Ilfracombe’s amazing community champions honoured at awards ceremony

A tireless fundraiser and campaigner for health services and a young man who leapt into the harbour to save a younger teenager from drowning were among those honoured at the Ilfracombe Community Awards.

Formerly the Pride in Ilfracombe Awards, the presentation for 2026 was held at The Carlton Hotel on Thursday, October 16 to recognise those who had gone over and above for the town and for others.

Recognising her decades of commitment to health services in Ilfracombe and fight to keep the town’s hospital, Gloria Satchwell, chair of the League of Friends of the Tyrrell Hospital, received special recognition went with the Outstanding Contribution to Ilfracombe Award.

The awards were presented by Ilfracombe Mayor, Councillor Mark Fay, joined by North Devon MP Ian Roome for the occasion.

A Special Award for an exceptional act of bravery went to Bradley Blackmore – the 17-year-old leapt into Ilfracombe Harbour without hesitation in July this year to rescue a younger teen who was minutes away from drowning.

The Community Champion Award was presented to Gary Tovey, coach at Ilfracombe Tennis Club. The citation said he was an individual who had made an outstanding contribution to the Ilfracombe community through dedication, kindness and service.

Volunteer of the Year went to Linda Williams and Fudge the dog, recognising someone who had gone above and beyond to support local groups, charities, events, or residents.

Pat Coates received the Good Neighbour Award for consistently showing care, support and kindness to neighbours and the wider community.

Community Group of the Year recognises a local organisation, club, or community group that has made a significant difference to the lives of residents and went to Community Commissioners of the Poverty Truth Commission.

Nic and Val Waters, who run The Ship & Pilot pub received the Business in the Community Award which honours businesses that demonstrate outstanding support for the community through sponsorship, volunteering, fundraising or local initiatives.

Ilfracombe-in-Bloom and its Gardeners’ Club received the Environmental Champion Award while the Creative Arts Award went to The Shanty Festival and organisers Niki Davis and Caroline Bramwell.

As well as Gloria’s award, the volunteers of the Tyrrell Hospital Charity shop were presented with the Mayor’s Award for Civic Pride, which recognises an individual, group, or business that has demonstrated exceptional commitment to Ilfracombe and its community spirit.

The council said as the Tyrrell Hospital Shop closed its doors in August after a remarkable 25-year chapter, it was fitting that Gloria’s extraordinary service, selflessness and community spirit was recognised as both campaigner and volunteer shop manager.

She has spent decades campaigning for improved services and protecting vital healthcare provision in Ilfracombe.

The shop itself has raised more than £750,000 to support local healthcare services, funding vital equipment, staff training and improvements for the Tyrrell Hospital, GP services and mental health support in the town.

Regular donations were also made to others in need and good causes, including the Baby Bank, Salvation Army and Belle’s Place.

Ilfracombe Town Council would like to thank The Carlton Hotel, Ilfracombe Lions Club and Fullabrook CIC for help towards funding and sponsoring the event.

Ilfracombe Mayor Mark Fay said: “Ilfracombe Town Council were delighted to introduce an exciting new chapter for one of Ilfracombe’s much-loved community celebrations, formerly known as the Pride in Ilfracombe Awards and now known as the Ilfracombe Community Awards.

“The new name reflects the true spirit of the awards: recognising and celebrating the people, organisations, businesses and groups that make a positive difference to our town and its community.”

People in the town were asked to send in their nominations for the awards and the council received 47 entries.