Over fifty inspiring individuals, groups and businesses have been recognised in Richmond’s 2020 Community Heroes’ Awards.

Richmond Council received over 200 nominations for this year’s competition, which celebrates locals going the extra mile to make their community a better place.

This year's awards took on the additional role of recognising the huge local response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Nominations for the ten categories range from environmental projects to sporting activities, community initiatives and charity trustees.

The winners are:

  • Business Contribution in the Community: The Angel & Crown
  • Community Group of the Year: Richmond upon Thames Neighbourhood Care Groups
  • Community Project of the Year: SPADE gardening project
  • Environmental Award: Ian George Andrews
  • Helping Hands: Ginny Spittle 
  • Outstanding Sporting Achievement: Richmond Parkrun
  • Young Person Achievement: George Muderack
  • Trustee of the Year: Robert Bollen
  • Outstanding Volunteer: No winner could be selected for this category, all have been sent certificates of commendation.
  • The Lifetime Achievement award has been given posthumously to Howard Greenwood, Chairman and Music director of the Richmond Concert Society.

Cllr Michael Wilson, Cabinet Member for Equality, Communities and the Voluntary Sector said: 

“It should be a badge of pride and honour for this borough that each year we see such a staggering breadth of work done by our residents, expecting nothing in return, to make their communities a better place to in which to live.  

“Whether you give of your time as an individual or a group, the time commitment and motivation is significant. This is a chance for us to show our gratitude to you for all that you do, especially during this year which has provided many challenges for us all.”

All those shortlisted have been sent a certificate, as well as the winners who have been written to by Cllr Michael Wilson.

There will be no celebration event currently due to COVID-19 restrictions.