Mayor's Awards

Sandra Davies was the winner of the 'Community Hero' Mayor's award. She was nominated due to the many ways in which she works so hard to help make Thornbury the warm, fun and welcoming place it is.

Sandra has created a true community pub, The Swan,  which is inclusive and caring place where everyone feels welcomed. The Swan always raises a phenomenal amount of money for charity – in 2025 alone she and her team in the Swan have raised £190,127.58

Sandra has supported many charities through fundraising in The Swan, in particular the veterans of the Armed Forces which she allocates one Saturday morning a month for in the Swan.

Sandra also hosts Thornbury Litterbusters one Saturday morning a month after their efforts to collect litter from all over the town, plus many other community groups in her upstairs room.

Sandra organises such wonderful events via Love Thornbury. One person called her ‘a true gem in Thornbury’

Sandra always supports all initiatives helping individuals and the town, and she is a true Community Hero.

For the past three years Marrie Kingscott has looked after the younger rugby teams, supporting roughly 60 families

Marrie is welcoming to new families joining Thornbury Rugby Club, from helping them navigate the app used to register for matches to finding second hand boots for children.

Marrie also organises kitchen duty at the club, co-ordinates group bookings and outings to external matches as well as development activities including training sessions with Bristol Bears and Hartpury.

Marrie’s dedication, patience and organisational skills helps the rugby club run smoothly, makes life easier for the 60 families she has supported, and has meant scores of children have had the opportunity to be part of a sports team and the rugby community – something they will carry with them for life.

Marrie does all of this on top of working full time, being a mum of three small children, and being school Governor.

Marrie, you are Thornbury's winner of the 'Individual Sport' category.

Gillian Holmes started Panache Steel Band when she was a teacher at Castle School and it has now been going for 30 years.

It was said in her nomination how her enthusiasm and commitment for teaching music has impacted so many individuals over the years.

The band is now a registered charity and has also got children and adult groups where the local community can join in too.

Panache has been able to bring entertainment, culture and fun to the Thornbury community through playing at local pubs, schools and at Thornbury events such as Fun palaces.

Panache is a registered charity and has expanded to provide local people, from adults to children, the opportunity the experience the joy of steel pans via workshops and community beginner courses.

This has involved a huge amount of work which Gill does selflessly giving up her free time regularly.

Congratulations Gillian on winning the 'Arts Facilitator' category.

Three years ago Imogen had a severe speech impediment which had destroyed her confidence and self- esteem. Her schoolteacher recommended that she join a drama group to help her voice develop, so she joined the local children's drama club 'Little Stars.'

Despite initially being very shy and finding just standing on the stage difficult she pushed herself and overcame her difficulties with speech and blossomed as a performer and with her own self confidence.

Possibly due to her previous struggles she is such a kind and supportive child; when new children join the drama group and are feeling nervous she always does her best to help them settle in.

She is very inclusive and helps to create a fun, caring, imaginative atmosphere so that every child feels confident to be themselves on stage too.

She is always keen to help to set and up and clear away at the end of each drama session so is an all round helpful member of the group.

Congratulations Imogen on being the winner of the 'Arts Youth' Mayor's Award.

L.E Riddiford is the winner of the 'Small Business Category.'

‘Riddifords’ as most locals call it, is a small shop has been at the centre of the community for many years (three generations, since 1926) and has given a fantastic service to people in the town and surrounding area

During Covid Riddifords was credited for going above and beyond what might be expected to help elderly and vulnerable customers, making their services even more valued.

They have a large range of stock but they also move with the times and currently have a good selection of gluten free product.

Riddifords try to support local events when possible.