Winners and nominees praised at the Celebrating Rushcliffe Awards with Parkwood Leisure!
Last updated: 11/12/2025
The winners and shortlisted nominees of this year’s Celebrating Rushcliffe Awards with Parkwood Leisure have been praised for their contribution to life in the Borough.
Residents, groups and community heroes took their place in a showcase celebration event of the great and good with media partner West Bridgford Wire yesterday (December 10) at Rushcliffe Arena.
It celebrated the Borough’s wonderful volunteers, businesses, organisations, environmentalists and the best of its health and wellbeing, sport and food and drink sectors with awards presented on stage by Deputy Mayor Cllr Richard Butler.
The accolades were capped by Jill Shelvey, a proud member of West Bridgford Tennis Club since 1989, receiving the prestigious Pride of Rushcliffe Award.
For nearly four decades, Jill has been at the heart of the club, helping it grow into a cornerstone of sport in Nottinghamshire.
Since 1996, she’s served as a dedicated committee member and referee, drawing on her playing experience to provide voluntary mentoring, administration, and the day to day running of key operations.
From managing applications and bookings to organising and expanding tournaments, Jill has supported countless players and raised the club’s profile.
Known for her fairness and inclusivity, she continues to guide members and champion the growth of grassroots tennis.
Leader of Rushcliffe Borough Council Cllr Neil Clarke led the praise to all those shortlisted for an award and to the many local sponsors who supported the accolades.
He said: “Congratulations to all our winners, nominees, and shortlisted groups, each of you embodies the very best of Rushcliffe. Jill Shelvey’s remarkable dedication to West Bridgford Tennis Club over nearly forty years has been instrumental in growing the sport locally, nurturing players of all ages and helping the club flourish as a hub for grassroots tennis.
“This event has shone a spotlight on so many individuals, businesses, sports clubs, and organisations who give selflessly of their time and energy. Whether volunteer, entrepreneur, or community leader, you are making a real difference to people’s lives across the Borough.
“We are deeply grateful to everyone who took the time to nominate, and to our sponsors whose support helps make Rushcliffe such a vibrant, inclusive, and thriving place to live and work.”
Media partner West Bridgford Wire Editor Pat Gamble joined the congratulations.
He said: “It was a privilege to support the Celebrating Rushcliffe Awards for the eighth year running. Once again, the evening was filled with inspiring stories that reflect the strength and generosity of our community.
“These awards are not only about the winners but also about every nominee and shortlisted group whose efforts deserve recognition for their outstanding work.
“Thank you to all residents from across Rushcliffe who nominated for these awards, ensuring these achievements are celebrated and shared with the wider community.”
The winners and shortlisted nominees were:
· Business of the Year, sponsored by Rushcliffe Business Partnership
Winner: Step Up Rehab, West Bridgford
Led by owner Shivani, the team at Step Up Rehab are transforming lives through physiotherapy and a wide range of health and wellbeing activities. Their commitment to the community shines through supporting local charities, offering classes and groups, and creating valuable opportunities for students through work experience.
Shortlisted:
The Fitness Collective, West Bridgford
One More Chapter, Radcliffe on Trent
· Food and Drink Establishment of the Year sponsored by Pizza Hut West Bridgford
Winner: The Wheatsheaf, Bingham
Described as a pub at the heart of the community, The Wheatsheaf is proud to tailor its food and drink, using local suppliers and brewers to boat delicious season menus and refreshing drinks.They also lead by example, selling locally sourced products from fellow local businesses.
Shortlisted:
Gilt, Bingham
Vanilla Bean, Bingham
· Environmental Project or Group sponsored by Rushcliffe Borough Council
Winner: Simon Lane, Hickling
Simon has devoted countless hours to enhancing Rushcliffe’s natural beauty and biodiversity, creating a lasting impact on environmental health.
His work has revitalised local landscapes, preserved habitats for wildlife, and inspired the community through education and engagement.
Shortlisted:
Friends of Meadow Park, East Leake
Rushcliffe Play Forum, Keyworth
· Volunteer of the Year award sponsored by Rehab Beauty
Winner: Sharon and Graham Morrell, Cotgrave
Together, they run a weekly coffee club in the village, offering a welcoming space for residents who may be facing loneliness, bereavement, or social isolation.
Their vibrant community has grown to over 40 members, fostering lasting friendships and inspiring similar groups at libraries across the county.
Shortlisted:
Chris Reynolds, West Bridgford
Heather Daly, Cotgrave
· Young Person or Group of the Year sponsored by Ideagen
Winner: Imogen Blyth, Bingham
10-year-old Imogen is a role model for young girls seeking to enter the world of rugby. As the only girl in a boys’ rugby team, she decided to create a girl’s side at school and was the driving force behind replicating it at Bingham Rugby Club.
The group are growing and over 20 girls now train every week and play competitive matches.
Shortlisted:
Kyrell Wainwright-Clarke, Cotgrave
Plumtree U13 Girls Cricket
· Sportsperson of the Year sponsored by Parkwood Leisure
Winner: David Philipson, Bingham
This year, David became a world champion in K2 canoeing, winning gold at the World Cup, European Championships, and World Championships.
He made history as the first male athlete to win all three titles in the same year and is an inspirational and valued member of the National Paranaoe Team.
Shortlisted:
Lindsay Thorpe, Cropwell Bishop
James Russell, West Bridgford
· Sports Club of the Year sponsored by Eden Tyres and Servicing
Winner: Gotham Village Cricket Club
In just 15 months, the club has launched and grown a thriving women and girls’ cricket section. Teams have already competed at several festivals, including Gotham’s annual event, which proudly featured women’s matches for the very first time in its history.
More than just a team, the club has become a contemporary sporting hub for the village, offering opportunities, community spirit, and lasting benefits for all.
Shortlisted:
Nottinghamshire County Rowing Association, West Bridgford
Notts Gymnastics Academy, West Bridgford
· Health and Wellbeing Award sponsored by Step Up Rehab
Winner: St Paul’s Community and Wellbeing Hub, West Bridgford
This inspiring community project supports over 300 people every week, powered by the dedication of more than 100 volunteers.
From social eating projects and dementia support groups to free meals, a grief and memory café, a community garden, and a toddler group, the Hub has built on years of service to become a true cornerstone of local health and wellbeing.
Shortlisted:
Rushcliffe Social Prescribing Community Hub, West Bridgford
Welcome Space, Langar cum Barnstone
· Community Group of the Year sponsored by Fairham
Winner: REDS – Rushcliffe Early Onset Dementia Support, Edwalton
This group offers friendship and understanding for anyone under 65 affected by early onset dementia. They fill a vital gap in healthcare, keeping spirits high with family friendly sessions, from outdoor walks to games and catch ups.
Together, they’re building a supportive community full of warmth and connection.
Shortlisted:
Hickling Village Breakfast Club
Liberty Singers
· Pride of Rushcliffe Award sponsored by Proludic
Winner: Jill Shelvey, West Bridgford
Shortlisted:
Hickling Scarecrow Committee
Lesley Rollitt, Ruddington
The RBC Lord-Lieutenant Award was introduced this year to honour those whose kindness, bravery, skill, or commitment has made a real difference in the Borough.
Veronica Pickering MBS HAC, Lord-Lieutenant of Nottinghamshire, presented the award to Barbara Breakwell from Ruddington on behalf of the King for her outstanding contribution to the community.
For more than 15 years, since leaving her career as a head teacher, Barbara has devoted herself wholeheartedly to the people of Ruddington and the wider Rushcliffe area. Her contributions span education, community development, health, and inclusivity, leaving a lasting legacy.