Tideswell Parish Council 2026 Community Awards Winners

Tideswell Parish Council was delighted to host the 2026 Community Awards in May, celebrating the many individuals and groups who make such a positive difference across our village and parish. We would like to sincerely thank everyone who took the time to submit nominations and everyone who attended to support the event. One of the loveliest parts of the awards is seeing just how many people quietly give their time to help others without ever seeking recognition. For more information about the awards and the volunteerism, visit www.tideswellvillagevoice.co.uk.

Millie and Sam Barlow, Glenys Hughes, Mandy Halsey, Dave Greenan, Andrew Batty, Erif Williams, Maxine O’Connell, Adrian Williams, Christine and David Billups, Kath Longden, Craig Read and Paul Andrew, Carol Newton, Tideswell Kitchen Garden Team: Cherry Atkinson, Jen and Bill Bramwell, Josie Kilner, Kate Maltby, Ethan, Emma, and Lucy Williams; Elise, Elodie, and Caleb Rose; Ros Jones, Beth Lawrence; Elin, Ellis, Alfie, and Emmy Williams. Elin Williams, Lynne Burns and the Village View Farm volunteers, Nicky Whittle, and Andrew Turner

On a sadder note, Tideswell Parish Council would like to express its concern and disappointment at the ongoing vandalism and anti-social behavior taking place at the village play areas and public facilities.

The recreation ground is something the community should be proud of. Over £120,000 was raised to install the park at Richard Lane and create an enjoyable space for local children and families. Unfortunately, over the last year we have seen repeated incidents including rubbish and debris being strewn across the site, spikes deliberately wedged into the ground near equipment, attempted fires, dog mess smeared on play equipment, and most recently explicit graffiti painted across the picnic benches.

Sadly, similar issues are also occurring at the public toilets — facilities which the Parish Council is currently working hard to raise funds to refurbish and improve for the benefit of residents and visitors alike.

While we appreciate that the actions of a small minority do not reflect the wider community, the continual need for cleaning, repairs and maintenance places unnecessary pressure on parish funds and resources — money that could otherwise be spent on improving facilities for everyone.

We would ask parents and guardians to please speak with children and young people about respecting community spaces and the impact this behaviour has on others. Going forward, incidents of vandalism and anti-social behaviour will continue to be reported to police where appropriate. We are looking at suitable monitoring measures for the sites.

Tideswell is a wonderful place to live, and the recent Community Awards highlighted just how many people give their time, care and effort to support the village and others within it. We hope the community will continue to work together to help protect and look after these valued spaces for everyone to enjoy.