The heart of our rural communities beat a little stronger on Wednesday, 10th June, as the Rural Community Council (RCC) hosted its highly anticipated Rural Awards for Leicestershire and Rutland. Held at the Rutland County Museum, the evening was a powerful reminder of the incredible dedication, kindness, and hard work that keeps our villages and rural towns thriving.
From environmental pioneers to the volunteers who give up their weekends to keep others company, the event shone a well-deserved spotlight on the people making a tangible difference right on our doorsteps.
Here is a breakdown of the incredible category winners and runners-up who were celebrated for their outstanding contributions this year.
The 2026 Category Winners & Runners-Up
Connecting Communities Award
Winner: WANA
Runners-Up:
Cosby Yarn Bomb
Good Companions North Luffenham
Community Facility of the Year
Winner: Blackfordby Old School Room
Runners-Up:
Park Café and Glen Hills Library
Houghton Field Association
Environmental Project of the Year
Winner: Hinckley Fixers
Runners-Up:
Root & Branch Out
Melton Wombles
Bright Futures Award
Winner: Rutland Youth Choirs
Runners-Up:
Christine Miranda and Louise Keran
Out of Hours Club Rutland
Community Wellbeing Award – Large Organisation
Winner: Bright Hope
Runners-Up:
Helping Hands
Dove Cottage
Community Wellbeing Award – Small Organisation
Winner: Breathing Space
Runners-Up:
Run Talk Run
Rutland Sailability
Rural Volunteer of the Year
Winner: Vic Bacon
Runners-Up:
Betty Saunders
John Shaw
Marie Nesbitt
What makes the RCC Rural Awards so vital is that they recognise the often unsung initiatives that anchor rural life.
Whether it's WANA bringing people together to combat isolation, Hinckley Fixers championing the environment by breathing new life into old items, or Vic Bacon giving up selfless hours to help neighbours, every single nominee represents the very best of Leicestershire and Rutland.
Community spaces like the Blackfordby Old School Room prove that having a physical heart in a village is essential for fostering connection, while groups like the Rutland Youth Choirs ensure that the next generation is given a bright, creative future.
Congratulations to all the phenomenal winners and runners-up. Your passion and dedication make our counties a truly wonderful place to call home.
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