18 Oct Finalists announced for the Torbay Community Champion Awards

Meet the Torbay Community Champion Awards judges, who had a formidable task to scrutinise 180 entries. From left:
Claire Bithell, Voluntary Sector Network; Jim Parker, Torbay Weekly Editor; David Gledhill, Torbay Communities; Tracey
Cabache, Director of Torbay Communities; John Gunson, Trustee of Torbay Communities and Michelle Pugh, Wollens

The unbelievable work carried out by Torbay’s unsung heroes was there for all to see – and it was totally humbling.

A team of judges met in the boardroom of Wollens solicitors in Torquay to go through an amazing 180 entries in the first-ever Torbay Community Champion Awards organised by Torbay  Communities and the Torbay Weekly.

It may be an old cliche but it was never truer – every entry was a winner.

Unsung heroes in every sense. From all all walks of life. Truly inspiring. Everyone worthy of a Page One lead.

The awards were initiated to celebrate and honour those who contribute so much to the Bay’s community, particularly within the Voluntary, Community, and Social Enterprise sectors.

The judging panel was left with the absolutely impossible task of selecting a shortlist of potential winners for each of the awards’ nine categories.

They have been invited to a special awards afternoon – complete with a Devon cream tea – at the Redcliffe Hotel in Paignton on Thursday, October 24 starting at 3pm where the category winners will be announced.

The overall Torbay Community Champion of the Year will be selected from the category winners in a People’s Vote style by those in the room at the Redcliffe on the day to give a fitting climax to the afternoon. The annual meeting of Torbay Communities will also be held during the afternoon.

Sponsors are delighted to backing the new event.

Torbay Health and Wellbeing Voluntary Sector Network, who are the headline sponsors and will be presenting the overall ‘Champion of Champions’ award, brings together Torbay’s voluntary sector to work collaboratively, with the aim of providing more support for those in our communities. Working together like this helps provide a better service for the community, strengthening the voice of the service users and staff alike.

A spokesman said: “The Network is therefore delighted to support the Torbay Community Champion Awards and help recognise those unsung heroes in our local community who go out of their way to make a real difference and positive impact. Whether a local resident, volunteer, carer or member of the VCSE sector, all the worthy nominees are champions and fully deserving of thanks and recognition. The entire Torbay Health & Wellbeing VCSE Network is very proud to play a part in making this happen.”

Hamling Engineering is sponsoring the Volunteer of the Year category. A spokesman said: “Hamling Engineering Ltd. is a family-run garage in Paignton dedicated to providing the finest quality customer service and highest standard of vehicle repair and service looking after your vehicles as if they were our own.

“As a family-run business, we understand the importance of community and the vital role it plays in our success. Our roots are embedded in the very neighbourhoods we serve, and we recognise that our achievements are closely tied to the support and trust of our local community. Sponsoring a community award is our way of giving back and celebrating the individuals and organisations that embody the spirit of collaboration, resilience, and innovation. These awards not only acknowledge the hard work and dedication of local heroes but also inspire others to contribute positively, fostering a stronger sense of community among us all.

“Recognising outstanding contributions to our community by the Torbay Community Champions aligns perfectly with our values as a family business. By highlighting the efforts of those volunteers and workers in the Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise Sector, we aim to create a ripple effect that encourages more acts of kindness and service. We are proud to be part of this initiative, as it reflects our commitment to nurturing the local spirit and promoting the kind of environment where everyone can thrive.”

A spokesman for Torbay Council, sponsors of the Health and Wellbeing Champion award, said: “We put residents at the heart of everything we do – aspiring to provide a healthy, happy and prosperous Torbay where individuals and communities can thrive. We are proud to sponsor the Health and Wellbeing Champion category as it recognises the selfless efforts that people make for others, enabling them to flourish and live life to the full.”

Cantina Kitchen and Bar are the sponsors of the Climate and Environment Champion category. They say: “Nine years old this year, family-run Cantina is situated on the edge of Youngs Park, Goodrington Sands. Our cafe doors are open seven days a week all year round and we try hard to be a welcoming space for all. Torbay Communities are a fantastic organisation that we had to be involved with. More so than ever before, it’s vital that the people of Torbay come together to push for better.”

The sponsors of the Good Neighbour category are South West Water and they say: “South West Water is proud to support the Torbay Community Champion Awards. We are honoured to recognise a local hero who strives to make sure there is a place for everyone in their local community and is devoted to helping those who live around them. We would like to recognise the extraordinary effort of those who make a difference in their community.”

Wollens solicitors are supporting the Volunteering Team category. A spokesman said: “Wollens is one of the largest independent law firms in the region, employing over 150 people with exceptional specialists across private client matters as well as company and commercial law. With offices located from coast to coast in South Devon, Exeter, and North Devon, Wollens has seen significant growth in recent years.

“Beyond our legal expertise, Wollens is committed to supporting local charities, good causes, and community projects. We are delighted to support the Community Awards, celebrating the outstanding work undertaken within our vibrant community. The teams and individuals nominated are true inspirations, and we are proud to participate in an event that honours their contributions.

“By sponsoring the Volunteer Team of the Year award, we aim to recognise and appreciate the countless volunteers who make a significant difference in our community. It is an honour to partner with this initiative.”

Devon, Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez, whose office is sponsoring the Emergency Worker of the Year award, said: “We are delighted to be sponsoring this award. Anything that recognises people who go above and beyond in keeping Torbay and the community safe is to be welcomed.”

Torbay MP Steve Darling, who is sponsoring the Carer of the Year award, added: “Having served the community for over 30 years, I’ve seen firsthand how vital strong, connected communities are to our collective well-being. Support for each other is the glue that binds us together, fostering resilience, compassion, and unity. As the MP for Torbay, I am committed to supporting initiatives that uplift and empower local residents, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Through my work in Parliament and close collaboration with local organisations, I strive to build a future where no one is left behind, and everyone can experience the sense of belonging that makes Torbay such a special place.

“I am proud to sponsor these awards because I believe in celebrating the unsung heroes who quietly make a difference every day. They embody what Billy Bragg once called the ‘milkman of human kindness’—going out of their way to help others, often unnoticed, but always making a significant impact. These awards shine a light on the dedication and selflessness that sustain our communities, and I am honoured to support this recognition of local champions. By acknowledging their efforts, I hope this inspires even more acts of kindness and service across Torbay.”

Michael Wescott, co-chairman of Torquay United who is supporting the Young Volunteer of the Year category, said: “Volunteering is extremely rewarding while voluntary work is vital to thousands of organisations up and down the country.

“At Torquay United, volunteers are the bedrock of our Club and allows us to foster better and deeper engagement with all of our stakeholders across the community. We salute all young people who undertake any form of voluntary work and are delighted to support this award.”

Tracey Cabache, director at Torbay Communities, said: “Thank you to our sponsors who have stepped up to make sure we can celebrate and thank volunteers and workers without whom so many organisations and events would simply not exist. I think it is safe to say that this will become an annual event.”

And Torbay Weekly Editor Jim Parker, the sponsor of the Lifetime Achievement award, said: “The response to the awards, considering they are in their inaugural year and launched in a short space of time, has been staggering”It just goes to show the huge part these people play in making Torbay’s community what it is – a community-driven and cared for by a silent army of selfless unsung heroes who deserve their moment of glory.  And I believe we have just touched the surface.”

The shortlisted finalists are:

Carer of the Year (Steve Darling MP)
Georgina Page
Rachael Noad
Kevin Helmore

Climate and Environment Champion of Year (Cantina Kitchen & Bar)
Cricketfield Community Garden
Megan Hart
Play Torbay

Emergency Worker of the Year (Office of the Devon, Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Police and Crime Commissioner)
Angie Manning
Jackie Williams
Paul Northey

Good Neighbour of the Year (South West Water)
Jess Gane
Mervyn Brooking
Pauline Baker

Health and Wellbeing Champion (Torbay Council)
Bryan Pitman
Cycle Torbay
Youth Mental Health Foundation

Volunteer of the Year (Hamling Engineering)
Zara Oldfield
Nicola Parham
Barbara Sutton
Carol Pearson

Volunteering Team of the Year (Wollens)
H.M. Torbay Coastguard Rescue Team
Phoenix Rising
Torquay United Supporters’ Trust

Young Volunteer of the Year (Torquay United)
Lucy Harvey
Abbi Hall
Leighton-Rose Jarrett

Lifetime Award (Torbay Weekly)
Pat Goss
Louise Gilson
Norman McNamara
Eileen Deacon

Community Champion of the Year (Torbay Health & Wellbeing Voluntary Sector Network) – to be chosen on finals night