Celebrating Swale's heroes at the civic awards

Swale’s community heroes were recognised and celebrated at this year’s Civic Award ceremony yesterday.

Every year Swale Borough Council asks the public to nominate residents who work tirelessly to better their communities, with the mayor and judging panel honouring them with awards.

Tim Force, Paul Oxberry, Kieren Payne, Jenny Hurkett, were awarded the Civic Award which commends their efforts to make Swale a better place.

Philip Le Masonry won the Mayor’s Lifetime Achievement Award which recognises a person’s lifelong commitment to helping others, through his work with St John Ambulance on the Isle of Sheppey.

Keeley Beaney, Paul Chapman, Mark Cooke, Craig Day, Megan Burney have also all been given the Highly Commended Award, thanking and recognising them for their selfless community work.

The mayor gave out the Mayor’s Special Award to Denise Knights for her work with young people transforming lives across the Isle of Sheppey through her work with Launch It at Masters House.

A team award was given to Faversham Hopper Bus for their much needed and appreciated bus service, that makes sure no one is left isolated within their community.

While certificates of thanks were presented to Sheppey Pulse Network, Sheerness Town Team, Mary Culver, Julie Nicholls for their invaluable contributions to their communities.

Cllr Karen Watson, who presented the awards as the outgoing Mayor of Swale, said:

“Across Swale – in our towns, parishes, neighbourhoods and villages – there are individuals and groups who work quietly and tirelessly, often without recognition, to make life better for others.

“Whether through volunteering, community leadership, mutual support, creativity, or acts of kindness, their contributions strengthen the social fabric of our borough and remind us of the power of community spirit.

“These awards are the mayor’s opportunity, on behalf of the Council and the people of Swale, to say a heartfelt thank you.

“They recognise service that makes a difference – service that supports the vulnerable, brings people together, inspires pride of place, and helps our communities to thrive.”

Highly commended

Keeley Beaney – works tirelessly to support women affected by domestic abuse, providing not only practical assistance, but also empathy, reassurance and a strong voice for those who need it most. She works with some of the most vulnerable women in Swale, ensuring they feel heard, supported and empowered at what can be the most difficult moments in their lives.

Paul Chapman - gives significant time, energy and commitment as an active member of the Faversham Carnival Committee working 
tirelessly behind the scenes to help ensure the continued success of the Carnival. His fundraising efforts help support wider community initiatives, including Faversham’s Christmas lights, bringing festive joy to residents.

Mark Cooke – serves Kent’s rural communities, particularly on the Isle of Sheppey, as a Special Sergeant, giving extensive voluntary time to high visibility patrols in challenging and remote locations, often working single crewed. His sound judgement, confidence and proactive approach have contributed significantly to public safety and crime reduction.

Craig Day - Through his voluntary role as a Community First Responder, he gives his time in the most critical moments — responding to medical emergencies, often arriving before an ambulance, and providing lifesaving care and reassurance when it is needed most. Alongside this, he volunteers with the local Sea Cadets, where he supports and trains young people.

Megan Burney - has devoted countless hours to supporting children, young people and adults across our community. She gives her time freely — as a leader in youth groups and Sea Scouts, as a volunteer supporting emergency services, as a mentor in schools, and as a young carer within her own family.

Civic award

Tim Force - has shown unwavering dedication to inclusive football, developing a programme that now supports hundreds of young people who might otherwise struggle to access sport. Through his leadership, inclusive teams have flourished, creating safe,
welcoming and supportive spaces where players can build confidence, friendships and a true sense of belonging.

Paul Oxberry - established an outdoor learning space that has grown into a welcoming, safe and inspiring environment for people of all ages. While it offers team building and recreational activities, its greatest value lies in the time he gives freely to others — particularly to local young people.

Kieren Payne - stepped forward to help elderly and disabled residents in Minster who were facing distressing treatment and uncertainty about their homes. He worked tirelessly to challenge unfair treatment, helping residents to live with dignity and peace of mind in their final years.

Jenny Hurkett - has been a driving force in restoring pride in Sheppey’s culture, heritage and tourism. Best known for bringing an unloved building in Blue Town, The Criterion, back to life as a vibrant music hall and heritage centre. She has worked tirelessly to uncover, preserve and share the island’s  remarkable stories - alongside launching a month-long Festival of Sheppey.

Mayor’s Lifetime Achievement Award

Philip Le Masonry - has given his time, skills and heart through his work with St John Ambulance on the Isle of Sheppey. A constant and reassuring presence, he supported volunteers and the wider community alike — teaching every lesson, mentoring adults and youth cadets, and ensuring the highest standards of first aid training and care.

Mayor’s Special Award

Denise Knights - has worked tirelessly to support young people — mentoring them, building their confidence, and helping them
recognise their own worth and potential. Through her work at Launch It, Masters House, she has created safe, affordable and welcoming spaces where young people and aspiring entrepreneurs can develop skills, pursue their passions and turn ideas into reality.

Team Award

Faversham Hopper Bus – formed when vital bus routes serving rural and isolated communities were withdrawn, many people were left
struggling to reach shops, medical appointments and essential services. In response, a community run solution was created — and at its heart is a dedicated team of volunteer drivers who give their time freely to ensure others are not left isolated.

Certificate of Thanks

Sheppey Pulse Network – provides practical support through donation drives, energy assistance and welcome packs, alongside inclusive community events that bring people together and reduce isolation.

Sheerness Town Team - has focused on improving the appearance and experience of the Sheerness Town Centre, increasing footfall, supporting local traders and creating opportunities for people to come together. Through seasonal events, community activities and town centre campaigns, they have promoted civic pride, participation and a renewed sense of place.

Julie Nicholls - founded a local community radio station, working tirelessly to build a trusted platform that brings people together, reduces isolation and gives a voice to those who might otherwise go unheard. Through determination and resilience, she has grown a small community  project into a vital local institution rooted in inclusion, support and connection.

Mary Culver - through her voluntary work, she gives her time freely to create welcoming, safe and supportive spaces for others. As an active ally and volunteer, she plays an important role in helping people feel respected, valued and included, particularly those within the LGBTQ+ community. Alongside this, her commitment to community radio helps amplify local voices, share vital information and bring people together.

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