Local champions announced at Ashford Community Awards

Inspiring local champions have been honoured at the Ashford Community Awards 2025. 

The awards were launched by Ashford Borough Council to celebrate local champions, inspiring individuals who make a significant contribution to their communities. The awards align with the Council’s priorities – people, place and planet as outlined in our Borough Plan – and the organisers were delighted to receive a large number of nominations from the public.

The awards were presented by Mayor of Ashford, Cllr Lyn Suddards and Council Chief Executive Tracey Kerly at a ceremony at The Ashford Cinema at Elwick Place on 6 October.

Tracey said: “Our awards provide an opportunity to honour the hard work and dedication of Ashford’s finest who have helped enrich the lives of others in their community, who have made significant achievements or who have acted as role models for our residents. We are thrilled to celebrate people and organisations who have delivered community service by outstanding achievement or dedicated contribution within the borough.” 

In addition, former Ashford MP Damian Green was given the Freedom of the Borough, while Council Leader Cllr Noel Ovenden presented a posthumous award to Mick Burgess in recognition of his long service. Mick was a former Ashford borough councillor and Alderman. It was collected by Cllr Aline Hicks.

The awards were sponsored by Biddenden Vineyards and Freedom Leisure. The winners are:

• Community Champion Award: Winner David Ball
• Inspiring Young Person of the Year Award: Winner James Willcox; Highly Commended Louise Moorey
• Inclusivity Award: Winner Pride Ashford
• Cultural Impact Award: Winner Alan Castle BEM, Tenterden Folk Festival
• Active Community Award: Winner Ashford Parkrun
• Community Space Award: Winner Singleton Environment Centre
• Local Business Champion Award: Winner Sam Griffin, Radio Ashford
• Animal Star Award: Winner Lisa Steward, Thorne Hedgehog Rescue
• Green Award: Winner Richard Masefield, Tenterden Wildlife

Summary of nominations:

Category: Community Champion                                Winner: David Ball

David has dedicated his life to serving his community, beginning in childhood as a Queen’s Scout and Gold Duke of Edinburgh award holder, through to his career in the police and now into retirement. He is the driving force behind countless initiatives that have enriched lives locally.

For 20 years, David ran Kent Police’s Holiday of a Lifetime scheme, raising £140,000 to fund summer trips for children with physical disabilities, giving them unforgettable experiences while providing respite for their parents. More than 100 young people benefited from the project. In 2015, David founded Life is not an Xbox, an initiative encouraging teenagers in High Halden to fundraise and take part in challenging adventures abroad, developing resilience, teamwork and cultural awareness. He has served as Chair and now Deputy Chair of the Friends of St Mary’s Church, helping to raise £100,000 for restoration work, and is a core part of the High Halden Village Events Committee. David’s selflessness, humour, and energy makes him a cornerstone of his community.

Category: Inspiring Young Person of the Year            Winner: James Willcox

James is a remarkable young man who embodies resilience, kindness and commitment to others. Despite facing his own challenges, James works hard at school and is an advocate for the school’s community values. At home, he plays a vital role in helping his parents care for his sister Faye, who has Down’s Syndrome, showing a maturity and sense of responsibility beyond his years.

James helps to coach a disability football team every Friday after school, giving his time to encourage players of all abilities. On Saturdays, he referees for younger children, ensuring they enjoy the game in a safe and fun environment. James is an accomplished athlete in his own right. Within school, James is a trusted peer mentor, supporting younger pupils as they adapt to school life. He carries out all these roles quietly, never seeking recognition, and always putting others first. James’ hard work, humility, and dedication to his family, school, and wider community, particularly to the disabled community, make him a truly inspirational young person.

Category: Inspiring Young Person of the Year (Highly Commended)
Winner: Cadet Sergeant Louise Moorey

Louise is an outstanding young leader whose energy and service to others have made a real difference in the Ashford community. A member of the Kent Police Cadets, Louise was recently promoted to Cadet Sergeant. She has volunteered over 227 hours at community events, always showing professionalism, positivity, and teamwork. Louise has completed Bronze and Silver Duke of Edinburgh Awards, gaining special recognition for her support of teammates, and is now working towards her Gold. She shares her knowledge by mentoring younger students as a Junior Leader at Towers School, where she helps them achieve their Bronze Awards. Louise is part of the student leadership team and is a volunteer at Ashford Junior Parkrun, where she has earned the affectionate nickname “Jedi of Timekeeping” thanks to her encouragement of young runners. She is currently completing her King’s Trust qualification. 

Category: Inclusivity Award                            Winner: Pride Ashford

In 2023, two friends — Sam and Heather — chatted about their projects. Sam was about to launch an LGBTQIA+ night at The Coachworks, while Heather dreamed of creating a Pride event. From that conversation, Pride Ashford was born — and within just six months, their first event was a resounding success. Since then, Pride Ashford has blossomed into a community-led organisation with monthly support events, social connections, and the annual Pride. What started as an idea between two people is now a vibrant movement, powered by volunteers and fuelled by a shared vision of acceptance. Their inaugural 2024 Pride, entirely self-funded, was extraordinary — full of colour, joy, and solidarity and it visibly amplified the voices of the local LGBTQIA+ community.

Beyond events, Pride Ashford is driving lasting change by collaborating with schools, businesses, and community groups to educate, engage, and spark conversations. They have also been unafraid to highlight ongoing prejudice, tackling difficult issues head-on. Pride Ashford is more than a festival — it is a growing legacy of inclusivity, courage, and community transformation.

Category: Cultural Impact Award                    Winner: Alan Castle BEM, Tenterden Folk Festival

In 1993, the first Tenterden Folk Day was held with support from the Council, Tenterden Town Council and Kent County Council. From that modest beginning, under the leadership of Alan, it grew into the four-day Tenterden Folk Festival — a major annual celebration of folk song, dance, music and crafts. Over three decades, the festival became a cornerstone of the UK folk calendar, attracting audiences from across the country and internationally.

It not only gave a platform to top names in the English folk scene but also created opportunities for emerging performers. It promoted participation for all, regardless of experience, while providing an educational platform for schools. The positive impact on the local economy was significant, with thousands of visitors supporting hospitality and local businesses. Although the festival ended in 2024 due to economic challenges and lack of new committee members, its legacy continues. Through Around Kent Folk magazine, school workshops, ceilidhs, barn dances, and community sessions, the spirit of the festival lives on, ensuring folk culture remains key to Tenterden’s identity.

Category: Active Community Award                           Winner: Ashford Parkrun

Ashford Parkrun and Junior Parkrun are shining examples of community spirit, bringing over 500 people together each week to enjoy exercise, friendship and wellbeing. For more than a decade, Junior Parkrun has transformed Sunday mornings for families, encouraging young people to be active and build confidence in a supportive environment. Run by volunteers, the events are inclusive, welcoming and free. The atmosphere is one of encouragement and joy, whether its children running their first 2k or seasoned runners striving for personal bests. The sense of achievement and belonging stretches beyond the finish line, enriching the lives of all who take part. 

The impact on young people has been inspiring. Many children have gained new friends, resilience, and a love for running through the support of the Parkrun. Volunteers, including those completing Duke of Edinburgh awards, are nurtured in a culture of giving back. Ashford Parkrun is far more than a run in the park, it is a vibrant, supportive network that promotes health, wellbeing, and community connection week after week.

Category: Community Space Award               Winner: Singleton Environment Centre

The centre is one of Ashford’s true community treasures, set alongside the millennium woodland and offering an inspiring, welcoming space for all who visit. More than just a venue, it is a hub of learning, creativity, and connection that brings people together across generations.

The centre’s education team runs engaging programmes for schools and community groups, giving children hands-on experiences with nature and sustainable living, while adults enjoy workshops. Alongside education, the centre supports local clubs and meet-ups that tackle isolation, improve wellbeing, and encourage active lifestyles. Walking groups, cycling clubs, and social gatherings all find a home here, fostering both physical health and community bonds.

Its Repair Café helps residents mend broken items, share skills, and reduce waste. The twice-weekly Senior Club offers older residents’ opportunities for friendship, fun and social connection. At the heart of it all are Centre Manager John and Education Officer Helen, whose dedication and passion ensure every visitor feels included and inspired. Singleton Environment Centre’s lasting impact is clear — a space where learning, sustainability, and community spirit thrive.

Category: Local Business Champion Award               Winner: Sam Griffin, Radio Ashford

Radio Ashford is much more than a local radio station, it is a heartbeat of the town, uniting people, and championing enterprise. With a focus on promoting community spirit, Radio Ashford gives local groups, charities, and initiatives the platform they need to be seen and heard.

For local businesses, the station is a true ally. Through interviews, features, and regular promotion, Sam Griffin and the rest of the team provide visibility and support that helps small enterprises grow and thrive. From showcasing the Makers Market to highlighting local talent, Radio Ashford boosts the cultural and economic life of Ashford. Their passion and professionalism resonate across the airwaves, making a difference to those they feature. Sam’s commitment ensures the station remains a powerful advocate for community and commerce.

Category: Animal Star Award              Winner: Lisa Steward, Thorne Hedgehog Rescue

Lisa is the driving force behind the charity, a community lifeline for one of our most beloved but vulnerable wild animals. What began as a personal mission has grown into a fully-fledged rescue centre, thanks to Lisa’s energy, compassion and determination. She has worked tirelessly to secure charity status, recruit, and train volunteers, and raise vital funds to expand the rescue’s facilities. But her biggest impact comes through her everyday dedication — bottle-feeding hoglets at all hours, tending to injured animals, and releasing rehabilitated hedgehogs back into the wild.

Under Lisa’s care, thousands of hedgehogs have been saved and given a second chance. Her work has not only protected local wildlife but inspired a wider community effort, raising awareness of conservation and care. Lisa continues to lead from the front, making sacrifices that few would undertake. Her devotion makes her a true community champion.

Category: Green Award                                   Winner: Richard Masefield, Tenterden Wildlife

Richard has dedicated himself to the restoration and protection of Tenterden’s natural environment. Through his leadership of Tenterden Wildlife and involvement in the Neighbourhood Plan, Richard has spearheaded projects that restore habitats, increase biodiversity and strengthen the ecological resilience of the area.

His ability to bring people together has been key to this success. By collaborating with landowners, schools, local authorities, and conservation groups, Richard has built partnerships that deliver results. Whether through habitat creation or advocacy, he has inspired others to care for the natural world around them. His work demonstrates the importance of local action in tackling global challenges, such as biodiversity loss and climate change. His vision continues to shape the landscape and inspire his community to embrace conservation. Richard has become a cornerstone of environmental progress, leaving a lasting positive impact for generations to come.