Totnes Town Council is proud to announce the recipients of the 2025 Totnes Community Awards. Our sincere congratulations go to Alan Blake and Dee Cunnison, joint winners of the Individual Community Award. Alan was awarded the honour for making a real difference to our community by volunteering for Totnes and Dartington Football Club. Dee receives her award for also helping to make Totnes a better place to live through her involvement with Transition Town Totnes (TTT), ShareShed, Transition Homes, Resilient Lives, and other community groups in the town. We also warmly celebrate Totnes Rugby Football Club and Totnes Young Farmers Club, joint winners of the Group Community Award. These clubs are both honoured for their efforts, which have such a positive impact in our local community.
Cllr Tim Bennett, Mayor of Totnes, shared: “These awards are a heartfelt thank you to the incredible people who give their time, energy, and compassion to make Totnes a better place. To everyone who submitted a nomination – thank you. And to every nominee – thank you for the difference you make. Choosing just a few winners from so many deserving nominations was no easy task. We are grateful to you all.”
In addition, a very special Judy Westacott Award was presented to Carole Whitty for her work with Caring Town and KEVICC Dart Valley Learning Trust. It recognises and honours her remarkable and sustained contributions to the Totnes community over many years.
*Unfortunately winner Dee Cunnison was unable to attend the evening.
Earlier this year, the Council invited residents to nominate individuals and groups who go above and beyond to enrich life in Totnes. We received 20 nominations for 10 different individuals and organisations, whose inspiring work includes caring for those in need, engaging with young people and the elderly, enhancing the town’s appearance, and bringing people together through art, exercise, and sport.
Every nomination told a story of kindness, commitment, and community spirit. Councillors reviewed the submissions in April, and the winners were honoured with a pewter medal featuring the town crest during the Annual Town Meeting held yesterday (15th May 2025) at The Guildhall.
Nominees for the 2025 Totnes Community Award (Individual):
- Lynne Birch for her work in organising the 2024 Totnes Heritage Festival.
- Alan Blake who has volunteered over many years with Totnes and Dartington Football Club.
- Dee Cunnison for her involvement with Transition Town Totnes (TTT), ShareShed, Transition Homes, Resilient Lives and other community groups in the town.
- Sally Studd who has been regularly out picking up litter in Bridgetown for over three years.
- Carole Whitty for her work with Caring Town (and previously her work with KEVICC Dart Valley Learning Trust.)
Nominees for the 2025 Totnes Community Award (Group):
- St John’s Church Cafe
- Stepping Stones Food Bank
- Totnes Gardens
- Totnes Rugby Football Club
- Totnes Young Farmers Club
The Judy Westacott Award carries on the tradition of the Lifetime Achievement Award, renamed in Judy’s honour for her dedication to the people of Totnes. Judy Westacott MBE was known for her leadership, compassion, and tireless service to the community, and the renaming of the award serves as a tribute to her legacy.