Let's Get Moving Melton Awards

Sponsored by Melton Borough Council

Criteria for the Award

This award is for a school that has increased participation in sport or physical activity. We want to hear about the positive impact being active has had on the students, their education, health and wellbeing. The school could also have strong links with community sport and local clubs.

Nominees

Captain’s Close Primary School 

Captain’s Close Primary School have sports coach, Sarah Parker, in place to support the development of a variety of activities and sports provision during the school day and extracurricular activities to engage all pupils in physical activity, which includes a daily lunchtime programme. Additional time and resources have been spent in engaging with pupils who have lacked confidence to engage, which has resulted in more pupils taking part and honing their skills in a variety of activities and events delivered by the Melton and Belvoir SSPAN. The school also encourages pupils to join local clubs to enable them to continue to develop their skills further. Sarah's creativity extends to her newest initiative: training her dog to be a therapy dog, which has helped reduce anxiety, improve the children's well-being and helped towards an increase in activity levels by encouraging children to take morning walks with the dog.

Old Dalby Church of England Primary School 

Old Dalby successfully achieved a platinum School Games Mark and have adopted a fantastic outlook on Physical education (PE), school sport and physical activity, which is driven by PE Lead Amy Bryan. They continue to engage in many Melton and Belvoir School and Physical Activity Network events, including virtual challenges to engage pupils in competitive sport. The school runs a wide variety of extracurricular and curricular provision incorporating forest school, movement breaks and have established strong links with local community clubs. Year 5 and 6 sports leaders deliver lunchtime activities and support intraschool events to encourage their peers to get more active. The school has continual development training opportunities for staff to increase confidence, knowledge and skills of staff and are always seeking additional opportunities to further enhance their offer.

Birch Wood School

Birch Wood School supports their students to compete in as many sports competitions and activities as they can with Inspire Together and the Melton and Belvoir School Sport and Physical Activity Network. The staff within the school provide opportunities for the children to take part in, succeed and show off their abilities in a wide range of physical activity sessions linking in with wider partners and community clubs including Melton Mowbray Tennis Club and Play Close Park Junior Parkrun. Birch Wood promotes and engage with staff wellbeing challenges and organise the annual Birch Wood 10, an annual 10-mile run. School staff continue to access development training around inclusive physical education, sport-specific courses as well as motor activity training. Deservingly, Birch Wood successfully achieved the Gold School Games Mark.

Sponsored by the Melton and Belvoir School Sport and Physical Activity Network.

Criteria for the Award

This award is for a primary school team who has not only achieved competitive success but has done so with strong team spirit and the best sporting values.

Nominees

Brownlow Year 5/6 Dodgeball Team

This incredible team demonstrated exceptional teamwork, fair play, and dedication throughout both dodgeball training sessions and competitions. They secured victory at the regional competition, showcasing their skill, determination, and unity, and came an impressive second in the county competition, narrowly missing first place in a close fought final which ended in a draw and had to be decided by count back over the three games. 

The team’s success is a direct result of their hard work, positive attitude, and commitment to supporting one another, making them a shining example of what sportsmanship and teamwork should look like. Throughout the matches they competed in at the regional and county competitions they demonstrated a commitment to honesty and a fair competition.

Brownlow Year 5/6 Swimming Team

At the Melton and Belvoir local competition, our swim gala team demonstrated unparalleled skill, teamwork, and determination, cinching the top spot and emerging as champions. Their victory in this competitive event is a testament to their unwavering commitment to excellence and their ability to rise to the occasion under pressure.
Building on this success, our team continued to shine at the county competition, where they secured a remarkable second place among all primary schools in Leicestershire. This achievement highlights their consistency, resilience, and ability to compete at the highest level, showcasing their talent and passion for swimming.
They support and encourage each other both in and out of the pool, fostering a positive and inclusive team culture that inspires others and reflects the best of our school values.

Stathern Year 5/6 Football Team

Over the year, this group of children have played together in lessons, and have transitioned to join the newly formed after-school club. The team participated in the development tournament and worked amazingly well as a team. They spent the whole tournament learning how to play together under more intense, competitive conditions, swapping in and out of reserve, supporting each other. They also supported other developing teams on the day and were awarded the Spirit of The Tournament award. They have gone on from this event to be a very gelled team and are using their experience to improve their play in the after-school club and at lunchtimes. 

Presented by the Let’s Get Moving Champion, Michael Cooke.

Criteria for the Award

This award is for a secondary school team who has not only achieved competitive success but has done so with strong team spirit and the best sporting values.

Nominees

Priory Belvoir Academy Year 11 Netball Team

The group of girls who have been part of the Netball team since year 7 have shown amazing commitment and have progressed amazingly well throughout their time at Priory Belvoir. In 2024, they won most of their games are still undefeated in the County Cup and National Sisters competition going into 2025. On top of that they are a truly wonderful group of girls who participate in the correct spirit and show all the attributes you would want for a successful team. They will be truly missed when they leave the school but will go on to play some high-level netball individually.

John Ferneley Year 10/11 Girls Football Team

The girls' year 10/11 football team has been exceptional over the past year. The team have consistently demonstrated their determination, exceptional teamwork, technical ability, and sportsmanship throughout the year. They have had some impressive wins against local opposition and teams around Leicestershire. The girls have been role models both within the team and to the school, having inspired other students to participate in football at the school.

The year 10/11 girls football team have had another fantastic year, not only did they improve on their performances, they made it to the County Cup final, an incredible achievement. We hope they can continue their great achievements this year and inspire other girls at John Ferneley College to participate in football.

Sponsored by Active Together.

Criteria for the Award

This award is for a team who operates outside of a school environment that has shown great success, determination, and commitment as a team during the past year. This may be a team who has vastly improved their performance.

Nominees

Performing Stars Competition Team

Performing Stars Competition team are incredible and their attention to detail is fantastic. All the students have so much fun, and their skills get better and better every time they train and compete. Through the instruction of coaches, they have learnt life skills and improved their confidence significantly to perform a variety of routines. The team are so supportive to one another and are extremely engaged and motivated to succeed. The Performing Stars team stands out for its passion, kindness and positive culture throughout.

Mowbray Rangers FC U16’s Lions

This team have developed and played together for a few seasons now and last year won their league and were promoted. This year they are continuing their winning streak, with some impressive wins along the way, against difficult opposition and are currently at the top of their league. They are now U16’s so potentially their last year at the Mowbray Rangers club, who have been amazing in supporting the journey of the team. They deserve recognition for their commitment to the club and team throughout, from Primary School to now. May inspire the club to continue with teams U17 and U18 or a youth Team!

Presented by the Let’s Get Moving Champion, Michael Harris-Wakelam.

Criteria for the Award

This award is for a Community Club has shown great success, determination, and commitment throughout the club during the past year. This may be a club who has vastly improved their performance in sporting success or improved their club structure.

Nominees

Trevonne Stage School

Trevonne Stage School has been a cornerstone of the Melton Mowbray community since its establishment in 1973, by founder Yvonne Makins who sadly recently passed away. It has inspired local children to embrace the joy of dance, creating an inclusive and welcoming environment where everyone, regardless of ability, can shine.  

One of the highlights of Trevonne’s year is their shows at Melton Theatre. This year’s production of Rapunzel was no exception, bringing joy to the local community and marking the start of the festive season in Melton Mowbray. The pantomime is a cherished tradition, not only for the children performing but for the families, friends, and residents who come together to celebrate the magic of live theatre. It is a testament to Trevonne’s ability to unite the community through creativity and movement.  

Melkham Girls Rugby Club

Melkham Girls rugby has grown from strength to strength in the last three years. Starting with just 20 girls and now proudly boasting over 110 girls playing week in week out representing their clubs in Melton and Oakham. Melkham has over 26 girls representing at county level and have also got two teams representing at national level for the first time ever. They also have girls representing their college and being selected to play in Academy Colleges and Education(ACE) teams, Player Development Groups(PDG) and girls being asked to train with local premiership clubs and players.
 
Melkham is really on the map and is reaching its objective to have full teams at all four age groups. Melkham is a friendly community club who encompass all the Rugby Football Union(RFU) values of teamwork, respect, enjoyment, discipline and sportsmanship everywhere they go. They are fundamentally friends and team mates first and foremost, and improving health and wellbeing through rugby is at the heart of everything they do.

Sponsored by Dickinson and Morris.

Criteria for the Award

This award is for a young sportsperson who has excelled in their chosen sport (or sports) this year. We are looking for someone who can show success and improvement over the year. (Examples of local, county, regional, national, and international competitions entered with placings required).

Nominees

Sidney Loseby

Over the past year Sidney has demonstrated exceptional talent and dedication to football, culminating in being signed by Mansfield Town as an Under 9 player. Sidney has consistently demonstrated his remarkable skills on the pitch, excelling in various aspects of the game including dribbling, passing and teamwork. Sidney has excellent vision on the pitch, so much so that Mansfield Town have compared his style of play to that of Martin Odegaard! He has played times for Mansfield already, both in his own age group and the year above and beaten the likes of Manchester United, Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspurs to name a few.

His commitment to training and improvement is evident in his performances. So far this season he has played in 18 games, made 60 assists and scored 27 goals! This excellent play and brilliant teamwork helped his team achieve success this year, winning a tournament held by Peterborough United. He also captained his futsal team this year leading them to their first ever trophy as an organisation. His hard work has not only contributed to his team’s success, but he has also inspired teammates and school friends with his work ethic and passion.  

Oliver Kingham

Olly has played for Melton Mowbray Rugby Football Club and his love for the sport has grown. He is a versatile player and is someone the coach can move around to fill multiple playing positions but has also been able to demonstrate and develop his leadership skills by positively encouraging all of his teammates and helping newer players with their knowledge of the sport. 

Olly was really pleased to have been awarded the coaches player of the year award at the end of season awards in May 2024. After trials with Leicester Tiger Academy, Olly was successful offered a place in the Leicestershire Junior Academy Centre and will start training at the Brooksby College campus in February 2025.
 
Olly has a love for water polo and has been selected to play matches for the under 14's and under 16's teams for his local club in Grantham. He was invited to trial and was successfully selected to represent the East Midlands Regional Competition in November 2023. Olly was also invited to trial for one of the Swim England Water Polo National Talent Centres in February 2024, which he was successful at obtaining a place at as a goalkeeper in the under 14's & 16's age group. 

Jinny Kettell

Jinny Kettell has had an extraordinary year in 2024, remaining undefeated across all competitions. Competing in full-contact karate against both national and international fighters, she showcased her exceptional skill and determination in four major tournaments. Building on her success in 2023, where she achieved a single British title, Jinny has exceeded all expectations this year by claiming every UK title available in her category.
 
Her winning streak began in March at the British Karate Guild English Open, where she claimed her first of four Under-14 Girls titles. In April, she added her second English title at the British Kyokushin Karate(BKK) English Open. Facing formidable opponents from some of the largest and most respected clubs in the country, Jinny dominated the competition in spectacular fashion. 

In October, Jinny competed in the BKK British Open, one of the most prestigious and globally recognised tournaments, attracting hundreds of fighters from around the world. Against a host of international competitors, Jinny elevated her performance to a new level, convincingly winning every fight.

In November, Jinny secured her second British title of the year at the British Karate Guild British Open. In a commanding display, she sailed through the competition, culminating in a final where she defeated her opponent in under one minute. This unprecedented achievement capped off a year of unparalleled success and earned Jinny a call-up to the British Squad, who will compete at the World Tournament in Spain next year. She has already begun attending squad sessions in preparation for official selection in 2025

Sponsored by the Axis Europe.

Criteria for the Award

This award is to celebrate the achievements of a young person in the district. We are looking for stories of perseverance, success, and determination. It could be someone who has overcome personal barriers to being active, someone who has given up their time to help others get active or someone who has shown great improvement over the past year.

Nominees

April Brooks

April's determination and resilience are truly inspiring. Despite being blind, she actively participates in all physical education sessions with her peers and joins extracurricular clubs without hesitation. Last year, she wowed everyone by competing in the Melton and Belvoir inter-schools gymnastics competition, where she completed her routines independently, demonstrating remarkable confidence. With next term's competition coming up, she continues to prepare diligently for success. April is also putting in hard work during swimming lessons to be ready for the upcoming Melton and Belvoir swimming gala in the new year. Her commitment, resilience, and dedication to everything she tries make her a fantastic role model for all those around her.

Archie Wilson

Archie was diagnosed with epilepsy at the age of 2 years old, and not long after with autism. Archie has always been confident and outgoing, he loves school, his friends and always try's to do and be at his best. When he wants to grow up he wants to be on stage and in the theatre, so when I was told about 'without limits' at Trevonne Stage School Archie asked to join. He soon realised that he loved dancing and wanted more, so we signed him up for modern class every Saturday. He was recently a 'jolly jester' the Trevonne Rapunzel show. Even whilst still having seizures up to 30 minutes before show time, he is still going on stage. He is amazing.

Evie Bourne

Evie is a very active young girl and being active helps her with her mental health and self-worth. Sports is an area of strength for Evie as it helps to build her self-esteem after struggling with learning in school. Evie trains with Melton Mowbray Swimming club in the county team 3 times a week and regularly enters their galas, recently achieving qualifying times for LASA which is a huge achievement. She plays football for Asfordby Amateurs Girls football club and has built some lovely friendships within this team. In addition to this, she has also been selected to play for the school's girls football team. Evie is also a keen horse rider at Riverside Riding stables and loves the adrenaline rush of jumping higher with her favourite horse, Lottie.

Sponsored by the Aaron Services Ltd.

Criteria for the Award

This award is for a team who has shown great success, determination and commitment as a team during the past year. This could be an established or new team in any sport or activity.

Nominees

Melton Triathlon Team

Melton Triathlon team is a relatively new club which has successfully brought members of other groups together to start them off on triathlons. They have members from Melton Olympic Cycling, Stilton Striders and Melton Swimming Club. These groups have now expanded their expertise and all help other members to become multi-sport athletes. The post on Facebook events and successes throughout the year, and support beginners and all the ages groups. The team also have two Great Britain triathletes who have competed for their country. A great team, with an amazing camaraderie to push one another to be the best they can be.

Melton Town Walking Football Team

Dean Williams and Paul Teare decided to set up a walking football team at Melton Town Football Club for over 50’s. This started to socialise, but its success has continued to grow and now they have over 60 players regularly attending on a Friday night. This has been amazing for the physical and mental wellbeing of so many members. A key value of the team is that everyone is made to feel welcome irrespective of ability levels. 
 
They have arranged playing several competitive games against established teams in which they have a team that enters a walking football league. They also support charity initiatives in which they have supported raising money via the AC Wollaton Charity in Nottingham for children with life limiting illnesses.

Asfordby Amateurs LG&I Women's 1st Team

Asfordby Women’s 1st Team have exceeded expectations this year. Their teamwork and drive to succeed has really shown in their achievements during 2024. The team play in Tier 6, and sit 3rd in the table with four games in hand, winning three will put them top.

The team’s biggest success story in their 25 year history came this season, in their impressive Football Association Challenge Cup(FA Cup) run. Asfordby entered the qualifying stages for the FA cup having to win three qualifying matches, which they did to get to the first round in which they welcomed Tier 3 side Wolverhampton Women who were the topped ranked side in the FA Cup 1st round. Asfordby created a huge buzz for women’s and girls’ football in the local community with BBC Leicester reporting and over 500 spectators came to watch, with Wolves running out winners, although Asfordby did manage to grab an unlikely but well-deserved goal.

The team embodies their ethos of team spirit and determination. They play with enjoyment and from that has come some brilliant wins this year, with the aim always being; to inspire a new generation of female footballers within the Melton area.

Sponsored by the Biffa.

Criteria for the Award

We are looking for a group or club who is full of dedicated individuals who work tirelessly to keep themselves and others active. We want to hear about the organisations who empower the community to get moving. This may be a sports club, a walking group, a fitness class or any other group that gets together to be active.

Nominees

Melton Mowbray Tennis Club

Melton Mowbray Tennis Club is an inclusive club for beginners, team players, recreational players and people with disabilities. They have made huge steps with their Disability programme, this is linked to the nearby Birch Wood School and sees them take sessions for sixty plus youngsters each week and arrange extra sessions targeting Children and Adults with learning, sensory and physical disabilities.

The club has teams for men, women, veterans and a very strong junior set up, which has seen successes at all levels of competition across Leicestershire during 2024. They have established and experienced coaches and a player pathway to develop through the age groups.

Waltham Scottish Country Dancing Group

Waltham Scottish Country Dancing Group(WSCDG) are a well-established group that celebrates its 60th Anniversary next year. The weekly classes are taught by two fabulous teachers. The teachers consider different levels of ability within the group and produce a program allowing everyone an opportunity to be involved, ensuring inclusivity of all. The feeling of inclusivity also comes from the WSCDG members; from day one the positive and welcoming attitude from group members, new and old, was inspiring. 

As well as the weekly dance classes, the WSCDG members extend their warmth and convivial support into the local and wider community. They provide demonstration dances at community fairs and functions. It is an excellent way to exercise the mind as well as the body, while having fun at the same time. 

Sponsored by Matthews and Tannert Ltd.

Criteria for the Award

This award is for a person who supports those with a learning and/or physical disability, or a person who has a disability who has shown resilience and determination to participate in physical activity. How they are physically active, their achievements, and how they overcame any challenges.

Nominees

Diana Faulks

Diana has been a member of Rutland Sailing Club and Rutland Sailability for many years, which has seen her take part and compete in many sailing competitions all over the world. She is an active member of the club and regularly volunteers her time to support other members on competition days, including serving hot drinks and baking cakes. 
Diana's latest achievement this year was competing in the 'Challenger Silver Fleet UK Championships' which is designed for people with a disability. After an extremely busy few days and challenging conditions, Di was confirmed the winner and scooped the winner's trophy.

Michael Whapples

Michael has been visually impaired since birth, and is now completely blind, but this has not stopped him from being active. Michael’s positive outlook and unwavering determination have fuelled his journey of exploration and achievement across a diverse range of activities. He attends yoga sessions twice a week, shooting and cycling weekly and sailing a few times a year. Michael has shot in international competitions including the World Championships in the past. He promotes sport through his Let’s Get Moving Champion blog and is a truly inspiring to all.

Colin Wagstaff

Colin was born with a physical disability which means he has limitations with his mobility, and suffers with depression. Whilst he was never really into sport growing up, he happened to hear about indoor bowls in 2010, gave it a go and quickly realised he was quite good at it. He found Melton Indoor District Bowls Club to welcoming and inclusive and use Bowls as a tool to support him. Colin has gone on to become a coach at Melton indoor bowls club.

In May 2024, he competed Internationally for England in the international bowls for the disabled in South Africa just missing out on a medal by one point. Colin puts in 100% in everything he does so others can see nothing is impossible and encourages people to join clubs or come give Bowls a go. 

Sponsored by Active Mums Club.

Criteria for the Award

This award recognises a new mum who has successfully integrated physical activity into their life, or a person or organisation that has championed the importance of exercise for pregnant and postpartum women.

Nominees

Victoria Laxton

Victoria is from Melton, and participates in a running group in Leicester, inspiring and encouraging the members to get outside and move. She is an integral member and as a 'Mum to be' continued to partake in running sessions for as long as she could. Post giving birth, Victoria has returned to the group runs and has already completed a 10km in Leicester. She has even been out running, pushing baby Oscar along in the buggy!

Along side this, Victoria tap danced throughout pregnancy at Trevonne stage school, as well as teaching parent and baby swimming lessons at Waterfield Leisure Centre and is also member of Melton Triathlon team. She is also a member of Melton Tri-Friends. Victoria continues to inspire participants in the running group as well as many other Melton residents as a very active mum.

Sarah Robb

Sarah has been instrumental in assisting Active Together to provide more pregnancy and post-natal opportunities to women in Melton. In her role as a walk leader, she delivers weekly buggy walks from Waterfield Leisure Centre, free of charge to mums with buggies, which has helped women get back out into the community and connect with other new mums who may be seeking adult conversation or peer support. Whilst numbers of people attending the walks can fluctuate, Sarah is always there with a smile, compassion, and an all important listening ear, and always brings the fun and joy to her group. 

In addition, she is always looking for opportunities to help mums be more active through her role as Activity and Wellbeing manager at Waterfield Leisure Centre. She supported the new free of charge Adult and Baby group delivered in Melton, which will be built on as a foundation for more opportunities for women in Melton.

Presented by Let’s Get Moving Champion, Sharon Reason.

Criteria for the Award

This award is for a sportsperson who has excelled and/or exceeded all expectations in their performances. We are looking for people who have achieved success, and/or vastly improved their own performance over the past year. (Examples of local, county, regional, national, and international competitions entered with placings required).

Nominees

Amelia Coltman

Amelia has won many medals and accolades over the years, but this season saw her win her first World Medal, by winning round 1 of the BMW World Cup Skeleton series in Pyeongchang, South Korea. She staved off the challenges of both the reigning Olympic Champion and World Champion to secure her gold medal. This series is the pinnacle of Skeleton, competed for by the best sliders in the world.

She is currently 9th in the world rankings, the highest she has achieved in her career. She also finds time when not competing to visit schools and mentor children who are struggling to fit into school life, by using the highs and lows of her sporting life to inspire them.

Hannah Spencer

Hannah is a committed rugby player, referee and coach. She has recently secured her dream job of coaching for Leicester Tigers. Alongside this she will continue to referee every weekend and inspires both girls and boys into rugby. Hannah now plays in senior rugby for Oadby Wyggs Club, in which she is the driving force behind her team's success. A true advocate for the game of Rugby, promoting Women and Girls in the sport but also driving inclusively and diversity consistently! Hannah is a beacon of light encouraging all to take part in our beautiful game.

Emma Gardner

Emma started her physical activity journey in Melton with the hope of losing weight, build her strength and endurance. Over the years, Emma has stuck to building physical activity into her life and is now an amazing swimmer, who has won the Swim Serpentine 6 mile events and also swam the length of Lake Windmere(11 miles) amongst other competitive swimming podiums finishes. She also turned her attention to running and cycling, leading her to compete in triathlons and ironman competitions. 
In 2024, she completed her first Ironman event in Sweden which involves swimming 2.4 mile, cycling 112 miles and running a marathon 26 miles. This year she is planning to compete again in the Ironman in Germany.

Emma has won awards for commitment and performance with Melton Cycling Club, and also volunteers her time to support local events across the Melton borough to give back to the community she trains with. It truly has been an exception year for Emma where she has pushed her body to the limit, setting new personal bests in all disciplines and pushing boundaries in terms of long-distance endurance events.

Sponsored by Everyone Active. 

Criteria for the Award

This award is for a person who has improved their health and wellbeing through ‘moving more, more often’. This may be someone who uses exercise to manage a health condition, or someone who became active for another reason but improved their health along the way. 

Nominees

Colleen Irvine

Colleen is an absolute role model for those looking to change their mindset and their physical health. Colleen has only recently taken up cycling and is now going on cycling holidays and comes out in a cold sweat if she hasn't been out on her bike each day. She completed an amazing challenge in July 2024 to cycle 500 miles for Brain Tumour Research. Not only did she smash her target of 500 miles and £500 she actually raised over £1000 and over 600 miles which is a remarkable achievement
 
Colleen started attending Big Bums Little Bums(BBLB) classes two years ago and now goes at least three classes a week, she has also lost over five stone and attributes that to cycling, BBLB classes and slimming world.

Sarah Smalley

Sarah discovered local classes at the Let's Get Melton Moving in the park in August 2023. Sarah was so shy, and in the beginning would not come to classes without her sister, wouldn't talk to anyone and massively lacked self confidence in herself.
 
Fast forward today and Sarah now attends lots of classes every week, comes on her own, and is always on the front row of classes, beaming with a big smile (or grimacing if it's squatting). Sarah talks to everyone, has made new friends and welcomes new people to the classes.
 
Sarah doesn't drive, so she cycles to classes come wind, rain, snow or sunshine. Her commitment to classes and to herself is amazing and the change in Sarah is unbelievable. She has changed from a shy young women to the confident smiley Sarah we see each week.

Matt Parker Wooding

Matt had a heart attack two years ago, which was a wake up call, that he needed to look after his health. Matt increased his physical activity by attending aqua fitness classes at Waterfield Leisure Centre. He hadn’t swam since his childhood, so the prospect of learning to swim was quite daunting but with support, he enrolled into adult swimming classes. He has met some lovely people on the course and been supported by a great team of swimming teachers, in which he was selected for an award for his progress in learning to swim. Matt originally didn’t want us to share this, but it is something he should be super proud of and may give others the confidence to take the plunge (excuse the pun).

Sponsored by Melton Mowbray Building Society.

Criteria for the Award

This award is to celebrate the leaders of physical activity in our local area. The winner of this award will be someone who takes charge and supports others to get active. They may be a team coach, a fitness instructor, personal trainer, a walk or run leader, or volunteer. We want to hear about the individuals who work to keep you moving.

Laura Moulds

Laura is a fantastic physical activity instructor who delivers an array of physical activity of classes weekly from Rockbox to Purestretch for residents across the Melton Borough. Her teaching style is amazing, in which she is able to show the various exercises, and amends them for different abilities within the class. As she is showing you different exercises, she will educate you, letting you know why and the benefits to health. She will also challenge you to become stronger and resilient with every class.

Laura is an amazing advocate for inclusivity in her classes. It doesn't matter what size, fitness level or how uncoordinated you are! She is welcoming and fosters a sense of community in her classes. She is the reason I now regularly do exercise and stick with it. 

Laura is always looking to improve by attending further courses and increase her knowledge with her class. She is also known for her wicked sense of humour, in which you are guaranteed a good laugh every session.

Max Cartwright

Max delivers seated exercise class for local people with Parkinson's as well as Personal Trainer(PT) sessions for residents in the Melton Borough. The group members have a wide range of abilities and needs, yet Max delivers a programme which considers all their individual needs. He can spot when a participant needs some extra support and guidance and ensures that the exercises are suitable for, and address, the challenges presented by Parkinson's so that those taking part are stretched but not overworked. 

Max demonstrates remarkable empathy and understanding for this cohort of individuals. He is kind, tolerant and patient and has a great sense of humour. The group obviously enjoy every session, which is demonstrated by their enthusiasm and willingness to attend every week no matter what the weather. His dedication and professionalism are exceptional, he really is an unsung hero and many members of the Melton Parkinson's Support Group have benefited from having access to his skills and enthusiasm.

Emma Ansell

Emma is a ray of sunshine, she is a wonderful Yoga Instructor and highly promotes wellbeing and mindfulness, with a range of activities and providing healthy food options to residents across the Melton Borough at various classes. She is attentive, calm and excellent in communicating movements during and explaining the importance of each step to participants health.

She teaches Yoga at her own club Embrace Wellbeing as well as teaching at various schools across the Melton Borough to access yoga as an alternative activity to the curriculum, but also to promote fitness and mindfulness with young adults and children, with the hope of embedding physical activity into their daily lives.

Emma also supports older people in care, by delivering sessions and is always the first to support at local events to promote wellbeing. In the Summer of 2024, Emma delivered a Teen Retreat alongside another Helen Dixon (Yoga Instructor), promoting fitness, Yoga, outdoor activities and mindfulness activities for teenagers during the summer holiday.

Emma is an amazing ambassador for health, wellbeing, physical activity and mindfulness across the Melton Borough.

Sponsored by Melton Borough Council.

Criteria for the Award

This special award recognises an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to sport or physical activity in the district over many years. This may be a volunteer, or a local business owner that enables others to keep active. We want to hear about the role models and pillars of the physical activity community in the Melton Borough.

Nominees

Yvonne Makins

Trevonne Stage School has been part of the Melton Mowbray community since its establishment in 1973, by founder Yvonne Makins who sadly passed away recently in November 2024. She has inspired thousands of local children over 50 years to embrace the joy of dance, creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for everyone. As a family run business, her daughters Hayley and Rachel have continued in their mothers footsteps, to inspire young people with the love of dance.

Yvonne was a fantastic dance teacher, leader and the best of her craft. She was always full of energy. Her passion for dance was infectious, her commitment to her students unparalleled, and her love for the art form unwavering. She poured her heart and soul into Trevonne, creating a community where talent was fostered, self-belief was instilled, and lifelong memories were made.

She has created and delivered countless spring shows and pantomime performances over the 50 years for the local community to enjoy. Yvonne’s legacy is woven into the very fabric of Trevonne and extends far beyond the studio walls. She will always be remembered for her remarkable character, incredible skill, and the passion she shared so generously with everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.

This nomination is not just in her memory but in celebration of her outstanding contributions to the world of dance and the countless lives she touched along the way.

Bob Wells

Bob Wells has been integral to the delivery of the Melton Lifesaving Club over the last 35 years. He has ensured the clubs continued success by volunteering each week and even paying the weekly session fee himself to support the club. 

At 80 years old, Bob is still on the poolside sharing his expertise each week with a group of dedicated volunteers, helping the young members learn important lifesaving skills. The session has a regular cohort of junior lifesavers attending and it is great to see them practising their lifesaving techniques before Melton Mowbray Swimming Club sessions.

Well done to Bob for providing this valuable life skill and sporting activity you are true Melton Borough legend.

Sarah Robb

As owner of the Big Bum and Little Bums Sarah is the driving force behind this extraordinary fitness community where individuals come together to prioritise their health, well-being, and connection with others. The members are the heart of this group, showing up not only for themselves but for one another, fostering an atmosphere of encouragement and positivity.

Sarah makes being active fun, welcoming, and something participants look forward to each week. Her energy, humour, and positivity are contagious, and she inspires everyone around her to get moving and feel good about themselves. Sarah has a way of making everyone feel included, no matter their fitness level or confidence. Sarah always finds creative ways to make exercise enjoyable and accessible for everyone. 

Sarah is keen to support the local community by delivering voluntary sessions to different services and groups across the Melton Borough and leads on the voluntarily the Melton Menopause Cafe which is growing every week.