South Hams District Council celebrates its community heroes

Congratulations to the South Hams Community Award winners for 2026.

It’s the third year South Hams District Council has highlighted the organisations and individuals who are doing great things for their local communities. From grassroots volunteers to established community groups, the awards highlight the people whose time, energy and commitment are having a real and lasting impact across the district.

On Thursday 26 March, the District Council’s Chairman, Councillor Bernard Taylor, presented the awards to the worthy winners.

Cllr Taylor, said: “My congratulations to all of this year’s award winners. Their achievements set a real benchmark for excellence; made even more impressive by the time and energy they have freely given to support and improve their local communities. With such a high volume and quality of entries, being selected is a significant accomplishment.

“Congratulations also go to the eight incredible runners‑up for their outstanding achievements and well‑deserved recognition. With the strongest field of nominees we’ve ever seen, and the highest number of entries to date, the judging panel faced some very difficult decisions.”

Community Champion Award

This year’s Community Champion Award winner is Pat Shepherd. A Totnes resident who consistently gives her time, energy and expertise to strengthen the community. A long standing volunteer at Citizens Advice, Pat also supports the community through the ‘Sasha’ charity, which dedicates support to individuals and families affected by domestic abuse.

She is also lead organiser of last year’s hugely successful Totnes Lantern Festival. Pat brings the same tireless commitment to all of her charity work.

Under 18s Community Award

Congratulations go to Emma Chekanovskaya. Emma and her mother arrived in South Brent three years ago as refugees from the war in Ukraine. Emma has embraced the village and community, gained in confidence and blossomed as a person. She takes an active part in the life of St. Petroc’s Parish Church, including readings and dramatisations.

Councillor Bernard Taylor presenting the award to Emma Chekanovskaya

Emma took up bell ringing just over two years ago and proved to be a natural. She won several ringing awards, with a ringing colleague describing her as extremely competitive but also someone who works well with others and is a pleasure to have in the team.

Community Organisation of the Year Award

Modbury Lunch Club has made a real difference. The Club started in 1995 with the aim of providing a monthly lunch for senior residents at a modest cost. The team is made up of a small number of willing helpers who help cook, wash up and provide transport for those who need it. As well as serving delicious food it is an opportunity to catch up with friends in a friendly and personal atmosphere. They provide a kind and valuable community service month after month.

Climate and Biodiversity Champion Award

Well done to Gary Joliffe for claiming the environmental award. Gary inspires people to care for nature, recruiting and organising groups of volunteers who are united by a shared desire to make a difference. Gary founded Till the Coast is Clear to help tackle plastic pollution along the coastline. He also founded Force 4 Nature, regenerating hedge planting and building leaky dams.

Gary Joliffe on his Till the Coast is Clear boat 

He is also involved with The Dolphin Project, which wants to restore a wooden boat to use for education in the Salcombe and Kingsbridge harbour. Across these three projects Gary is promoting sustainable practices with positivity and cheerfulness.

Champion Special Award

This special award goes to Caroline Bricknell and Bonnie Kouki for outstanding work in January’s gas outage. Caroline and Bonnie established community hubs which served as warm welcoming spaces and also helped co-ordinate wider efforts, supporting residents to stay warm, fed and informed.

Caroline Bricknell and Bonnie Kouki being presented with their award by Councillor Bernard Taylor

They liaised with Wales & West Utilities and the town and worked with compassion and resilience throughout. In a cold and challenging week, their actions made a profound and lasting difference to the wellbeing of the community.

Find out more from the winners themselves about the community work they do here: 

Runners up:

Champion Highly Commended

Nigel Toms
Roz Holmes

Climate and Biodiversity Champion Award

Christine King
Colin Whybrow

Community Organisation of the Year Award

Ivybridge Parkinsons
Next Steps Together (NeST)

Under 18s Community Award

Suki Blackley
Woolwell in Bloom