Pocklington Community Volunteers Awards Ceremony 2026
The sixth Community Volunteer Awards Ceremony was held on Friday 16th October, at Pocklington Community Hall, to thank and celebrate the amazing work volunteers do in our community. The roles that these incredible volunteers fulfil varies tremendously, and many of the activities and events that take place in our community would not be available if it wasn’t for these amazing people freely giving up their time and energy. There are more than 90 groups in and around Pocklington that exist to serve our community, run purely by volunteers.
The event, organised by Pocklington Rugby in the Community, in collaboration with Pocklington Town Council, was again sponsored by Hamers Solicitors. Loren McDermott, partner, presented the awards.
The Mayor of Pocklington, Councillor Roly Cronshaw, introduced the Awards:
‘As Mayor of Pocklington, one of the greatest privileges of my role over the past few years has been meeting so many people who give their time, energy and enthusiasm to help others.
Volunteers are remarkable people. They give up their evenings, their weekends and sometimes it seems, their sanity, to help others. But volunteering is much more than giving up a few hours. It is about kindness, commitment, friendship and making a difference to someone else’s life. Much of this work happens quietly, behind the scenes, without publicity or recognition. Yet without these volunteers, Pocklington would be a very different place.
To all our volunteers, thank you. Thank you for your time, your energy, your patience and, above all, your willingness to help others. You may not always see the difference you make, but please be assured that it matters – and our community is better because of you.
A great town isn’t built by bricks and mortar alone, it’s built by people who give their time, their kindness and their hearts to others. Thank you for giving Pocklington its heart.’
Before announcing the recipients and sharing a small amount about our volunteers, Andy Bowden, Chair of Pocklington Rugby in the Community, said " Our community benefits enormously from the work of all our wonderful volunteers. We are pleased to recognise some of these people and groups this evening, but to everyone who volunteers in our community – thank you!”
The following awards were presented:
The Young Volunteer Award was presented to Samuel Kelly, for his volunteering at the Mind Shop.
The Sports Volunteer Award was awarded to Pocklington Touch Rugby League.
The Community Volunteer Award went to Ross Gleig who volunteers at numerous groups around our town.
The Environmental Award was awarded to Celia Rayner, Greener Pocklington
The Volunteer Team Awards were presented to 1st Pocklington Scouts and Pocklington Girl Guiding.
The Long Serving Volunteer Awards were presented to Chris Hindwell, British Heart Foundation – Pocklington branch, and Kate Fisk – Burnby Hall Community Hall and Trust.
A Special Recognition Award was given to the volunteers from The People’s Pantry.
Louise Partridge, Volunteer Coordinator, said, ‘It is a privilege to work with and support these amazing people and groups. Our community is so lucky to offer so much, to so many, because of volunteers. Volunteering can be as little as an hour a year or an hour a week. If you have time to give, there will be a volunteering opportunity for you!”
Following the ceremony, there was an excellent buffet for all attendees to enjoy, thank you to Lilypad Café.
If reading this has inspired you to help your community, please get in touch with Louise: office@pockritc.com
