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March 30, 2026
Guests, including The Lady Colgrain, Lord-Lieutenant of Kent, gathered from 6.30pm on 27 March for a warm welcome with hot drinks and cakes, and the opportunity to hear the High Sheriff speak about the remarkable work being carried out by the charitable sector across Kent and Medway.
Attendees also enjoyed a series of insightful contributions.
Will Palin spoke about the restoration of the remarkable Dockyard Church;
Kent Community Foundation Chief Executive Catherine Glover and Chair of Trustees Robert Sackville‑West shared reflections on the importance of community-led support;
and guests were treated to an operatic tenor performance by prison officer Samisana Crispin, whose talent added a memorable moment to the evening.
The High Sheriff of Kent’s Award Fund is one of 100 philanthropic funds managed by Kent Community Foundation. The fund was created to recognise public servants, voluntary groups and individual volunteers whose selfless acts make a significant difference to communities across the county.
Kent Community Foundation has proudly managed the fund since 2015, drawing on its deep understanding of local needs to introduce High Sheriffs to exceptional voluntary groups across Kent and Medway.
Addressing the assembled guests, the High Sheriff spoke about the challenges facing the county and the vital role the charitable sector plays in supporting diverse communities. He then announced this year’s six award recipients:
The 2026 winners were:
Cast A Thought CIC
Legend on the Bench
Dover Street Pastors Initiative
Charlie's Promise
2makeit
The Glasshouse
Each recipient was presented with a certificate and awarded a £500 grant in recognition of their outstanding contribution.
Special commendations were also awarded to Violence Against Women and Girls Team at Borden Grammar School, HMP Swaleside Library Team and Limebird Training and Recruitment.