I am so pleased to have been invited to act as Master of Ceremonies again for November 11, having also hosted the 2023 and 2024 awards.
I have been personally inspired and moved by the stories I have heard and the personalities who created them.
My hope is that in 2025 more of you will want to champion your heroes by nominating them and by coming along on the night itself to be part the excitement.
We really want to recognise these often quiet contributors, because they give us the inspiration do the unexpected ourselves.
My own background includes being 2 time president of Wokingham Toastmasters, a Trustee of Wokingham United Charities (“The Charity Champions”) and founding www.wokinghampositivedifference.co.uk in 2016, but my day job is as running Hobbs Granger Roitt, Chartered Certified Accountants. It is with those last 2 roles in mind, that both my teams are pleased to be sponsors for the Community Business of the Year Award.
The real strength of Wokingham is in its community, enshrined in the work many of you have supported via the development and now the delivery pathway for the Communities Vision Strategy 2035.
It is in the impressive way people from business, volunteering organisations, local government and our hard-working MPs, collectively make a positive difference which inspires me the most in a place recently voted 3rd best place in the country to live.
That community is underpinned by the massive contribution of the Wokingham.Today team, which plays a vital part in communicating news of collaborations.
The accountant in me knows how critical teamwork is, even for the smallest business. We need great supply chains, excellent advisors, staff who care, customers who become fans.
I hope the Community Business award will help us focus and showcase people who are successful in their field, but who are creating positivity way beyond their front door.
I would offer you WADE on Peach Street, Richard Young Arts Gallery in Denmark Street, and Blandy and Blandy in Market Place, not forgetting previous winners, Kimel Café on Evendons Lane as just 4 to start with (I walk a lot around Wokingham Town Centre!).
They will certainly be on my own short list, but I hope readers will ensure they have plenty of competition from across the borough. The Paper reports great stories week after week, there is plenty of ammunition.
All nomination, groups, individuals or businesses must be located within the Wokingham Borough.
To enter is simple … all you need to do is fill in the nominations form below and submit.
Our judging panel will then meet to devise a shortlist. Those on it will be notified before the awards night so they can attend and enjoy celebrating the great and good of Wokingham Borough.
We look forward to hearing your amazing stories.
Keep up to date with Wokingham Today in print and online to hear more about the awards, including meeting the judges and hosts.
Nomination Categories:
Community Project of the year
Are you a group of individuals who have come together to make a difference in your local community, please tell us why and what you’ve managed to achieve.
Community Business of the year
Sponsored by Wokingham Positive Difference
We are looking for a local business who has committed to improving the local community in a positive way.
Charity Fundraiser of the year
Sponsored by Blandy & Blandy
Have you raised funds for a local charity, we want to hear why and how you’ve done this and the difference it’s made.
Young Hero of the year
Sponsored by Maison Estate Agents
Aged up to including 16 what have you done be a local hero within the community? It could be helping a neighbour or local charity.
Community Volunteer of the year
Sponsored by AB Walker
What have you volunteered for in your local community and what difference has it made?
Neighbour of the year
Sponsored by David Cliff
We all need a good neighbour so tell us your story of how you’ve been helping that someone next door.
Environmental champion of the year
How have you kept your local area environmentally friendly? From clearing rubbish to championing changing behaviour, we want to hear.
Community carer of the year
Sponsored by Alexandra Grange Care Home
Are you caring for a partner, family member or friend who needs help because of their illness, frailty, disability, a mental health problem or an addiction, let’s hear your amazing story of selfish helping
Community Sports Coach of the year
This award is for an outstanding coach, who has significantly increased the sport and physical activity opportunities available and participation levels within their sports club, community group or community sport hub and has contributed to the skill development of the people they coach.
Sportsperson of the year
Sponsored by Bathroom Concepts
This could be any age, we want to hear from those special sports people who have been achieving amazing results in their local communities.
NOMINATIONS FORM
All nominations to be received no later than October 31st 2025.
