The dedication and spirit of Tonbridge and Malling’s unsung heroes were front and center at a special ceremony hosted by Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council, honoring local volunteers, community groups, and organizations who work tirelessly to improve life across the borough.
First launched in 2025, the Community Awards returned for their second year following overwhelming success, with residents submitting nominations to recognize those who go above and beyond to support others, build connections, and care for the local environment.
Awards were presented across five distinct categories: Individual Volunteer of the Year, Outstanding Community Group, Environmental Contribution Award, Community Safety Award, and Young Community Champion, as well as an Outstanding Community Achievement Award.
A Word from Council Leadership
Reflecting on the inspiring event, Cllr Des Keers, Cabinet Member for Community Services, shared:
“The success of our second Community Awards demonstrates just how many people across Tonbridge and Malling quietly dedicate their time to helping others. Reading through the nominations was inspiring. Every winner, and indeed every nominee, has made a real difference to the lives of residents and helped strengthen their local community.
“These awards are an opportunity to say thank you to the volunteers, community groups and organisations whose efforts often happen behind the scenes but have a lasting impact on people across the borough.”
Community Award Winners 2026
Outstanding Community Achievement Award
- Paula Hudgell
Individual Volunteer of the Year
- Matt Sargent
- Eloise Edmonston
- Sally Pearce
- James Pavlou
- Les Herbert
- Chris and Linda Howick
- Jacqueline Smith
- Chris Richards
- Alan Ritchie
- Teresa Seamer
- Richard Hill
- John Anderson
- Debbie King
Outstanding Community Group
- Riverwalk Music Festival
- Tonbridge Girlguiding Division Team
- The Swan Community Project
- Tonbridge Lions Club
- FEAST
- Tonbridge Daily
- Walk Leaders for Walk 4 Wellbeing at Tonbridge and Malling
- Tonbridge Baptist Church Volunteers
- Tonbridge Model Engineering Society
- Tonbridge Historical Society
- Royal British Veterans Enterprise
- The Scotts Project Trust
- Oaks Specialist College
- West Kent Mind
- D.A.V.S.S. (Domestic Abuse Volunteer Support Services)
- North & West Kent Citizens Advice
- The Hygiene Bank
- The East Malling Centre
- Age UK (Tonbridge, Maidstone and Sevenoaks)
- Community Cycleworks
- Imago
- Involve Kent
- Manor Park Junior Parkrun
Environmental Contribution Award
- The Haysden Volunteer Community Group
- Walderslade Community Litter Picking Team
- Tonbridge Repair Café
Community Safety Award
- Paula Hudgell
- SALUS
Young Community Champion
- Mark Wascher-Mganga and Millie Wascher-Mganga
From organizing local music festivals and managing food pantries to preserving local history and keeping our green spaces clean, this year’s recipients showcase the extraordinary heart of our community. Congratulations to all the 2026 winners and nominees!
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