Shipley Town Council proudly recognised volunteers across Shipley at this year’s Annual Town Meeting by presenting its first ever Community Awards—an inspiring celebration of the people and organisations who make Shipley a vibrant, caring, and forward-looking town.
The Council was overwhelmed by the breadth and quality of nominations received. From grassroots volunteers to local businesses, the nominees reflect the incredible diversity and dedication that underpin community life in Shipley. Every nominee has made a meaningful contribution, and the Council extends its heartfelt thanks to all who were nominated and those who took the time to submit nominations.
The awards were created to recognise outstanding contributions across ten categories, each aligned with the Council’s strategic aims and legal duties.
Here is the full list of inspiring nominees:
- Adam Clerkin –former Chair of Shipley Town Board and Director at Carnauld Metalbox.
- Andy Watmuff – For inclusive leadership of “Dip your toe” at Shipley Pool.
- Barry Cooper – Leader of the Business Watch scheme and longstanding retailer.
- Ben Verdeyen – Volunteer with Shipley Memories dementia support group.
- Administrators of BD18 Community Facebook Group – For making events, businesses, and news accessible.
- Catherine Simes – For 15-minute Shipley, Instameets, and the Shipley Calendar.
- Dawn Coleman – For leading the Shipley Area School Uniform Support initiative.
- Dina Plowes – For volunteering at numerous Saltaire village events, hedgehog rescue, and Shipley Glen Tramway.
- Staff of Energy Mills – For providing welcoming facilities to improve health.
- Hugh Firman – For social inclusion and community events, Chair of Shipley Christians Together.
- Invictus Wellbeing Shipley – For improving mental health and wellbeing of children and teenagers.
- Jen Dyer – For numerous environmental activities including Old Spring Wood Meadow.
- Katie Shepherd – Leads Creative Zone, a monthly art-journaling workshop for LGBTQ+ people. Co-producer of the Shipley Eco Fair 2024.
- Maggie Smith – For dedicated leadership of the Saltaire Collection.
- Matthew Veal – For work with the Shipley Memories dementia support group.
- Muhammad Bilal – Longstanding volunteer for Cancer Research UK (Shipley Branch).
- Nicky Austin – Leads the Saltaire WI Gardening Group and maintains local church gardens
- Nicola Murray – Leads KYND, combining community arts and youth work.
- Rachael Dennis – For help and support to people in the community.
- Science Explorers – Provides STEM classes for home-educated and SEND students.
- Scraptastic – Raises awareness of creative reuse of materials.
- Shipley Underground Market – A friendly and accessible space offering good value, promoting the town and supporting community initiatives.
- St Walburga’s Shipley Filipino Choir – Inspiring people through hymns from Filipino culture.
- Tom Chilton –Supporter of community initiatives including Shipley in Bloom and owner of The Bothy Café.
- Tricia Farren – Co-producer of the Shipley Eco Fair 2024.
- Val Harris – Leads the Northcliffe Allotments Society.
We are proud to announce the following winners in each award category:
- Contribution to the Local Economy – Shipley Underground Market
- Contribution to Arts and Culture – Catherine Simes
- Contribution to Community Engagement and Inclusion – Dina Plowes
- Contribution to Improving Health – Andy Watmuff
- Contribution to Reducing Inequality – Dawn Coleman
- Contribution to Cleaning Up the Tow – Nicky Austin
- Contribution to Education and Learning – Nicola Murray
- Contribution to Improving Biodiversity – Jen Dyer
- Contribution to Reducing Crime – Barry Cooper
- Contribution to Conserving the Town’s Heritage – Maggie Smith
Winners were presented with a framed print of Shipley Clock Tower as a token of thanks for their contributions to the town.Shipley Town Council extends heartfelt thanks to everyone who took the time to nominate and to everyone who continues to make Shipley a better place to live, work, and visit.
