The winners of the 2026 Malmesbury Civic Awards have been announced and recipients honoured at a gala event at the Town Hall on the 22nd April 2026.
These awards celebrate individuals and groups who have made exceptional and enduring contributions to the local community over the last 12 months within the areas of Malmesbury, Cowbridge, Burton Hill, Common Road, Foxley Road and Filands.
Malmesbury Mayor Cllr Stephen James presented everyone with their awards.
He said: “It’s wonderful to celebrate those who give their time, expertise and energy to the betterment of our community. Their efforts show how deeply caring so many people are about Malmesbury and the surrounding areas and the good works which happen on a daily basis and which are often unseen. It’s a privilege to honour these local heroes.”
The Malmesbury Civic Awards honour outstanding community members across various categories, including Citizen of the Year (26+), Young Citizen of the Year (16-25), Junior Citizen of the Year (under 16), Organisation or Group of the Year, 10 Year Service Volunteer Contribution Certificates, Young Sports Person of the Year (25 and under), in honour of local personality and sports man Leon Pretorius, and the Mayor’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
Nominated community heroes gathered to witness the unveiling of the winners.
The winners for The Malmesbury Civic Awards 2026:
Lorena and Arabella McCallum – Junior Citizen of the Year. The sisters, aged just six and eight, have donated their birthday presents for the last two years to the local charity HEALS to help others who might not get presents, and for litter picking in the community.
Henry Porter – Young Citizen of the Year. Henry was nominated for his dedication, leadership, and community spirit. Working towards Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award, he demonstrated resilience and commitment, while his voluntary work teaching first aid has made a meaningful impact within the local community. Henry represents GB in martial arts taking part in competitions abroad, and has spent three years in the cadets. He also serves as a Young Leader for the Malmesbury Athelstan Scout Troop.
Jude Peters – Young Sports Person of the Year (the Leon Pretorious Award). Jude was nominated for his dedicated to motorsports. In 2023, aged 15 he entered and won the Ginetta Junior Scholarship after learning to drive on a simulator in his room at home. He won the freshman championship in his first year and now competes in the Ligier European Series where he has stood on podiums including Le Mans and has celebrated wins at Spa Francorchamps. His aim is to climb the ladder to the World Endurance Championship; the next step is LMP3. He has achieved this while studying for A-Levels at Malmesbury Sixth Form.
Lesley Crawford-Price, Richard Dodridge, Mary Firth, Sue Poole, Sue Poolman and Lesley Wilson – 10 Year Service Volunteer Contribution Certificates
Malmesbury League of Friends – Organisation of the Year. The organisation was nominated for an exceptional and lasting impact on wellbeing in Malmesbury through providing funding for medical equipment, defibrillators and supporting other local services and charities.
Campbell Ritchie, former mayor and active volunteer around a range of community projects – Citizen of the Year. Campbell was nominated for his selfless work on Malmesbury Town Team, as a local councillor and for his work and coordination of the hugely successful Athelstan 1100 project in 2023 and 2024.
The winner of the Paul Smith Mayor’s Lifetime Achievement Award was the Reverend Oliver Ross of Malmesbury Abbey because he has led the Abbey with grace and diplomacy. He has been an important part of Churches Together in Malmesbury (CTiM) which has encouraged joint services and co-operation between churches for charity fund raising. He has encouraged Community involvement with the Abbey with schools and concerts and numerous events taking place monthly, while the café and bookshop have flourished. He is a huge supporter of town events and a constant promotor of Malmesbury Abbey and the town’s history.
Mayor Cllr. Stephen James said “Oliver is a well-known personality in town and is very supportive to any individual who approaches him, giving freely of his time and energy to all, leaving little for himself. He epitomises kindness and humanity, and Malmesbury is very fortunate to have benefitted from part of his lifetime of service.
Many thanks to Richard Harris for the photographs - download below.
