Pride of Bracknell Forest Awards 2023: Full list of winners

Shortlisted nominees and special guests got dressed up for the black tie event held at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, on Friday April 21.

The award ceremony was presented by former professional footballer, Adrian Williams, and BBC radio presenter Andrew Peach.

13 categories that were being honoured were the John Nike Pride of Bracknell Forest Young Person’s and Adult Awards, school of the year, teacher of the year, sport’s and leisure young person’s award, sports and leisure adult’s award, business of the year, charity of the year, volunteer of the year, team of the year, community contribution award, outstanding contribution charity award and outstanding contribution individual award.

Winners:

The John Nike Pride of Bracknell Forest Young Person’s Award 

Gold winner: Jenson Shamtally-Tedder - Jenson has shown bravery, determination and patience after recovering from a brain tumour. During his recovery, he championed accessibility in schools.

Silver winner: Myla Fraser - Myla was nominated for her excellent work at Windsor Food Share. She smashed targets and volunteers on a regular basis.

The John Nike Pride of Bracknell Forest Adult’s Award

Gold winner: Mary Parker - Mary has been a police community support officer with Thames Valley Police for more than 15 years. She was described as "a wonderful inspiration to the community".

Silver winner: Brian Pettifer - Brian was nominated for his 'Christmas Post Room' where children can post letters to Santa and recieve a personal response. He also plays a big part in the Woodhurst Park Committee.

School of the Year

Gold winner: The Pines Primary School - With more than 20 nominations, the Pines Primary School won the Gold Award for developing a nurturing and caring environment for staff and pupils.

Silver winner: Edgbarrow School - The school was recognised by its staff and pupils for showing great teamwork, offering a wide range of extra-curricular activities and promoting well-being.

Teacher of the Year

Gold winner: Debbie Smith - Debbie has worked at Sandhurst School for 23 years and has been described as "a warm and kind school leader" who prioritises the well-being of staff and students. Debbie is retiring from the role this year.

Silver winner: Nicola Philpott - After nearly 20 years at St Joseph's Bracknell, Nicola has made a huge impact on the community. She has been described as "caring, kind, and compassionate."

Business of the Year

Gold winner: Tesco - Through its Community Grants scheme, Tesco supports groups and projects that are important to locals, including helping tackle food poverty, support young people and offer mental health support.

Silver winner: Ozone Ice Rink - Following the closure of the local ice rink, the team at Ozone used their own Ice Hockey skills to open a new rink. The team offer their venue to businesses, schools and charities.

Sport and Leisure – Young Person’s Award

Gold winner: Zachary Callinan - Zachary is the number one ranked swimmer in Great Britain and recently broke Olympian Tom Dean's club record in the 50m butterfly. He also won gold at the National Arena League Swimming Championships.

Silver winner: April Palmer - In the last 12 months competing in U17 Javelin, April has ranked 5th nationally. She also won gold at the Berkshire Schools Athletics Championships as well as many other titles.

Sport and Leisure – Adult’s Award

Gold winner: Adam Thomas - As a Team GB, Team Scotland and Bracknell AC sprinter, Adam was awarded for being a "sensational" athlete. In the last 12 months, he has been ranked the 5th best sprinter in the world.

Silver winner: Chris Reid - Chris has dedicated himself to young footballers in the community after taking over Sandhurst Town Boys and Girls FC. 

Charity of the Year

Gold winner: Stepping Stones - Stepping Stones do excellent work supporting mental health issues. It has been described as "an indispensible lifeline" to those who use the service.

Silver winner: Jealott's Hill Community Landshare - The small team of volunteers have been praised for their constant dedication and hard work. It provides a quiet space where people can work and support each other.

Volunteer of the Year

Gold winner: Eileen Mann - Eileen has volunteered with the Great Hollands Community Centre for more than 46 years. She has given much of her life to helping locals, through running the community magazine and new community centre.

Silver winner: Phil Wood - Phil runs a Scout Group for 259 young people and is actively involved in District and County Scouting. He has helped many Scouts to develop and make meaningful contributions to the community.

Team of the Year

Gold winner: Vsi Razom - Natalia Vil and Ashleigh Toomey founded Vsi Razom to support Ukrainian refugees. They created a community hub where refugees can find a safe space, as well as providing English lessons for the refugees.

Silver winner: Brakenhale School CCF - The cadet force regularly raises money for local charities and inspires young people to achieve their goals.

Community Contribution Award

Yorkshire Rose Pub - During the cost of living crisis, the Yorkshire Rose Pub provided free meals to elderly and vulnerable residents.

Outstanding Contribution Charity Award

involve Community Services is a small charity that supports other charities and community groups in Bracknell Forest, Wokingham and surrounding areas. 

Outstanding Contribution Individual Award

Martin Gocke was described as a "remarkable member of the Bracknell Forest Community". Despite health complications, he remained an involved member of the community until his passing in April last year.

The evening's entertainment was provided by Sandhurst & District Corps of Drums, Red Hat Magic, DanceXite, Uplands Primary School Choir, Artemis College Singers and Visions Group.

Sponsors of the night included Berkeley Homes, Cala, Content Guru, Easthampstead Park Hotel, EES Group, Honda, Jemca Bracknell, Lapland UK, Nike Group, The SB Group, Shorts Group and SUEZ.