Key Points
- Whitchurch Citizen of the Year nominations have gone live for the annual prize which celebrates unsung heroes among locals.
- The award was originally created in 2015 by ex-mayor Mike McDonald to recognize those in the community who help people beyond their normal duties.
- According to Councillor Rose Hall, Mayor of Whitchurch, this program recognizes the heroes in the area that always think of other people first.
- Nomination categories for the award are fundraiser, charity worker, volunteer, good neighbor, sports achievement, young person, personal achievement, and community hero.
- Nominees can be nominated through an online submission on the website for the town council, through paper forms available at the Town Hall, Community Hub, and Market Hall or even through a phone call.
- Nomination forms close on September 27 while the voting period runs between October 12 and November 8.
- The selected winner will light up the Christmas tree for the town along with the mayor on November 21, just like last year’s winner Lee Nicholls.
Whitchurch (Cardiff Daily) September 15, 2026 — Residents across the region are being invited to put forward candidates for an annual celebration dedicated to local unsung heroes. As reported by the Whitchurch Herald, the Whitchurch Citizen of the Year Award recognises individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to their community over the past year.
The initiative was first introduced in 2015 by former mayor Mike McDonald. Its primary purpose is to honour residents who go above and beyond in service to others, often operating quietly without seeking personal recognition.
What Categories Are Available For Nominations?
Community members can submit nominations across a wide range of specific categories. According to the Whitchurch Herald, these categories include fundraiser, charity worker, volunteer, good neighbour, sports achievement, young person, personal achievement, and community hero.
What Have Local Leaders Said About The Launch?
Highlighting the community spirit of the area, current civic leaders have strongly endorsed the return of the accolade. As reported by the Whitchurch Herald, Councillor Rose Hall, Mayor of Whitchurch, stated: “Whitchurch has a long tradition of people going the ‘extra mile’ to support others.”
Councillor Rose Hall further stated that:
“This award seeks to celebrate those local heroes who constantly put others before themselves, without the need for praise or recognition, a unique characteristic which makes ‘Whitchurch Stronger Together’.”
How Can Residents Submit Nominations And What Are The Key Dates?
Organisers have opened multiple submission channels to ensure broad public participation. Nominations can be submitted online via the town council’s official website at whitchurchtowncouncil.gov.uk. Alternatively, paper forms are accessible from the Town Hall and Community Hub located in Station Road, the Market Hall, or by calling 01948 665761.
The deadline for all submissions is September 27. Following the closing date, a public vote will be held to select the overall winner from the shortlisted nominees, running from October 12 to November 8. The triumphant 2026 Citizen of the Year will earn the privilege of switching on the town’s Christmas lights alongside the mayor on Saturday, November 21.
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Who Won The Previous Award And What Did They Say?
Reflecting on the impact of the honour, last year’s recipient shared fond memories of his experience. As detailed by the Whitchurch Herald, the 2025 winner, Lee Nicholls—founder of Mental Health Monday and operator of The Lucky Turtle Tattoos—described the experience as a childhood dream come true. Mr Nicholls was previously recognised for his work promoting Whitchurch businesses and advocating for mental health.
Recalling his reaction to the victory, Mr Nicholls stated that:
“I was not expecting it at all, I hadn’t prepared a speech or anything!”
Mr Nicholls added that:
“When I was nominated, they [the council] did a little write-up I was a bit choked up because I realised people have noticed the stuff that I’ve done.”
Describing the highlight of his tenure, Mr Nicholls stated:
“That was a childhood dream! Life wasn’t easy growing up, but Christmas was the one time of year when everything was special and turning on the Christmas lights somewhere was something little Lee would have really wanted – honestly, it was one of the best days of my life!”
The Citizen of the Year award has built a rich legacy over the years, with a list of esteemed past winners including Betty Jukes, Arthur Skitt, Keith Robinson, Sheila Chase, Paul Jenkins, and David Simcock.
Background Of The Particular Development
The Whitchurch Citizen of the Year Award has evolved into a cornerstone community tradition since its inception in 2015. Created by then-mayor Mike McDonald, the award was designed to counteract the often-overlooked volunteer efforts that sustain small market towns. Over the past decade, local government in Whitchurch has increasingly leaned on grassroots initiatives to foster civic pride, particularly through challenging economic periods and public health disruptions such as the COVID-19 pandemic. By formalising public recognition through a structured nomination and voting process, the town council aims to stimulate civic engagement, encourage community philanthropy, and spotlight grassroots mental health advocates, local charities, and neighbourhood volunteers.
This development directly impacts the residents, community volunteers, and local business owners of Whitchurch by providing formal validation and public visibility for unpaid community labour. For potential nominees and grassroots organisers, the widespread media attention surrounding the award can boost morale, increase volunteer recruitment for local charities, and drive patronage to community-focused enterprises. Furthermore, the public voting phase from October to November actively engages the local electorate, fostering stronger social cohesion and community dialogue across generations. Ultimately, for the eventual winner, the role of switching on the Christmas lights alongside the mayor offers profound personal recognition and cements their legacy within the local history of Shropshire.
