The winners and shortlisted nominees of this year’s Celebrating Rushcliffe Awards, with Parkwood Leisure, have been praised for their contributions to life in the Borough.
Residents, groups, and community heroes took their place in a showcase celebration event of the great and good, with media partner West Bridgford Wire, yesterday (21 November) at Rushcliffe Arena.
The event celebrated the Borough’s wonderful volunteers, businesses, organisations, environmentalists, and the best of its health and wellbeing, sport, and food and drink sectors. Awards were presented on stage by Mayor Cllr Andy Brown.
The accolades were capped by Wendy Dickinson, daughter of legendary football manager Peter Taylor, receiving the most prestigious award of the evening—the Pride of Rushcliffe Award.
Wendy is a trustee of the National Charity Action for Pulmonary Fibrosis (APF), which ended her father’s life prematurely. She supports patients locally and nationally, thanks to over 70 support groups nationwide.
A driving force behind the campaign, she has helped over 350 people since 2013 suffering from the terminal illness, including many at Nottingham’s City Hospital.
Leader of Rushcliffe Borough Council, Cllr Neil Clarke, led the praise for all those shortlisted for an award and for the many local sponsors who supported the accolades.
He said:
“Many congratulations to our winners and to all those who were shortlisted and nominated.
“Wendy’s inspiring and exceptional story of helping so many people in their time of need capped a wonderful night of celebrating people’s achievements, talent, care, and compassion.
“The event highlighted so many who give so much to their community, group, or organisation.
“Whether volunteer, business owner, or community hero, they are all making a difference to people’s lives here in the Borough and are hugely deserving of this recognition.
“Thank you to everyone who nominated a group or individual. It was wonderful to celebrate their achievements, and to all the sponsors, many of whom also help make the Borough what it is by creating employment for local people.”
Media partner West Bridgford Wire Editor, Pat Gamble, joined the congratulations.
He said:
“In our seventh year supporting the awards, this was another special night with so many brilliant stories.
“It was not just the winners but all the shortlisted people and groups too who we were here to shine a light on, and they all deserve this recognition.
“Thank you to all residents from across Rushcliffe who nominated them for the awards.”
The Winners and Shortlisted Nominees:
Business of the Year (sponsored by Rushcliffe Business Partnership)
Winner: The Royal Oak, Radcliffe –
Famed for being a community hub, not just a pub, Chris and the team provide real local outreach with events and support for charities, including Radfest and the village carnival. Adorned with beautiful hanging baskets maintained by the local gardening group, one nominator described it as a “beacon of green joy.”
Shortlisted:
- Step Up Rehab, West Bridgford
- The Stalls Market, Lady Bay
Food and Drink Establishment of the Year (sponsored by Rushcliffe Borough Council)
Winner: Number Sixteen, Bingham
The team prides itself on creating a warm and inviting atmosphere with exceptional service, a thoughtful menu, and locally sourced ingredients.
Shortlisted:
- The Manvers Arms, Cotgrave
- The Bulls Head, East Leake
Environmental Project or Group (sponsored by E.On)
Winner: Rachel Ollerenshaw, Friends of Cotgrave Country Park
Rachel’s biodiversity work and creation of a nature trail have made a huge impact.
Shortlisted:
- Bunny Energy Solutions Committee, Bunny
- Rushcliffe Wildlife Watch Group, Ruddington
Sportsperson of the Year (sponsored by Holme Pierrepont Country Park)
Winner: Eve Young, Cropwell Bishop
An international artistic swimmer who inspires young athletes.
Shortlisted:
- Izzy Bramhall, Ruddington
- Joseph Oliver, East Leake
Sports Club of the Year (sponsored by Parkwood Leisure)
Winner: Nottingham Kayak Club
Increased membership, community sessions, and litter clear-ups make them a standout club.
Shortlisted:
- West Bridgford Tennis Club
- Keyworth Rugby Club
Rushcliffe Recognition Awards
- Jamie Perridge: For saving a young basketball player’s life.
- Dylan Hare: For saving a man’s life while on holiday in Spain.
- David Philipson: For winning Paralympic silver in kayaking.
Young Person or Group of the Year (sponsored by Ideagen)
Winner: Keyworth U11s Girls Lightning
The first girls’ football team to win a boys’ league title in the YEL.
Shortlisted:
- Charlie Brown, West Bridgford
- Binuthi Gunasekara, Lady Bay
Volunteer of the Year (sponsored by Rehab Beauty)
Winner: David Jones, Lady Bay
A 20-year Nottingham Rugby volunteer who overcame cancer to continue his work.
Shortlisted:
- Jeremy Pratt, West Bridgford
- Ronnie McMillen, Edwalton
Community Group of the Year (sponsored by Fairham)
Winner: Meet, Eat and Greet, West Bridgford
A social supermarket and café providing value food and meaningful volunteering opportunities.
Shortlisted:
- Abundance Eco Hub, Keyworth
- East Leake Community Care Association, East Leake
Health and Wellbeing Award (sponsored by Step Up Rehab)
Winner: Sands Utd, West Bridgford
A football team supporting men affected by baby loss.
Shortlisted:
- St Paul’s Boundary Road, West Bridgford
- Joyful Jukebox, Keyworth/Cotgrave
Pride of Rushcliffe Award (sponsored by Proludic)
Winner: Wendy Dickinson, Willoughby-on-the-Wolds
Shortlisted:
- Karen Usher, West Bridgford
- Ian Goulding, Cotgrave
For more information, visit westbridgfordwire.com or rushcliffe.gov.uk/cras2024.
