Dame Esther Rantzen DBE led a star-studded celebration at the Churchill Awards for the over 65s, to honour the continuing achievements of those in this age group across all realms of society. This year’s winners included Sir David Jason (stage & screen), Sir James Dyson (business), Lord Melvyn Bragg (literature), Baroness Joan Bakewell (politics), Moira Stewart (radio) and Sir Geoff Hurst and Gordon Banks (charity).
Now in their 6th year, The Churchill Awards celebrate the outstanding achievements of those aged over 65 and their contribution to British life during the past year. The winners were announced at an exclusive lunchtime ceremony at the Mandarin Oriental, London on Thursday 1 February 2018. The judging panel for this year’s awards included other well-known figures such as Dame Jacqueline Wilson DBE (literature), David Courtney (popular music), Humphrey Ocean (art), and Lawrie McMenemy (sport).
Alongside the celebrities and famous faces, it was also an opportunity to reward some ordinary people whose achievements are less widely recognised, but no less worthy. Two special ‘Local Hero’ Awards went to Danny and Val Edwards from Southampton, and Oriana Taylor from Fareham, honouring them for the work they do in their local communities. Bill Morgan also won the ‘Churchill Owner’ Award for his contribution towards everyday life at Churchill’s Eaton Lodge development in Chester.
Dame Esther Rantzen DBE, Churchill Ambassador, said:
I wholeheartedly congratulate the winners of these awards for providing us with such remarkable role models. They have all made a difference to the lives of millions of people over the past year, and this is a wonderful opportunity to showcase and celebrate their achievements. We will continue to be inspired by them and learn from them.
Spencer McCarthy, Chairman & CEO of Churchill Retirement Living, added:
The Churchill Awards highlight everything the over 65s contribute to our society, and recognise the significant amount they still have to offer. It was a pleasure to welcome all our winners to celebrate with us this year and I would like to thank all our judges and everyone who has played a part in these awards, which continue to go from strength to strength.
For more information on the Awards click here.
Full list of winners
- Art – Margaret Calvert OBE RDI
- Business – Sir James Dyson OM CBE FRS FREng
- Contribution to Charity – John Burkhill
- Contribution to Charity – Sir Geoff Hurst MBE and Gordon Banks OBE
- Churchill Owner (Highly Commended) – Ann and Mervyn Clark
- Churchill Owner (Highly Commended) – Peter Fleming
- Churchill Owner – Bill Morgan FCA
- Literature – Lord Melvyn Bragg
- Local Hero – Danny and Val Edwards (joint winners)
- Local Hero – Oriana Taylor (joint winner)
- Military – Commander Robert Cribb MBE
- Music (popular) – David Gilmour CBE
- Music (classical) – Sir James Galway OBE
- Politics – Baroness Joan Bakewell DBE
- Radio – Moira Stuart OBE
- Science & Environment – Sir Martin Holdgate CB
- Sport – Mick Channon
- Stage and Screen – Sir David Jason OBE