East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s Chairman’s Awards recognise the outstanding contributions of individuals, businesses, and projects that have made a significant impact on local communities.
This year there were two special commendations, the first for the three people who entered the sea in Withernsea to help Grace and Sarah Keeling when they were swept in in January. The second special commendation was for all the professionals involved in the frontline services who worked on the incident.
Chairman of East Riding of Yorkshire Council, Councillor Liam Dealtry said:
‘’The Chairman’s Awards give us the opportunity to recognise and celebrate the many local people who so generously give their time and energy to support others through voluntary service, alongside the businesses that play a vital role in strengthening our local economy across the East Riding.
“Following the tragedy at the start of the year in Withernsea I very much wanted, on behalf of the council, to recognise the bravery and dedication shown by three members of the public in particular but also the emergency services who attended throughout.’’
‘’I extend my heartfelt thanks and congratulations to everyone nominated, their achievements are a credit to the East Riding.’’
The winners were:
Chairman’s Built Heritage Award:
Single New Dwellings, Conversions and Minor Works Category: The Old Bakehouse, Beverley
A sympathetic conversion of historic buildings within Beverley’s conservation area, retaining traditional character while bringing redundant space back into meaningful residential use.
Commercial Development and Major Schemes Category: Westwood Manor, Beverley
A high-quality retirement living development and modern scheme that enhances Beverley’s conservation area through strong architecture, materials, and detailing.
Chairman’s Business Award:
Up to 50 Employees Category: Bishop Wilton Community Shop and Café
A volunteer-powered, community-owned shop and café that provides essential services, supports local producers, reduces isolation, and reinvests profits back into the village.
51 and Over Employees Category: Lemonclean Ltd, Hessle
An ecofriendly, female-led commercial cleaning business, grown from just two staff to more than 150. Working with major employers across the region, the business is recognised for outstanding employee wellbeing, long-term service, and sustainable practices.
Chairman’s Sport Award:
Talented Performer Category: Oliver Male, Bridlington
Oliver is an exceptional young boxer whose dedication and resilience have taken him to the very top of youth boxing. Now a national champion, European gold medallist, and part of the England Boxing team, Oliver works tirelessly towards a professional boxing career.
Team/Club Category: Hessle Rangers CIC
A volunteer-run, inclusive football club, supporting over 600 players aged three to 50+, delivering community sport and securing more than £600,000 to build a new pavilion that will serve both sport and the wider community for generations.
Chairman’s Sport Recognition Award: Team Christie Racing, Beverley
After years of dedication, the team became 2025 FIM Sidecar World Champions, their combination of elite performance, engineering innovation, and resilience saw them beat the best in the world and bring global sporting success back to Beverley.
Chairman’s Community Award:
Group Category: New Pasture Lane Community Centre, Bridlington
A hugely impactful community hub delivering food support, affordable meals, social activities, and essential services with dignity and trust. The team supports over 1,900 people a month through its pantry and welcomes hundreds of people weekly.
Individual Category: Abbi McNichol – Community Farm Project, Asselby
Abbi has created a small, self-funded community farm providing people with learning disabilities and autism the chance to experience meaningful farm life as co-farmers, caring for animals and growing produce whilst building confidence, skills and independence.
Chairman’s Commendations Awards:
A tribute was paid to the RNLI volunteers, HM Coastguard and the emergency services, who responded to the tragic incident and loss of life in Withernsea on Friday, 2 January. Those involved responded with professionalism, compassion and dedication during the search and rescue operation.
A commendation was presented posthumously to Mark Ratcliffe. Mark’s unwavering courage, deep sense of humanity, and sheer bravery in the face of danger will forever stand as a testament to true heroism. The award was collected by his son, Nigel.
Richard Shaw and Ellie Procter were also awarded commendations in recognition of the bravery they demonstrated under extremely challenging circumstances.
