Celebrations at the Community Champion Awards

The Community Champion Awards are an opportunity to say thank you to people who have done something special for their local community and honour those individuals and community groups who have gone above and beyond to support residents throughout West Berkshire this year.

Winners and highly commended nominees joined us last Friday (13 February) at Shaw House to receive their awards and celebrate their achievements.

We're delighted to announce that our 2025 Community Champions are:

• Volunteer of the Year: Mike Karasinski
• Community Group of the Year: Cold Ash Countryside Volunteers
• Lifetime Achievement Award: Tim Barton

The judges were impressed with the quality of nominations. As a result, there were several Highly Commended nominees across the categories.

Cllr Tony Vickers, Chairman of West Berkshire Council said:

"The Community Champion Awards are always a fantastic event. We were thrilled to receive so many different nominations and the panel found it incredibly challenging to choose the winners. Thank you to everyone who made a nomination and those who were nominated."

Volunteer of the Year

This award recognises and awards an individual volunteer who has made an outstanding contribution to the district of West Berkshire and its residents.

Winner: Mike Karasinski

Mike is a dedicated mental health nurse who founded and runs NaDDS, a neurodivergent men's support group that provides a safe, understanding space for connection and wellbeing. His leadership empathy has created life changing support for dozens of local men and families.

Highly Commended: Sue Bennett

Sue Bennett has led and coordinated the Run Together team, creating an inclusive, supportive community that promotes wellbeing through exercise. Her commitment has inspired hundreds of people, expanded mental health support, and built a strong, compassionate network. The award was collected on Sue's behalf by Rachel Peters.

Highly Commended: David Hamilton

David Hamilton has made an outstanding contribution. From leading Thatcham Rugby Club to supporting veterans, health groups and vulnerable young people, he consistently brings people together, champions inclusion, and creates safe, supportive spaces across the community.

Community Group of the Year

This award recognises and rewards a community group which has made an exceptional contribution to the district of West Berkshire and its residents.

Winner: Cold Ash Countryside Volunteers

The volunteer team at the Wildlife Allotment Garden has transformed a previously inaccessible 7.4‑acre site into a thriving, biodiverse community space enjoyed by residents and visitors. Their ongoing work improves wellbeing, encourages social connection, and supports education, all for their local community.

Highly Commended: Carebus Community Transport

Carebus is a volunteer‑run community transport service providing affordable, accessible travel for elderly, disabled, vulnerable, and isolated people where other transport options are unavailable. Operating seven days a week for over 40 years, Carebus also supports community groups and fosters independence, social connection, and wellbeing across local parishes.

Highly Commended: Bradfield Village Hall and Associated Communities

Through dedicated volunteer work, successful fundraising and careful oversight of the redevelopment, they have revitalised a key local asset, strengthened community connections, and created a welcoming space that supports social, cultural and wellbeing activities for residents of all ages.

Lifetime Achievement

This award recognises the outstanding contribution made by an individual to the district of West Berkshire and its residents. The exceptional dedication and commitment of this person will have had a considerable impact in the area and achieved positive results.

Winner: Tim Barton

Tim Barton has spent more than 45 years supporting his community in and around Newbury through an extraordinary range of voluntary roles. From chairing school governing bodies and fundraising committees to coaching youth groups, assisting disabled people and working with the Bruce Trust, volunteering at the Repair Café and leading the Volunteer Centre for a decade.

Highly Commended: Robert Wyatt

Robert Wyatt has dedicated over 50 years to serving his community as a parish councillor in Bradfield, bringing unmatched local knowledge, compassion, and consistency to his role. Bob continues to embody community spirit at 92. His commitment extends beyond governance, with his family's annual Christmas light display raising thousands for charity.

The nominations for the Community Champion Awards 2026 will open later this year.