Inspiring heroes have been recognised for their devotion and positive contributions to the local community at the Mayor of Hertsmere’s Civic Awards Ceremony 2025/2026.
The annual awards recognise the outstanding performance, activities and dedication of people and groups living and working in our local communities, who voluntarily give their time to improve the lives of Hertsmere residents.
Mayor, Councillor Alpha Bird Collins, presented eight awards to worthy winners from across the borough at a glittering ceremony on Sunday 19 April at the DoubleTree by Hilton London Elstree.
Councillor Alpha Bird Collins, Mayor of Hertsmere said:
Over the past year, I have had the privilege of meeting so many remarkable individuals—residents, volunteers, local business owners, and community leaders—each of whom contributes in their own way to making our borough such a vibrant place to live. This was a fantastic opportunity, and I am filled with gratitude, pride, and a deep sense of humility to meet the different individuals and groups who have been recognised for their hard work and contribution to society. They include charity founders, volunteers and community campaigners who demonstrate the rich cultural diversity of our residents.
Here are the winners of this year’s eight Civic Awards:
Borehamwood Vigil Team for their response to the 7 October attacks, combined passion and commitment to raising awareness of the plight of the hostages held by Hamas, and creating an oasis of calm and cohesion in the heart of the borough. Through their compassion, they have provided a much stronger and unified community.
Bhaktivedanta Manor Community Care for the service provided by their ‘meals on wheels’ and ‘friendship group’ projects. They provide 150 meals every day of the week with the friendship group helping people overcome loneliness and isolation. They cover a large area, providing food, interaction and a sense of community. A friendship group runs once a week, to provide a chance to interact with others.
Shrimad Rajchandra Mission Dharampur for their health and wellbeing work, including Cuppa and Catch up, yoga, hot meals, and ‘knit for a cause‘ project. These projects work towards combating social isolation, providing healthy meals and helping to keep residents active. They provide fortnightly gatherings within the community, which gives people the opportunity to socialise with others.
Natasha Courtney for her charity campaigning work raising money for, and supporting, local causes and her voluntary work with Essex and Herts Air Ambulance service. Natasha is currently raising money for a defibrillator in South Mimms. She goes the extra mile during important holidays to support local children, also providing them with gifts. Natasha will help those in need, no matter their situation.
Borehamwood Foodbank for supporting local people in difficult circumstances by distributing food to residents and providing financial and holistic support to those in greatest need. Over the past year alone they have helped over seven thousand families, by preparing, providing and distributing food. Their key mission is to not only provide food, but to provide a safe space and holistic support during a difficult time.
Charlotte Omoaka, a volunteer at the BECC Family Centre, for her hard work and commitment creating and running a group to support babies and their families to connect and bond. Charlotte has created the group herself and is described as a ‘powerhouse’ - she has given back to the community by pouring passion and pride into the classes.
A Youth Civic Award was awarded to Amelie Supran for her work on the Elstree and Borehamwood Youth Council. Amelie has led a campaign to encourage people to walk journeys under one mile and cycle journeys that are under two miles, and has also focused on bee and bat boxes, to help the natural environment.
In addition, The Dave Rankin Award for community safety was presented to Sue Blackley from Hertsmere Volunteer Police Cadets for being an integral part of our community provision. Sue’s dedication has helped her cadets thrive, creating a happy and enthusiastic environment.
Each award winner’s story is available to watch on YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/@HertsmereBC