A nine-year-old ‘mini boss’, heroes of the seas, a nationally celebrated standard bearer and the team from Spalding tip – all were recognised for their services to South Holland last week.
The Pride of South Holland Awards returned with incredible and inspiring stories from people and groups who make a real difference to the district.
Actor Colson Smith handed out the awards before Britain’s Got Talent star Max Fox provided a fantastic finale.
Organiser Jan Whitbourn said: “It was good to see these amazing people on stage collecting well deserved awards.
“It was incredible to hear all about he good things they do in the community on an absolutely fantastic night.”
Young Achiever award
Two remarkable young people were recognised for their already impressive contribution to the community.
The winner of the Young Achiever award, sponsored by Molsom Opticians, was seven-year-old Millirose Barwell.
The Whaplode Primary School pupil has already racked up five years’ experience helping out with her mum’s care company Unirose which she named after her love of unicorns.
“She had seven nominations which is the most I’ve seen in my years judging this award,” said Andy Molsom who judged the category. “Described as a ‘mini-boss’, she’s a bright star in the community who, with her mum, attended some of those in the care sector with whom she was a huge hit.”
As well as providing smiles for those her mum cares for, she volunteers at the Here-4-U group in Holbeach and raised £800 for Cancer Research UK in memory of her grandad as well as taking on sponsored walks for Dementia Research.
Millirose was unable to attend the event so the award was picked up by family friend Stacey Broomhall.
Millirose also competes nationally in taekwondo, as by coincidence does the runner up Zuzanna Poznzniak.
She has clocked up 138 hours of volunteering in the last year and been nominated for the Rotary Club leadership award.
“She’s described as having kindness, empathy and a strong sense of public service and professionalism,” said Mr Molsom.
Service With A Smile award
The team at Spalding’s Recycling Centre are used to being handed items by the public – but this time it was one they hopefully want to hold on to – the Service With A Smile award.
Coun Elizabeth Sneath said the person who nominated them said they ‘work in an oasis of cheerfulness’.
“I’m always met with a smile and a friendly face,” she said. “It’s a really well deserved award.”
The runners up ware Carole Phoenix and Dawn Kent who run the catering at Spalding United Football Club and have recently received a highly commended award from the Lincs FA.
Bakkavor Community Champion
There was a well deserved award for the Sutton Bridge Coast Guard in the Bakkavor Local Charity Champion category.
“The service they provide is free of charge and they do it in their own time,” said judge Justin Noble. “It could be in hazardous conditions and in inclement weather.
“They regularly participate in the local community.”
The runner up was Spalding Academy for the charity work they do.
“They’ve raised thousands for charities including the Royal British Legion, Ukraine Appeal and Children In Need,” said fellow judge Scott Goodliff. “They’ve also this year provided warm clothing to the local community.”
Caring Neighbour award
The Caring Neighbour as voted for by councillors Henry Bingham and Glynis Scalese was Roy Glencross who looks after disabled relatives, works with military groups and calls bingo sessions.
Coun Bingham called Roy ‘a pillar of strength’.
“He still carries out his duties as a member of many organisations and goes above and beyond with kindness and caring.
“You will see him most days helping and still having time to make people smile with little things like sending daily funny emails.”
The runner up was Frank Heinrich-Tiller who has raised thousands for Men’s Shed.
Coun Scalese said: “He’s always been caring in the community and has demonstrated dedication and devotion in many ways.
“They have shown the way for many lonely, vulnerable and disabled people that there is life out there to be enjoyed.”
Special Achievement award
Alan Canham has been a regular at military events in the area for a number of years as a Standard Bearer and now is influential nationally.
That’s why he took home the Special Achievement Award sponsored by Springfields.
Simon Stone presented the award to the member of Pinchbeck Royal British Legion who is also chair of the national branch of the Standards.
The runner up was Spalding Round Table’s Matt Clark who runs a number of businesses as well including nightclub XO: “Alongside running his businesses he volunteers extensively and serves as the chair of the Spalding Round Table.
“He’s a true ambassador for Spalding, always thinking about the community and ways to improve the town contributing far more than people realise,” said Simon.
The Senior Citizen award
Pam Elton was named the Senior Citizen award winner.
Her commitment to checking on neighbours in Holbeach into her 80s was highlighted by judge Julia Cole of Calthrops Solicitors.
“Even with painful knees she hands out cakes and smiles throughout,” said Julia. “Pam is also the chair of Littlebury Medical Centre Patient Partipciation Group and is an inspiration to those she’s met.”
Pam was unfortunately unable to attend on the night.
The runner up was Marilyn Kornek, the secretary of the Peterborough Highland Band, treasurer of the Royal British Legion branch, secretary of the veterans’ Breakfast Club and a member of the Busy Bees creative, despite the fact she can’t knit or sew.
She’s described as being inspirational in creating the knitted poppies seen around Spalding during the periods of remembrance.
Volunteer of the Year Award
Dee Leech was named as the Volunteer of the Year, sponsored by the Spalding Round Table, for her work running the Long Sutton Outreach group.
The group for those who care for dementia, meet at Churchill’s every third Thursday of the month.
The person who nominated Dee said: “Dementia is a terrible scourge and carers enjoy five hours relaxing among friends.”
Jacqueline Kemp (pictured right) was the runner up for her work with the Singing For Fun group which meets through the Spalding and District U3A.
The keyboard player works with various musical groups for the organisation in the town and was influential in taking that talent out to perform for local groups.
Charity Worker award
Debbie Rose picked up the award for Charity Worker.
She helped set up a soup kitchen, created a free after school club to help with cost of living and paid out of her own pocket to help a single mum
The award was sponsored by councillors Jo Reynolds and Jack Tyrrell, the latter explaining that Debbie was currently in hospital with cancer.
“She’s a strong person,” said Coun Tyrrell. “She does so much for so many.
The runners up were the Spalding branch of the Lions organisation who should need little introduction to readers of The Voice.
The group puts on a host of fundraising events every year.
They support charities worldwide through the larger organisation as well as a host of local groups.
Events range from helping children enjoy special openings of Tuby’s Fair to taking Santa around some South Holland streets.
Community sports award
Two women who have done so much for fitness in South Holland were recognised.
Councillor Paul Redgate sponsored and judged the Community Sports Award with fitness guru Tracey Vowels given the award.
“She’s at the heart of their community and go the extra mile to ensure everyone is involved,” said Coun Redgate.
The runner-up was Diamondz School of Dance which showcased its skills with a demonstration to open the awards ceremony.
Founder Abbi Thompson picked up the award on behalf of the group.
“They showcase great support to the community,” said Coun Redgate. “It’s at the heart of everything that’s South Holland.”
Community Hero award
Karl Gernert was recognised for his fantastic support for the community.
Karl set up the Act II theatre company back in 2004 and its been putting on plays and inspiring South Holland residents ever since.
They always have a varied calendar of events for a host of different ages throughout a year.
And it all culminates in the annual Revue which Karl writes himself.
Millie Gent, of Community Hero sponsor David Wood Baking Ltd, said: “He has dedicated time and commitment as well as his overall talent to the community.
“It’s very clear the amount of children and their parents who trust and respect this person by the way they speak about him.
“He brings out the best in all ages.”
Karl was the runner up in the Community Hero award.
In an unusual step organiser Jan Whitbourn said the winner would not be announced yet but would instead be surprised at a later date.
Special award – Andrew Killingsworth
For the past few years a ‘Special Award’ has been given out.
This year it went to Spalding United chairman Andrew Killingsworth.
“They’ve donated an incredible amount of money, over a million for the playing field,” said award organiser Jan Whitbourn. “The football ground has gone from being a rarely used facility to a true community hub.”
Mr Killingsworth could not attend so the club’s CEO Leigh Porter collected it on his behalf.
“When we took over Spalding United the club was in a very dark place on and off the pitch,” Mr Porter said. “But Andrew didn’t see a problem, he saw potential and a community asset worth fighting for.
“Spalding United isn’t just a football club. It’s a meeting place and driver of local pride.”
Tulip Talk with Jan Whitbourn.
The Pride of South Holland Awards 2026 was another success and a fantastic evening celebrating the unsung heroes of our area.
As always it was difficult to keep the secret of the winners, the entertainment and the celebrities, but they were well worth waiting for.
We started with Diamondz Dance opening the evening followed by the big reveal of the first celebrity.
It was with great pleasure to have two this year actor Colson Smith and singer Max Fox.
Colson is best known for playing Craig Tinker in Coronation Street while Max wowed audiences on last year’s Britain’s Got Talent.
Both were brilliant.
Colson interacted with the audience and made everyone laugh, continuing to crack jokes and gave people credit for their speeches. He was so funny.
Max is a great guy and incredible entertainer who did a fantastic job with the finale.
Both came to celebrate with us and praised our heroes .
Craig spoke about his 14 years on Coronation Street nd Max Fox told us all about his time with Simon Cowell .
We couldn’t end the night without a few songs from Max with his winning song that got the golden buzzer, ‘I Did it My Way’.
A massive thanks to those two great people who brought great excitement.
I would like to say a huge thank you to all of our sponsors, without whom, none of this could be possible,
Coun Gary Taylor, Paul Redgate, Jo Reynolds, Jack Tyrrell, Glynis Scalese, Elizabeth Sneath, Henry Bingham, Clare and the team from Bakkavor, Millie and David Wood Baking Ltd, Andy Molsom from Molsom Optometrist, Simon Stone and Julie Atkinson from Springfields Outlet Shopping, Matthew Clark and the team from The Round Table, Julia Cole from Calthrop’s Solicitors, Nathaniel Mcdowell, Radfield Home Care, the 2430 (Holbeach) Squadron of the RAF Air Cadet Cadets and to Gan from the Woodlands for his support and kind hospitality as always.
Thank you for all the work you do in our community and support you give to me.
To all those wonderful people who came on the day, thank you for making this event so special.
You’re all winners for the role you play in South Holland.
Thank you to, Flowers ‘N Things and Flamingo Flowers for helping with the flowers on the stage and for the bouquets on the day, South Holland District Council, Diamondz Dance and Jo, Tom, Sarah and the wonderful team at the South Holland Centre for helping to make my job a lot easier on the day.
I know you have worked so hard and supported me, so thank you.
We heard some amazing stories. Well done to you all!
If you enjoyed the evening, please email and get a form for next year, to make someone else proud and want to be part of the event next time.
Thank you to Nathan Mcdowell, Radfield Homecare and Country Court Care and Nursing Home for supporting me with the programmes and to Jake from Abbey Print for all the care and support you gave me throughout the last month.
A massive thanks to Jordan for making it possible for people in the Community to be able to view the event on Facebook, you did a great job Jordan.
A personal thanks goes to Gary Taylor for supporting me and at last I got that celebrity we wanted!
My final thank you must go to Richard from The Voice for everything you did throughout the last few months and for taking the photos for me on the evening, it’s been hectic as you know, thank you for supporting me throughout this year.
Thank you to you all for supporting this community event.
