Town Award & Recognition Scheme 2026
Celebrating Our Community Success
Event Gallery Highlights
⭐ The Local Hero Award
Winner: Sarah Linsell
Sarah is a passionate advocate for community fitness, serving as the Race Director for the Kesgrave Kruisers 10K Road Race and a vital member of the Kesgrave Parkrun Team. Her dedication to coordinating these events helps keep our town active and connected.
Highly Commended: Joshua Emmerson
Joshua has become part of the "family" at Gressland Court. Despite completing his Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award, he has shown incredible selflessness by continuing to volunteer his time to play board games and socialise with the residents.
Shortlist: Sharon and Samantha (Café 66), Fiona Farrell (Chinwag), Joshua Emmerson, Sarah Linsell, Kesgrave Parkrun, Debbie McCallum, KWMCC Volunteer Team.
⭐ Young Person of the Year
Winner: Lily Parr
Lily is a British and World Champion Cycle Speedway rider. Her incredible athletic achievements and enthusiasm bring great pride to Kesgrave and inspire other young people in the community to pursue their goals.
Highly Commended: Hettie Loftus
Hettie demonstrated heart-warming dedication by raising £380.00 for the local charity 'Love Ipswich'. She organised and completed netball shot events for two consecutive years to support those less fortunate.
Shortlist: Hettie Loftus, Lily Parr.
⭐ The Council Chair’s Award
Winner: Kesgrave War Memorial Community Centre (KWMCC)
The KWMCC plays a vital role in supporting, connecting, and strengthening life in our town. Its facilities and the commitment of its team are central to the health and wellbeing of Kesgrave.
Highly Commended: Teacher’s Pet Netball (Gemma Ingham) & Café 66
Teacher’s Pet Netball was recognised for fostering teamwork, friendship, and resilience. Café 66 was celebrated as a safe workplace for adults with support needs and a popular hub for friendly conversation and excellent home-cooked food.
Shortlist: Chinwag, Café 66, KWMCC, Charity Shop Sparks, Parish Pantry, Teacher’s Pet Netball.
Final Acknowledgements
Our sincere thanks go to our judges for the difficult task of selecting our winners, and to Town Councillor Rod Gibson, for his initial proposal of the local awards scheme. We are also incredibly grateful to Fiona Farrell, for stepping in to help as our photographer at the last minute, and to the KWMCC for the use of their excellent facilities.
A special thanks is owed to our Town Clerk, Joanna Abbott, and Town Councillor and Chair, Neal Beecroft-Smith. Joanna’s commitment to facilitating and coordinating the event was essential to its success, and Neal worked closely alongside her from the inception of the scheme to help bring the ceremony to life and present the awards.
Kesgrave Town Council
Ferguson Way, Kesgrave, IP5 2FZ
01473 625 179 | enquiry@kesgravetowncouncil.gov.uk
