Buckinghamshire volunteers honoured after nearly 250 nominations

By the hiyastar.co.uk editorial team

Buckinghamshire volunteers, community groups and local organisations have been recognised at the 2026 Proud of Bucks Awards after nearly 250 nominations were submitted from across the county.

The ceremony took place on Monday, 1 June, during National Volunteers’ Week. Sponsored by The Clare Foundation, the annual awards highlight people and groups whose work supports residents through local projects, youth opportunities, environmental action, wellbeing support and efforts to reduce isolation.

Winners named across Buckinghamshire

This year’s winners included Switch Lanes CIC, which received the Newcomer Award, and Oscar Boyson, named Young Volunteer of the Year. Marieke Bosman won the Environmental Impact Award, while Amy Scullard was recognised with the Improving Health and Wellbeing Award.

Slapton Lunch Club, represented by Margaret Newton, received the Reducing Social Isolation Award. Wooburn and Bourne End Parish Council won the Town and Parish Council Community Award, and Chalfont St Peter Community Library received the Community Connectedness Award.

St Mary’s CS School Young Carers Group was named winner of the School/College Community Contribution Award. Michelle Robinson-Boyce received Volunteer of the Year, while Clare Clarke was given the Lifetime Achievement Award.

Community work behind the awards

Buckinghamshire Council said judging panels reviewed nominations across the categories before selecting winners for grassroots volunteering, community projects and long-standing service. The nominations covered work such as running lunch clubs, creating inclusive spaces, mentoring young people and strengthening neighbourhood links.

The awards also sit within a wider pattern of local civic recognition, with other areas using community service awards to draw attention to residents who give sustained time to public life.

Steve Bowles, Buckinghamshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities, said the nominees showed “compassion, dedication and innovation” across the county. Mike Clare, Founder and President of The Clare Foundation, said the stories behind the nominations showed the difference community action can make to people’s lives.

Source: Buckinghamshire Council