Last updated on 21 April 2026
Residents, volunteers and community champions from across the borough were celebrated at this year’s Mayor’s Community Awards, held at the Guildhall, Kingston, on 10th April. Among those awarded were two Chessington residents – Dennis Goodship and Alan Pavett – recognised for their exceptional service and dedication to our local community.
At the ceremony the Mayor of Kingston, Councillor Noel Hadjimichael, welcomed guests including the Deputy Lieutenant, councillors, representatives from the First Aid Nursing Yeomanry (PRVC), members of the judging panel and the award winners with their families.
The evening opened with a special moment as the council granted the Freedom of the Borough to the First Aid Nursing Yeomanry (PRVC). Accepting the honour, Shernett Ranson MBE expressed heartfelt thanks and reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting Kingston in times of need.
The Mayor highlighted the impressive range of nominations received this year before presenting ten Community Awards, along with a special Foster Carer Award.
Dennis Goodship
Dennis has, for many years, worked quietly to make his local area in Chessington a welcoming place to live and to support his neighbours. Amongst his many kindnesses, Dennis has supported parents from the local school, arranged a community Christmas Tree, volunteered at the Children’s Trust Charity Shop, conducted litter picks in the neighbourhood and raised concerns on local issues with ward councillors, providing ideas on how improvements could be made. Of his award Dennis said: “I was very surprised to be nominated for the Community Award. To actually win an award was truly overwhelming and indeed humbling in view of the other recipients and their volunteering efforts.”
Alan Pavett
Organised by Alan, a team of around 15 volunteers, known as the Friends of King Edward’s Park and aged 13-91, have invested many hours into transforming an area of King Edward’s recreation ground into a wonderful “local oasis.” One of the key achievements has been restoring the rose bed to its former glory. Alan has led the removal of 10 tonnes of waste and the laying of over 50 metres of woodland walk. Perhaps even more importantly, Alan has created an opportunity for friendship and shared ambition amongst those who would otherwise have been strangers. Alan told us: “I was humbled to receive the award, all I do is get a like-minded group of people to spend some time together improving the park once a month. All volunteers enjoy getting out and working together. A lot of members already work hard for the community, involved in the bowls club, Scouts, St Paul’s Church, and rugby club. I found the ceremony to be a real eye-opener for how much good work so many individuals do across RBK, constantly.”
Closing the ceremony, the Mayor praised all nominees and winners for helping to make Kingston – and communities like Chessington – stronger, kinder and more connected.
Well done and congratulations to Alan and Dennis.
Find out more about the Mayor’s Awards
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