The Newark and Sherwood Community and Sports Awards 2024, organised by Newark and Sherwood District Council in partnership with Radio Newark, was held at The Renaissance at Kelham Hall to celebrate people who have gone above and beyond to support the community and champion the growth of sports.

This year, 14 worthy winners were awarded for their exceptional contributions in various categories in front of 300 guests.

The awards were extended to cover the whole of the district and, thanks to the council’s collaboration with Active4Today, the event was extended to recognise more sporting success.

The event also featured a Special Recognition Award, presented to a community member who has demonstrated remarkable dedication to achieving positive change in the district.

Tom Marsden, chief strategy and transformation officer at Lincoln College, received the accolade for his work in bringing the Air and Space Institute in Newark to life.

Other success stories included Bob Overbury (below), who won the Irene Sendler Humanitarian Award for individuals who put others first and go above and beyond supporting those in the community.

He set up a Facebook page to support Ukrainian refugees to link them up with host families during the outbreak of war in the country. Bob also supported those who arrived, picking them up at the airport, bringing them to the district, taking them to families, and making sure they had enough to settle down in the UK.

Bob said: “I’m a bit overwhelmed. It’s an honour and I was surprised to be nominated. I felt like I needed to do something, so I started doing something, but I had no idea what to do or how to do it.”

Miles Harriman was recognised for his work with many community projects, including the Crop Drop scheme that organises crop donations from local growers, with the Citizen of the Year Award.

Miles (above)  is also involved with ‘The Shed (Collingham), which created wooden daises for the Children’s Bereavement Centre meadow of memories at Newark Castle.

The Young Person of the Year Award was shared by Elliot Garland (11), Jude Gabbitas (11), and Seth Gabbitas (8), pictured top, who make up a fundraising entrepreneur team called Future15.

They dedicate their time and energy to help raise money for children struggling to deal with the loss of a loved one.

“We feel good and great about winning. I think we’re going to take over the world next!” they said.

Coun Jean Hall, chair of the council, presented Newark Dementia Carers with a cheque for £750.

Award winners:

The Social Action Hub – Business Commitment to the Community (Sponsored by Newark College)
Jude Gabbitas, Seth Gabbitas and Elliot Garland – Young Person of the Year (Sponsored by Murphy Group)
Miles Harriman – Citizen of the Year (Sponsored by Ann et Vin)
Carla Brown – Community Champion of the Year (Sponsored by Harworth Group)
Newark Sea Cadets – Community Group of the Year (Sponsored by Bakkavor)
Jane Hall – Education Provider of the Year (Sponsored by Newark and Sherwood District Council)
Anthony Whyton – Courage and Bravery (Sponsored by Renaissance at Kelham Hall)
Davy Yates – Emergency Services and Armed Forces Award (Sponsored by Motorfinity)
Jeremy Reichelt – Creating Change for Sport and Physical Activity Award (Sponsored by Active4Today)
Newark Academy U16’s Football Team – Sports Team of the Year (Sponsored by Ultimate Print and Design Ltd)
Lorenzo Costantin – Sports Individual of the Year (Sponsored by Smiths Timber)
Paula Drummond – Lifetime Commitment Award (Sponsored by Radio Newark)
Bob Overbury – Irene Sendler Humanitarian Award (Sponsored by Polish Cultural Institute)
Tom Marsden – Special Recognition Award

Lorenzo Costantin – Sports Individual of the Year (sponsored by Smiths Timber)

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