Community Stars Winners

Neil and Kate Bates have spent more than a decade using tennis as a way to bring people together, creating opportunities for children, adults, older people and those with disabilities or health conditions to take part in sport, build confidence and enjoy being part of a community. Through Droitwich Tennis in the Lido Park, Neil and Kate, alongside their dedicated volunteers, provide welcoming and accessible sessions while supporting charities and groups including the Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust, helping children and families experience the joy and wellbeing that sport can bring. Their passion, generosity and commitment to inclusion have transformed lives and created a lasting positive impact throughout the community.

For more than 20 years, John has dedicated his time to maintaining Showell Pond on the Ridings Estate in Droitwich, ensuring it remains a beautiful and welcoming space for the whole community.

His care has transformed the pond into a popular destination where families and residents can enjoy nature, support local wildlife, and benefit from the area's peaceful surroundings.

Through decades of commitment, knowledge, and ideas for improvement, John has made a lasting contribution that is deeply valued and appreciated by the community.

The Droitwich Litter Pickers are a remarkable team of volunteers who give their time in all weathers to keep local roadsides, hedgerows and public spaces free from litter. Their hard work and dedication make a visible difference to the local environment, helping to protect wildlife and create cleaner, more welcoming communities for everyone.

Moving Forward provides invaluable support to the Westlands community, offering a welcoming place where local people can access advice, guidance and practical help. The dedicated staff and volunteers go above and beyond to support individuals and families, working with partner organisations to help people find the right support when they need it. Through their events, community activities and ongoing commitment, Moving Forward has become a vital source of connection, care and support for residents.

The Droitwich Community Pantry and Fridge is a wonderful example of community action, providing practical support to local people while reducing food waste and promoting sustainability.

Through the dedication of its volunteers, the project offers affordable food, a welcoming environment and a helping hand to individuals and families facing challenging times.

Their compassion, commitment and ability to bring people together have made a lasting positive impact across Droitwich and the surrounding area.

Droitwich Community Volunteering Service provides an essential lifeline for local residents, offering community transport that enables people to attend medical appointments, social clubs, and activities that would otherwise be out of reach. Its dedicated volunteer drivers give their time each week to support passengers, providing not only safe transport but also friendship, reassurance, and companionship.

For many users, including those with mobility challenges, this service plays a vital role in maintaining independence, mental wellbeing, and social connections. The volunteers go above and beyond, assisting passengers with care and dignity, while giving families and carers valuable respite.

Alongside community transport, the organisation supports the wider community through volunteer opportunities, room hire, advice and support services, and regular social activities. Droitwich Community Volunteering Service is a much-valued local organisation that makes a lasting difference to the lives of residents across the area.

At just 14 years old, Matty Kenny has already made a significant impact in his local community through his work with the Droitwich Cycling, Walking & Wheeling Group (DCWWG) and Droitwich Spa Youth Council. His passion for active travel, inclusion, and giving young people a voice has driven him to help create positive change across Droitwich.

As a founding member of DCWWG, Matty has played a key role in developing community initiatives, including the Droitwich Bike Bus and a free Bike Repair Hub, helping people of all ages and backgrounds access cycling support. Through this work, he has developed valuable leadership, communication, and community engagement skills while promoting the benefits of active travel for physical and mental wellbeing.

Matty’s involvement with Droitwich Spa Youth Council has also enabled him to represent young people, influence local decisions, and champion issues that matter to his peers. His enthusiasm, confidence, and commitment to making a difference demonstrate an outstanding level of community spirit and leadership at a young age.

"Donna Quinn’s lifelong commitment to Cutnall Green and its residents has made a lasting impact on the village and the wider community. From saving and restoring the iconic red telephone box into a much-loved community library, to supporting local groups, improving awareness of defibrillators, and creating opportunities for people to connect, Donna consistently goes above and beyond.

Her dedication to tackling loneliness, particularly among older residents, is reflected through initiatives such as the monthly Ruby Tuesdays Letter Writers group, while her involvement with local organisations continues to strengthen community spirit."

Tina is a dedicated community volunteer who is always ready to support those around her. She has raised thousands of pounds for Marie Curie through fundraising events and collections, serves on numerous village committees, and is known for her kindness, often providing practical help to neighbours whenever they need it. Her commitment to both her local community and her family makes her a truly valued and inspiring member of the village.

Karen and Steve Bearcroft are dedicated volunteers who work tirelessly to protect and care for Evesham's iconic swan population. Through daily patrols, emergency rescues and close monitoring of swans and cygnets, they help keep the birds safe while working closely with the Vale Wildlife Hospital and Rehabilitation Centre to ensure injured wildlife receives the care it needs.

Peter Jennings has dedicated more than 16 years to supporting young people in Offenham through his leadership of the village Youth Club, creating opportunities for children and teenagers to build friendships, confidence and valuable social skills. Alongside this, his 20 years of service on the Offenham Wake Committee have helped bring the community together through events and celebrations.

The Caring Hands volunteer team has been supporting people across the Vale of Evesham for more than 22 years, providing practical help, compassion and a warm welcome to those who need it most. Through food, baby, household, pet food and homelessness support services, along with community meals and a pantry, this dedicated team helps more than 5,000 people each year. From preparing food parcels and serving meals to offering a listening ear and a sense of belonging, the Caring Hands volunteers’ kindness and commitment make them truly deserving Wychavon Community Stars.

Kerry Wood has worked tirelessly to improve community safety across Evesham by raising awareness and funding for life-saving defibrillators. Through her fundraising efforts and dedication, she has helped install 31 defibrillators around the town and continues to campaign for more to be made available. Her commitment, determination and passion for helping others have made a significant difference to the local community.

Liz Green has dedicated countless hours to making Evesham a more dementia-friendly community, ensuring that people living with dementia and their families feel supported, understood and included. Through delivering dementia awareness training, organising social events, building partnerships and championing accessibility, Liz has helped raise awareness and create positive change across the town. Her determination, compassion and commitment have played a vital role in strengthening support for the dementia community.