Celebrating Rushcliffe Awards 2025

We’re absolutely thrilled to share our experience at this year’s Celebrating Rushcliffe Awards! December brought another super evening spent with extraordinary people from across Rushcliffe.

Our warmest congratulations to Sharon & Graham Morrell, who were announced winners in the Volunteer of the Year category. We enjoyed a lovely evening with them and were super excited to witness their well-deserved recognition.

Together, this amazing couple run a weekly coffee club in Cotgrave village, offering a welcoming space for residents 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.

This year’s Pride of Rushcliffe award went to the remarkable Jill Shelvey. Her 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.

The Rushcliffe Borough Council introduced the Lord-Lieutenant Award this year, honouring those whose kindness, bravery, skill, or commitment have 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 community contribution.

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 truly lasting legacy.

We are very proud to be involved with the awards every year and thank everyone at the RBC for organising such a great initiative again. The Rushcliffe Awards continue to showcase the incredible community spirit that makes our Borough so special!