On 10th March 2025, the awards for citizen of the year were given to our winners as follows:
Barbara Waters - Citizen of the Year for her for her voluntary work including litter picking, and being an active member of the Community Speedwatch Team. Barbara is also a volunteer at St Clare Hospice in Hastingwood.
Aspire, Support, Learn (ASL) - Community / Charity Group of the year. Awarded to Aspire, Support, Learn (ASL) in recognition of the charitable work undertaken. ASL are based in Hastingwood Village Hall and one of the projects is ‘Bridget’s Tea Room’ where they have various sessions open to the community for light lunch, tea, coffee, cake etc., which is prepared on the day. The Tea Room Clients are offered work-based training in the kitchen and hall to help with their educational needs and physical disabilities. The local community are welcomed to the Tea Room and often entertainment is offered too. They are a brilliant group of people who work enthusiastically together. Their aim is to offer a first class, friendly experience to visitors while they are training.
The 3rd North Weald Scout Group - Youth Community / Charity Group of the year. Awarded to 3rd North Weald Scout Group who turn up year in, year out, to the Parish Council’s Service of Remembrance and Thanksgiving at the Debt of Honour, without fail, regardless of the weather. The group take great pride in what they do.
GreenAcres Living Memorial Park - Best Community contribution from a Local business.
Awarded to GreenAcres Living Memorial Park in recognition of the business encouraging visitors to enjoy walking around the park, which is open to all members of the community. The staff show an extremely professional and friendly attitude to the public. GreenAcres is supportive of events which benefit North Weald residents.
The nominations received for the Community Group/Charity of the Year category were of a very high standard and Runner-up certificates have been awarded to North Weald Women’s Institute and to the Hastingwood Village Hall Management Committee.
PC Andy Cook received a Special Recognition Award for his support of the community and Parish Council.