Local people deservedly recognised for getting Melton moving
There were 118 nominations for this year’s Let’s Get Moving Melton Awards before shortlists were compiled for the 15 awards by representatives of the Melton Sport and Health Alliance.
Winners of awards in the adult categories were as follows.
Let’s Get Moving Outstanding Contribution Award (sponsored by Melton Borough Council) – in honour of Yvonne Makins, the late founder of Trevonne Stage School and a previous winner of this award – Erica Warrington (nominees Belvoir Education and Sports Trust & Sarah Robb)
Erica has been a Level 2 Lawn Bowls coach for over 10 years, volunteering mainly with the junior section at Melton & District Indoor Bowls Club, and she has also coached young swimmers at Melton Swimming Club for a decade.
Team of the Year Award (sponsored by Sureserve Compliance Central) – Melton Young Foxes Indoor Bowls Team (nominees Pickleball Team at Hamilton Tennis Club & Tug of War Team).
In the 2025 Fantastic Fives season, the Young Foxes won four of their six group matches and drew two to finish top of their group – they hosted the summer finals in September and went on to be crowned champions.
Group/Club of the Year Award (sponsored by Galliford Try) – Frisby Lakes Paddlesports (nominees Holwell Rifle Club & Turners Dance Academy).
Frisby Lakes Paddlesports has offered kayak, canoe and pedalo sessions for only a few years but already has an excellent accredited open‑water lifeguard team providing safety, support and tuition.
Melton Inclusive Sport & Physical Activity (MISPA) Person of the Year Award (sponsored by Ye Olde Pork Pie Shoppe) – Claudia Bishop (nominees Diane Broomhead & Zed Flint).
Claudia Bishop has been attending a SEN dance and movement class at Trevonne Stage School for the last six years. Being in a wheelchair is not a barrier to participating - Claudia wears adapted tap shoes on her hands allowing her to make the same sounds as her peers.
Active Mums Club Award (sponsored by Active Mums Club) – Helen Taylorson (nominees Hannah Birkitt & Maxine Adams).
An experienced yoga teacher, Helen’s pregnancy yoga sessions are offering a valuable and unique service to local women to support their journey before and after their baby arrives.
Sportsperson of the Year Award (sponsored by Melton Building Society) – Dawn Jones (nominees Leah Radford & Colin Wagstaff).
Dawn (57) has been dedicated to CrossFit for over 10 years and this year has been her most successful yet – she came 5th for Team GB at the European Championships, she won the UK Championships and the Legends Classic in USA, and defended her title at the British Masters.
Let's Get Moving for Health Award (sponsored by Everyone Active) – Penny Morris (nominees Alice Greaves & Natalie Brown).
In 2019, Penny was treated for breast cancer while pregnant with her second child. She recovered only to find a lump in her neck and be told the cancer had returned. Her lifestyle change involving exercise and diet helped her cope with treatment and her health challenges and there has been no progression in her cancer.
Let's Get Moving Hero Award (sponsored by Active Together) – Jazz Knipe (nominees Louise Aguera Castilla & Josh Qualiey).
Jazz has dedicated the last decade to inspiring children across Melton Mowbray through delivering gymnastics through Little Springers.