The Newark and Sherwood Community and Sports Awards 2026, organised by the district council in partnership with Radio Newark, was held at The Renaissance at Kelham Hall in Newark.

The event honoured 13 individuals, groups, and organisations who have gone above and beyond to support the community and champion the growth of sports in the district.

Education Provider of the Year, an award which recognises outstanding educational success or support within a learning environment, was presented to Laura Donaldson (above). As vice-principal of Magnus Academy in Newark, Laura has led pioneering work to improve boys’ aspirations, wellbeing, and attainment.

She also created the district’s first Community INSET Day on empowering boys, bringing school staff together with around 50 external partners to build lasting change.

In her acceptance speech, Laura said: “As anyone who works in a school will know, this award really isn’t about me, it’s about all the people that work in our school, our support staff, our teaching staff, but most importantly, our students.

“I feel incredibly privileged to be able to work with some of the most remarkable young people in Newark. They amaze me every day with their kindness, their compassion, their determination.”

The winner of Sports Achiever of the Year, Lucy Beardsmore (pictured above), has represented Team GB at under-17 level and returned from the European Biathlon Championships with two gold medals and a silver.

Behind those results are more than 15 hours of training each week, balanced with her academic studies, and an extraordinary level of discipline and determination.

To mark this achievement, Lucy received a special congratulatory message on stage from Amy Hunt, 2026 European Championship gold medallist, and the first athlete to win four gold medals at a single European Championship.

Amy said: “I was the 2017 Junior Sportsperson of the Year, so it feels incredibly special to pass this award to another great young sportswoman. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for you.”

Coun Paul Peacock, leader of Newark and Sherwood District Council, which together with Radio Newark organised the awards, said: “The awards are a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the people, groups, and organisations that make our district such a special place.

“From outstanding sporting achievements to acts of kindness, dedication and community spirit, every nominee has a story that deserves recognition. These awards shine a spotlight on the individuals who go above and beyond to support others and inspire positive change.”

Award winners:
Rik and Marian Ludlow – The Irena Sendler Humanitarian Award (sponsored by the Polish Cultural Institute London)
Farnsfield Cricket Club 1st XI – Sports Team of the Year (sponsored by Greencore)
Terry Trickett – Citizen of the Year (sponsored by Currys in partnership with GXO)
Recycling Ollerton and Boughton – Business Commitment to the Community Award (sponsored by Newark Business Club)
Grace – Young Person of the Year (sponsored by Murphy)
Gilly Hagen – Community Champion of the Year (sponsored by Newark College)
Andy Unwin – Creating Change for Sport and Physical Activity Award (sponsored by Active4Today)
Bilsthorpe Veterans Breakfast Club – Emergency Services and Armed Forces Award (sponsored by Barcode Warehouse)
Lucy Beardsmore – Sports Achiever of the Year (sponsored by Smiths Timber Merchants)
The Friends of Trent Vale Trail – Community Group of the Year (sponsored by Ringrose Law)
Laura Donaldson – Education Provider of the Year (sponsored by National Civil War Centre)
Ezmay Usher – Courage and Bravery Award (sponsored by Renaissance at Kelham Hall)
Eileen Clare – Lifetime Commitment Award (sponsored by Wright Vigar)

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