Photos by Paul Horton

 

Winners at the 2024 Mansfield Sports Recognition Awards, organised by the Armchair Club with More Leisure Community Trust and the Mansfield and Ashfield News Journal — and sponsored by Education Mutual — are featured across these four pages.

The awards celebrate the district’s best teams, coaches, volunteers, sportsmen, and sportswomen, who received awards at the Civic Corner, Mansfield.

The coveted Sportsperson of the Year title (sponsored by Education Mutual) was won for a sixth time by Mansfield’s star Paralympian Charlotte Henshaw, who has multiple sporting accolades to her name, both as a paracanoeist and previously as a paraswimmer.

She was presented with the award (above) by Les Marshall, of award category sponsor Education Mutual.

On a triple night of celebration, Charlotte was also surprised with the Lifetime Achievement Award.
It was presented (below) by Mark Briggs, a former Paralympian and Team GB captain, of Nimbus Disability. She was also named a joint winner of the Barry Gibson Disability Sportsperson of the Year title as well.

In the summer Charlotte won two Paralympic gold medals and was also crowned world champion in the Women’s Paracanoe KL2 category for a sixth successive year.

She is also the current world champion in the Women’s Paracanoe VL3 category, a title she has successfully defended four times in the last five years the competition has been run.

Awarded the Freedom of Mansfield in 2016 after an equally successful sporting career as a paraswimmer, Charlotte has overcome having her legs amputated above the knee when she was 18 months-old — having been born with bilateral tibial hypoplasia, which meant her lower legs were under-developed.

Despite this setback in life, Charlotte has never allowed her disability to hold her back. Aged 12, she began swimming training with Nova Centurion SC at Mansfield’s Water Meadows complex where the competition pool is now named after her and her fellow local Paralympians, Sam and Ollie Hynd.

Charlotte first represented Great Britain as a paraswimmer aged 16 and first joined the Team GB Paralympic squad for the Beijing Games in 2008. She has represented her country at every Paralympic Games since — London (2012), Rio de Janeiro (2016), Tokyo (2021), and Paris (2024), the last two as a paracanoeist after successfully switching sports in 2017.

Other Sportsperson of the Year finalists were ice skater Callum Mills — whose success over the last year included winning six gold medals at the Inclusive World Championships — and truck racer Mark Taylor, of Huthwaite-based Taylor’s Truck Sport Racing.

For the past two years Mark has been Great Britain’s top driver in the sport, and last season was vice-champion in the European Championship Chrome class in the race series — in only his second season in the European competition. He was on the drivers’ championship podium 17 times during the season.

Callum also shared the award for a new category, the Special Olympics Award, with basketball player Oliver Davies.

Overall this year there were nominations from a wide ranging variety of sports.

In many categories the judges — School Games organiser Nicola Biggs; Armchair Club members Emma Curry and Geoff Waller; Carolyn Hallam, of More Leisure Community Trust; Jason Harrison, sports editor of Mansfield 103.2; and Tim Morriss, editor of the News Journal — faced a difficult task, with just one point separating the winner and second place in several categories.

During the evening Nicola Biggs spoke about the Mansfield School Games programme, which she organises. It inspires young people to be physically active for life through positive experiences of daily activity and competition.

The programme has links to Mansfield Rugby Club, Mansfield Lawn Tennis Club, Mansfield Harriers Athletics Club, North Notts Hockey Club, 776 Gymnastics and Cheer, Sherwood Pines – Forestry Commission, Mansfield Giants Basketball Club, Nottinghamshire County Cricket ​Club, and All About Fitness – Dance.

Awards presented to schools were:

Bronze Awards ​— Leas Park Junior School, Mansfield Woodhouse.

Silver Awards — Crescent, St Patrick’s and St Peter’s primary schools in Mansfield; and St Edmund’s Primary School, Mansfield Woodhouse.

Gold Awards — Abbey, Berry Hill, High Oakham, Intake Farm, and Oak Tree primary schools, Mansfield; St Philip Neri with St Bede Catholic Voluntary Academy, Flying High Academy, and Mansfield Primary Academy, Mansfield; Newlands Primary ​School, Forest Town; Sherwood Junior School, Warsop.

Platinum Awards ​— King Edward, Sutton Road, St Patrick’s, and St Peter’s primary schools, Mansfield.

There was also a demonstration of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu by Phoenix Brazilian Jiu Jitsu & Fitness, Mansfield.

Organisers thanked sponsors Education Mutual, Adkin Sinclair, Collins Wealth Management, Fidler & Pepper, Hall-Fast Industrial Supplies, Hopkins Solicitors, John Sankey, Linney, Nimbus Disability, Portland Community, Pinders Opticians, and Tyler Bros.

The Armchair Club has 12 active members, including one honorary member — Mike Collins, an active member for many years. Current members are Chris Adkin, Stewart Rickersey, Geoff Waller, Martyn Knox, Gary Jordan, Emma Cherry, Mark Briggs, John Morley, Andy Saunders, Rachael Richardson, and Zac Coupe. It is supported by seven patrons — Liz Broomhead, Richard Bacon, Becky Adlington, Bryan Steele, Oliver Wilson, John Sankey, and Bill Taylor.

Other award winners were:

Coach of the Year
(sponsored by Collins Wealth Management)

Winner Jess Stacey-Jepson, of North Notts Hockey Club), has been pivotal to the survival of the club’s junior section, particularly when it was without a permanent home prior to its return to Manor Sport & Recreation Centre, Mansfield Woodhouse, earlier this year.

Also nominated were Ben Greatbatch (Special Olympics), and Charlie Westwood (776 Gymnastics and Cheer).

The award was presented to Jess Stacey-Jepson by Ben Collins, of Collins Wealth Management.

 

Junior Sportsperson of the Year
(sponsored by Hopkins Solicitors)

Kickboxer William Bingham topped a very strong category to lift another award this year, in which he was undefeated in both K1 and MMA.

He won two golds at the Open World Championships in Hungary K1 for kickbxing and MMA, successfully defended his RECC British title, and won his debut amateur MMA fight at BMF 9.

Also nominated were gymnast Erin Broughton, fencer Dylan Helme, climber Sam Hammond, BMX rider Anastazia Mucha, figure skater Darja Pilaie, and swimmer Thomas Swales.

The award was presented to William Bingham (left) by Martyn Knox, managing partner of Hopkins Solicitors.

 

Special Olympic Award
(sponsored by Portland Community)

A new category this year, Special Olympics Great Britain is the largest provider of year-round sports training and athletic competition in summer and winter sports for children and adults of all abilities with intellectual disabilities (also known as learning disabilities).

It aims to help athletes reach elite level and focuses on ability.

Joint winners of the inaugural award were basketball player Oliver Davies and ice skater Callum Mills.

Determined Oliver does not allow his severe epilepsy to stop him from enjoying his passion for sport, also including golf, and he takes part in all Special Olympics Nottinghamshire basketball activities.

Callum, who was born with CHARGE syndrome, is deaf, and has a learning disability and autism.

In the previous 12 months he won six gold medals at the Inclusive World Championships, and then two golds and two silvers at the Special Olympics Championships, overcoming sudden family problems and travelling alone to Italy.

Oliver Davies (left) and Callum Mills (centre) are pictured (above) receiving their awards from Dave Winter, of Portland Community.

 

Barry Gibson Disability Sportsperson of the Year
(sponsored by Tyler Bros)

Paralympian Charlotte Henshaw and ice skater Meg McFarlane shared the award.

Charlotte won two paracanoeing golds at the Paris Paralympic Games, while Meg won Team GB gold for her pattern dance at the inaugural Special Olympics National Winter Games in Italy, and bronze for her figure skating.

Later in the year she claimed three golds and two silvers at the Inclusive Skating World Figure Skating Championships in London, and then gold for her figure skating and free dance routines at the first World Paraskating competition in Sweden.

Also nominated were ice skater Callum Mills and weightlifter David Stroughton.

The award, which honours a cricket-loving founder member of the Armchair Club, was presented by Joe Hays, of Tyler Bros, to Charlotte Henshaw (left) and Meg McFarlane.

 

Roger Copestake Mayor’s Special Achievement Award
(sponsored by Linney)

Ten years ago retired police officers Peter Mitchell and Silvano Taylor started Mansfield Reds Walking Football Club, a team of walking footballers for the over-50s, who now play at Mansfield Rugby Club.

They have kept the club going over the past decade, helping it to win many tournaments, trophies, and awards.

Made in memory of Roger Copestake, a founder member of the Armchair Club and a sports enthusiast, the award was presented by Roger’s wife, Julia Copestake, and one of his children, Ben, together with the Mayor of Mansfield, Andy Abrahams.

Pictured, from left, are Julia Copestake, Silvano Taylor, Peter Mitchell, Ben Copestake, and Mansfield mayor Andy Abrahams.

 

Maurice Brackenbury Team of the Year
(sponsored by Adkin Sinclair)

Winners Sutton Swimming Club had a very busy year, including hosting its inaugural Allen Urch Memorial meet, raising £1,500 that was donated to Dementia UK.

A record number of swimmers, 67, achieved county times and swam at the Notts ASA County Championships, where 56 medals were won.

A further 11 medals were gained at the county relays, while 13 swimmers gained regional qualification times, and four members qualified for the national championships.

Also nominated were Blidworth Colliery Cricket Club.

The accolade was presented by Chris Adkin (sixth right), a partner with accountants Adkin Sinclair, which sponsored the award, and Jennifer Brackenbury.

Maurice Brackenbury was a local housebuilder and a founder member of The Armchair Club.

 

Club of the Year
(sponsored by Fidler and Pepper)

Winners 776 Gymnastics and Cheer have not only found competition success at local, regional and international level, but also integrated further into the community in the past 12 months.

As well as working with the Mansfield School Games programme, offering after-school clubs to provide children with opportunities in another sport, 776 also conducted a teacher training day and two school festivals.

It has linked with schools and West Nottinghamshire College to offer work experience chances, while its display team participated in numerous charity events, fairs, and festivals over the summer.

Also nominated were Blidworth Colliery Cricket Club, North Notts Hockey Club, and Sutton Swimming Club.

The Club of the Year award was presented to Beth Downs and Terri West by Joanne Godson (right), of Fidler and Pepper.

 

Junior Team of the Year
(sponsored by Hall-Fast Industrial Supplies)

2024 was a successful season for winners 776 Gymnastics and Cheer international cheer team.

Throughout the past year the team showcased its talent at various regional competitions, culminating in an invitation to participate in its first international competition in Paris in December.

Also nominated were Berry Hill United Under-18s football team.

The award was presented by Malcolm Hall (right), managing director of Hall-Fast Industrial Supplies, to coaches Beth Downs, Terri West and Charley Blount, and gymnast Phoebe Richardson, who received the award on behalf the team, which could not attend the awards because it was at the competition in Paris.

 

Junior Sports Leader of the Year
(sponsored by John Sankey Estate Agents)

Winner Jack Glover, of Portland College, gained a Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club table cricket coaching qualification, and then a Sports Leaders Level 2 qualification. He also undertook a 12-week work experience placement at a local SEND school.

Also nominated was Anya Fox, of North Notts Hockey Club.

The award was presented to Jack Glover (left) by Armchair Club patron Bill Taylor, on behalf of John Sankey Estate Agents.

 

Ian Bagshaw Memorial Award
(sponsored by The Armchair Club)

The dedication of winner Phil Bartram to Sherwood Colliery Cricket Club is said to be remarkable.

His tireless commitment has helped the club grow from just 20 players to more than 40 and he has overseen numerous improvements to the club’s facilities, including securing a much-needed new net.

His nomination read: “More than just a volunteer, Phil is the heart of the club, making it feel like a close-knit family. His influence goes far beyond just managing logistics — he fosters a sense of belonging, making every player and supporter feel like they are part of something special.

“Despite his workload, Phil finds time to balance his job, raise three children, and support his family through incredibly challenging times, including personal bereavements.

“On top of all this, he has taken on the responsibility of helping to care for the club’s Australian overseas player during the summer months, offering essential support and ensuring they feel at home.”

The Ian Bagshaw Award is presented to a person in the swimming or cricket community in Mansfield who has made a significant contribution.

Ian was passionate about sport and manager of Water Meadows before he sadly died due to illness.

Pictured presenting the award are Ian’s widow, Mary, and daughter, Ashlene. It was received by club members on Phil’s behalf.

 

John Slater Volunteer of the Year
(sponsored by Pinders Opticians)

Winner Jo Salmon, of the Special Olympics Nottinghamshire Committee, works tirelessly to ensure the smooth running of several disability sports provisions.

Over the past year, Jo has organised local, regional, and national Special Olympic basketball competitions. In September she arranged for Special Olympics Nottingham to visit Dublin to compete in basketball and golf opportunities.

Also nominated were Phil Bartram, of Sherwood Colliery Cricket Club; Paul Collins, of Sutton Swmming Club; Marc Johnson and Paul Unwin, of North Notts Hockey Club (joint nomination); Sarah Patterson, of Sutton Swimming Club; Michelle Slack, of North Notts Hockey Club; and Jess Stacey-Jepson, of North Notts Hockey Club.

The award is in memory of a founder member of The Armchair Club, John Slater, who died in 2021 after a long illness.

John was a keen golfer, footballer, and a former commercial manager at Mansfield Town FC.

His widow, Nicola Slater, helped to present the award.

Pictured, from left, are winner Jo Salmon, Nicola Slater and Hannah Shooter, director of award sponsor Pinders Opticians.