlotte Sutton (2020)
Awards Party in aid of Henley Music School
Sponsored by ManningUK
We will present the awards to the winners on Friday 2 February 2024 at an Awards Party at Henley Rugby Club. The winners will each receive a specially commissioned silver pin badge made by Studio 35 jewellers in Henley and a framed certificate.
The party will be raising for money for Henley Music School which offer all forms of music education, to anyone regardless of age, ability, background or means. Individual instrumental lessons, ensemble and small group coaching, school clubs, full-class teaching as well as Music School Sunday. Currently over 900 young people are part of HMS.
