On 5 July 2025, at the Jockey Club Rooms in Newmarket, the town celebrated its community heroes at the 5th annual Newmarket Community Awards.
The event—Alan Shand’s brainchild, supported by his wife Christine and Newmarket Charitable Foundation—was hosted in the stunning surroundings of The Jockey Club and generously supported by Newmarket Town Council, Godolphin, Rossdale’s, Tattersalls, The British Racing School, Newmarket Equine Hospital, Tesco, The National Horseracing Museum, Goldings and the Newmarket Journal.
Awards were kindly presented by Grand National winning jockey, Bob Champion, Olympic walker Calum Wilkinson, and Robert Rous, Vice‑Lord Lieutenant of Suffolk.
Nominations were made by members of the public from Newmarket and surrounding villages and communities, across ten categories.
The night celebrated acts of kindness, dedication, and positive change in our local area.
Winners & Runners‑Up
Fundraising Award
Winner: Paul Greenwood – revitalised Royal British Legion Newmarket branch
Runner‑up: Friends of Newmarket Day Centre
Super‑Server Award
Winner: Mary Sheridan, Teaching Assistant at St Louis Catholic Academy (over 50 years’ service)
Runners‑up: Kim Coward & Ella Mackay, The Rocking Rabbit
Neighbour/Carer Award
Winner: Shirley Anderson – long-standing foster carer in Studlands Park
Inspiration Award
Winner: Emma Joy‑Staines – co-founder of amputee charity Steel Bones, supporting over 1,400 amputees
Volunteer Award
Winner: June Curtis – long-term volunteer at The Racing Centre
Runner‑up: Cassie Byford – leader of the 6th Newmarket Brownies
Community Organisation Award
Winner: Lightwave (Red Lodge) – providing foodbank support, children’s activities, and access to grants
Runners‑up: Kevin & Penny Goldsack, landlords of The George & Dragon, Snailwell
Diversity Award
Winner: Jane Buick – for her advocacy on autism awareness through Racing in Autism, nominated by Kettlefields Primary School
Special Recognition Award
Winner: Penny Taylor – founder of Newmarket Pony Academy at the British Racing School, supporting over 500 young people a year. Her award was presented by three graduates of the programme.
Alan Shand, who created the awards five years ago, said: “It’s always humbling to hear the stories of people who give so much of themselves to others. These awards were created to recognise and thank those who go the extra mile for their community, and once again this year’s nominees and winners have shown the incredible spirit and generosity that make Newmarket such a special place to live.”
For a full report, go to Newmarket Journal.
Image credit – Newmarket Journal
