Posted on 1st Oct
The Newark and Sherwood Community and Sports Awards 2025, organised by Newark and Sherwood District Council in partnership with Radio Newark, honoured individuals who have gone above and beyond to support the community and champion the growth of sports.
There were 13 winners, who received their awards at The Renaissance at Kelham Hall in Newark, in front of more than 300 guests.
Some of the success stories included Marlene Ferris, who won the Irene Sendler Humanitarian Award that looks for individuals who put others first and go above and beyond supporting those in the community.
In response to her own experiences, Marlene spent more than 40 years leading Newark Women’s Aid in supporting victims of Domestic Abuse.
She transformed the refuge into a lifeline for more than 4,000 women and 6,400 children, dedicating her life to providing safety, dignity and hope.
Marlene said: “It’s a great honour and it’s making me feel very emotional. Thank you to everyone who has helped me along the way. I can see people in the audience who have helped us to stay open, to be able to support women who are fleeing terrible situations.”
Adam Savage, winner of the Courage and Bravery Award, survived a near-fatal accident at the age of 11, before rebuilding his life and becoming a fitness trainer.
He now leads inclusive exercise classes for older people, stroke survivors and those with dementia, inspiring others through his story of resilience and positivity.
Adam added: “It’s really hard to explain why I do what I do, but I’ve been so close to death twice now, so I’d just like to give back to the community because if it wasn’t for people giving their time up for me, I wouldn’t be here now. So I’d like to say a big thank you, everyone.”
Bakkavor won the award for Business Commitment to the Community, for providing long-term, consistent support to local community groups and charities, donating food, funding and resources — raising and donating more than £200,000 to over 30 charities.
A spokesperson said: “Everything we’ve done at Bakkavor over the last 15 years, every group that we’ve supported, every pound that we’ve raised, every cake we’ve donated, has been done through an amazing team.”
Christine Stanley, winner of the Creating Change for Sport and Physical Activity accolade, is the first Nordic walking instructor with Parkinson’s in the UK and uses the activity to help others get outdoors and move more with the condition.
Chris now has six classes across the East Midlands which are specially adapted for people living locally with the condition.
Coun Paul Peacock, district council leader, said the awards were a perfect opportunity to say ‘thank you’ to those who make a real difference in the community.
“Whether it’s achieving something truly remarkable in their field of sport, going the extra mile to help others or setting up a community group to support those in need, the stories from our award winners are nothing short of inspiring,” he added.
“Our district is blessed with so many incredible people looking out for each other.’’
Coun Linda Tift, chair of the district council, presented a cheque for £1,500 to the her charity of the year, Newark Emmaus Trust.
Award winners (pictured) were:
Marlene Ferris – The Irena Sendler Humanitarian Award (sponsored by the Polish Cultural Institute London)
Ash Williams – Education Provider of the Year (sponsored by Harworth)
Ginnette Hardy – Citizen of the Year (sponsored by Currys, in partnership with GXO)
William Swan-Dennis – Young Person of the Year, up to age 17 (sponsored by Murphy)
Maisie Mullett – Sports Achiever of the Year (sponsored by Smiths Timber)
Newark Rugby Club Women’s First Team – Sports Team of the Year (sponsored by Bakkavor)
Christine Stanley – Creating Change for Sport and Physical Activity (sponsored by Active4Today)
Adam Savage – Courage and Bravery Award (sponsored by The Renaissance at Kelham Hall)
Mac Mallard – Emergency Services and Armed Forces Award (sponsored by The Barcode Warehouse)
Bakkavor – Business Commitment to the Community Award (Sponsored by Newark Business Club)
Maxine Storer – Community Champion of the Year (sponsored by Newark College)
Newark Friendship Group – Community Group of the Year (sponsored by Ringrose Law)
Val Spyve – Lifetime Commitment Award (sponsored by Wright Vigar)
Gold sponsors for the awards were Murphy Group, Active4Today, The Renaissance at Kelham Hall, Barcode Warehouse, Wright Vigar and Radio Newark.
The awards presented on the night were crafted by students from Newark College.
