Individuals and groups who go the extra mile for others were recognised in the 2026 Mayor’s Community Awards.

Outgoing Mayor Caroline Nickinson presented the following Weymouth volunteers with their certificates:

Sue Prescott has worked tirelessly over many years on community projects all around Weymouth. Whilst a school governor, over 20 years ago, Sue was involved in setting up Weymouth’s first walking bus. Sue joined the Board of Weymouth Area Development Trust in 2018, and worked with Chris Wilson to bring community projects alive that would benefit Weymouth.

She worked on the Weymouth Coastal Community Team, and partnered up to win the Coastal Community Fund for Weymouth. Sue was a committed and strong Chair through the change to a unitary authority and the Weymouth Quay Regeneration Project.

One of the first projects she supported was the “Weymouth Connected” project that helped develop the training handbook for the Digital Champions volunteers, now linked to the libraries. Sue was also involved in the project development of Tumbledown Farm. Her contribution to Weymouth has been huge, and unsung.

With more than 30 years’ service, Eric Coetzee is Weymouth Museum’s longest serving volunteer. His contribution, commitment and professionalism is highly valued by the museum.

Alan Hale – in recognition of over 55 years of voluntary commitment to the Royal Life Saving Society, a national charity that relies on dedicated local volunteers to promote lifesaving skills and community safety. Across Weymouth and the surrounding area, Alan has delivered free defibrillator and community CPR training sessions to countless groups and organisations.

He also runs numerous free “open access” public courses, ensuring that anyone, regardless of background or means, can learn skills that save lives. Alan’s dedication has made Weymouth a safer place to live, work and visit.

Nigel Sherry – in recognition of his commitment to keeping the area around Bincombe Valley Primary School, and the surrounding neighbourhood, clean and tidy. He has been involved in a number of projects to beautify the Littlemoor area, all voluntarily and in his own time.

Liz Bartlett and Richard Sloan – Liz and Richard have been nominated in recognition of their dedication and commitment to two churches, St Ann’s and St Aldhelm’s. Their leadership has fostered a spirit of unity and peace, ensuring that the churches remain a welcoming sanctuary for all.

They have led, and continue to lead, the team of volunteers with great care and compassion. The community, both in the Radipole churches, and the wider town, would be much poorer were it not for the dedication of residents like Liz and Richard.

Sue Hogben (unable to attend on the night), was nominated in recognition of her dedication and commitment to Radipole Park and Gardens. Sue brings together history, horticulture and community spirit in a way that few people could. Her deep knowledge of Radipole’s past, and her commitment to sharing it, has helped countless residents appreciate the heritage of the park.

At the same time, she is there with her hands in the soil, designing planting schemes, nurturing cuttings, and keeping the gardens thriving through traditional and sustainable methods. The Sensory Garden, which she envisioned and helped bring to life, has become a treasured space for reflection and calm. It is a testament to her creativity, compassion and determination.

And Youth Councillor of the Year goes to Bethany-Mae Paice (Beth) for her role as Chair of the Weymouth’s Youth Council. For representing young people of the town, and for supporting the other members of the Youth Council in numerous events and community projects they have initiated.

Weymouth volunteers were also honoured for helping the following organisations:

Weymouth Museum Trust Volunteers were nominated in recognition of their dedication to the museum. Without their commitment, the museum could not function. This award goes some way to demonstrating how these Weymouth volunteers are valued across the community.

Nothe Fort Volunteers were nominated in recognition of their commitment and dedication to maintaining and improving the fort, and to staging exhibitions and events for the benefit of both the local community and visitors to Weymouth.

In particular, in 2025, the volunteers of Nothe Fort went over and above, and opened the fort for an additional month in order to host the Standing with Giants: A Falklands Tribute exhibition, attracting nearly 8,000 visitors, including over 800 Falkland Islands Conflict veterans and their families.

Secret Behind The Smile were nominated in recognition of the Weymouth volunteers’ commitment to supporting, comforting, and providing information to those living with stoma, helping to reduce isolation, raise awareness and re-build body confidence for those adjusting to life with an ostomy.

Weymouth Angling Society has been nominated in recognition of over 125 years of the society encouraging and supporting line fishing by all age groups and chairman Dave Lane accepted the award.