Hertsmere's unsung heroes have been recognised for their efforts and long-standing service at the council’s annual Civic Awards.

From community champions, volunteers and youth leaders, the great and the good in the borough were rewarded in this year’s awards ceremony, held at Elstree Studios.

There were nine award winners on the night, who were recognised by the Mayor of Hertsmere, Cllr Brenda Batten.

Lindsey Matthews from Bushey Heath was nominated for her dedication to St Peter’s Church over 60s club, which has about 60 members. The group gets together monthly. She organises the groups summer outing and often invites a few people, who may be alone, to her home on Christmas Day.

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Graham Taylor was nominated for his service to the Radlett community. He has helped the Radlett Rotary club, the Radlett Society and Green Belt Association, chairing countless committee meetings and AGMs.

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Graham Taylor

John and Sheila Carlisle started their Gratitude initiative from their home after they saw a need for free hot meals across Borehamwood. Their weekly cook and share sessions in a church hall, known as ‘no waste lunch’, attract over 75 people a week and help create a sense of community.

Sheila spends her time offering cooking classes to disabled people across the town and together they have recently transformed a church garden into a community garden growing produce.

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Sheila and John Carlisle

Martine Eni, currently mayoress of Elstree & Borehamwood, has been a loyal member of Betta, organising events for the Borehamwood community. She has worked to help improve the lives of special needs children in the area and worked tirelessly on a Diversity weekend.

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Martine Eni

Bunty Shah from has helped to bring the Indian community - Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Jains and Christians – living in Potters Bar together under the banner of Potters Bar Indians. He has established a football team, weekly trampolining for kids, and a youth club for eight to 14 year olds.

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Bunty Shah

Stacey Murphy started as a civilian instructor before taking charge of the Air Cadets in 2013 and was later commissioned into the Royal Air Force Air Cadets of Elstree and Borehamwood SquadronMs Murphy works tirelessly to keep the squadron running and arrange fundraisers.

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Stacey Murphy

Myra Roberts has volunteered with Sixty Plus Potters Bar and South Mimms for 40 years, going above and beyond to help with the running of the group. She makes and sells homemade jams and marmalades to raise additional income for the charity and is involved with the annual fundraising bazaar.

Borehamwood Times:

Myra Roberts

Adam Duke has picked up the Youth Civic Award. He is an active member of the Elstree and Borehamwood Youth Council and played a leading role in building harmonious interfaith relations, volunteers to help with children’s services at his local synagogue, and runs an early morning service at Yavneh School.

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Adam Duke

The Dave Rankin award was awarded to Borehamwood Action Group, a group of teachers who came together to raise awareness of knife crime and gangs. Together, they organised a community awareness evening, which more than 140 peoplee attended.

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Borehamwood Action Group including Hertswood Academy assistant head teacher Paul Marlow, Meryfield head teacher Alex Gage, Summerswood head teacher Sarah Kneller, and teacher at Meryfield, Katrina Davern

Cllr Batten, said: “It was a wonderful evening where we were all able to recognise and say thank you to a special group of people who do so much to benefit others in Hertsmere.”