. JUNIOR SPORTS COMPETITOR-OF-THE-YEAR (Sponsored by West & Coe Funeral Directors) Presenting this award was Mr.Jeremy West MBE.

 

Winner was LOIS SMITH : 2025 was an incredibly busy, productive and successful season for LOIS SMITH - marked by milestones both in-and-out of the pool.  She qualified for the April 2025 National Championships - a key event for Olymlic selection, covering both open and junior categories.  In Winter and regional short course Championships she performed well and maintained top rankings by delivering strong performances in both 200 metres and 400 metres medley relays.  Hard work paid off with qualifying times for National Winter Championships. She finished the season with a top 5 ranking in all her events.  In long course racing she claimed titles in backstroke at County and Eastern Regional Championships and secured an English National Championship place, breaking Club records along the way.  At British Nationals she retained her ranking and earned selection for an elite Olympic Development Pathway Squad at Loughborough University.  She's most active with participation in National Winter Short Course Championships and at an Inter-County team event at Sheffield. Biggest highlight was her England International selection for the International School Sport Federation World Schools Championships in Serbia.  There she adapted to unfamiliar conditions and rose to the occasion by delivering personal bests in nearly all her events and proudly bring home a bronze medal from an International stage. A fantastic 200 metres personal best came in the British Championships when competing against Olympians. Many journeys face challenges and when her training pool was closed for 2 months due to repairs, she faced extra travelling and then training in pools with limited access due to overcrowding.  Her passion for the sport is inspiring.

 

Runner-up was another talented swimmer : Amelia Fenner.

 

 

SPORTS COMPETITOR-OF-THE-YEAR (sponsored by Kay's Adult Swim School) Presenting this award was Kay Hamilton-Goddard.

 

Winner was HENRY STYLES : Romford Golf Club member Henry had an incredible year - with a clear high spot. This when his achievements made sports pages of all National newspapers, mentions on radio and television, local media interest and many more on social media plus Youtube interest. That on achieving National Champion status when winning the annual England Amateur Golf Championship in August at Royal Liverpool Golf Club. Needless to say he'd already won an Essex Amateur Championship and his own Club Championship - the latter with a Club record score of 62 strokes in the 1st Round. The England Amateur Championship victory grants a winner entry into the famous British Open Championship. His talent has been recognised by selection by a Golf  Scholarship at the University of San Francisco - which is why he can't attend this evening. Henry's an amateur who spends much time playing golf in that capacity for the love of it.  In the English Amateur Championship a large field were whittled down to a 'cut' of 64, who played matches over 18 holes. The final, in which he competed against Max Hopkins from Bishops Stortford, was a marathon 36 holes - Henry won 5-and-4. He was showered with congratulations - Romford's MP Andrew Rosindell stated, "Henry's victory puts Romford firmly on the golfing map of Britain.  A proud moment for our town. Well done and thank you on behalf of all in Romford". Henry enjoys paying football - he doesn't get paid for that either!  Should Henry do well when taking up guaranteed his place the British Open he won't line his pocket as rules forbid golfers making the cut from receiving prize money - these rules also refuse prize money to amateurs who seek to turn professional within sight of a monetary awards!  Let Henry have the last word by stating, "My long term aim is to be one of the greatest professionals there is. I want to grow further both as a player and a person". He's a 'cert' to be at future Presentation Evenings.

 

. Runner-up was motor racing driver : Matt Luff

 

. DISABILITY SPORTS COMPETITOR-OF-THE-YEAR (Sponsored by The Beadle Family)  Presenting this award was Mr.Beadle.

 

Winner was OLIVER BEADLE : Upminster-based 26 year old Olly has played tennis since starting out as a 7 year old. Dyspraxia and autism has never dented his enthusiasm for a sport which sees him involved at 2 local Clubs : Brentwood Tennis Club and his local Cranston Park Club where he trains with respected coach Lee Duncan. He trains or plays 5 times a week whatever the weather.  Since 2018 he's been in a Lawn Tennis Association Disability Training Squad which involves weekend sessions all over the Country.  He's a regular at weekend tournaments where he gains experience competing against mainstream players. He's in a gym 2-or-3 times a week to maintain fitness. An outstanding 2025 year saw him reach No.2 in World Disability Tennis and best ever results at the Virtus International Tournament in Kazakhstan.

 

In 2025 he won both singles and doubles men's titles at the National Learning Disability Tournament in Bolton - his 3rd singles victory and a 6th consecutive win for Oliver and his doubles' colleague. A runner medal was earned at the Australian Open in Melbourne.  3 silver medals came his way at the Virtus World Championships in Kazakhstan in singles, doubles and team categories. Gold medals for both singles and doubles at a Regional Learning Disability event at Gosling.  Nearer home gold medals for both singles and doubles at another such event in Redbridge. Locally he was runner-up at Cranston Park doubles tournament and a men's singles winner at the Brentwood Club.  A prestigious "Play Your Way to Wimbledon" learning disability competition saw Oliver as runner-up; this after giving his best in the final despite being unwell on-the-day.  Oliver's been recognised by Havering Sports Council on previous occasions and one wonders if he's enough space to display all his awards. One thing's certain - with his globetrotting he clearly gets full use of his passport!

 

Runner-up was : Paralympic swimmer Brock Whiston.

 

 

. SPORTS VOLUNTEER-OF-THE-YEAR (Sponsored by Lipson & Co. Accountants).  Presenting this award was Greater London Assembly Member Councillor Keith Prince

 

Winner was PETER TREW : Upminster-based Peter Trew is a dedicated volunteer within our Havering District Schools Football community. He's consistently demonstrated exceptional commitment, passion and reliability - qualities needed to make remarkable differences, both on-and-off the field.  For 21 years he's given countless hours in honorary capacity to support, players, coaches and families. He organises training sessions, co-ordinates match-day logistics, maintains equipment and steps in whatever help is needed.  All tasks are approached with both enthusiasm and professionalism with a willingness which goes "above-and-beyond".  Peter's much respected for always showing genuine care for the well-being and development of players.  He shows calm leadership when promoting teamwork, respect and perseverance.  When problem solving is required, he's the one turned to for support and wise counsel. Much of his contribution is behind the scenes but it's impact is seen weekly.

 

As the Borough's District Manager for 21 years his record shows 8 Essex Cups with 5 runners-up places, 11 London Cups, 4 Essex League titles and 3 runners places, 1 South East England Cup with 1 runner-up finish and a London Youth Games victory + 1 runner-up finish. For a grandstand end to this citation, 2 players who've benefited from his encouragement are current Premier League regulars Alex Iwobi and Freddie Potts at Fulham and West Ham United respectively. Peter's a true gentleman who deserves recognition which Havering Sports Council are honoured to give him this evening.

 

. Other nominations were received which failed to reach a strict criteria - but Peter's clearly did - so ... congratulations to PETER TREW.

 

 

. SPORTS CLUB-OF-THE-YEAR (Sponsored by BATS of Ilford)  Presenting this award was Mr. Spencer Seymour

 

WINNER was TIGERS JUNIOR FOOTBALL CLUB : For decades this Hornchurch-based Club has been a vibrant cornerstone of Havering's community fabric. A most impressive 60 teams, spanning all age groups, take the field each weekend. Among this considerable number are 24 Women's teams, which demonstrates support for a phenomenal growth of Women's football. Tigers Junior FC offers more than participation as joining brings confidence building, the making of friendships and life skills. With strong dedication to community welfare are fundraising activities which benefit local charities - from sponsored walks to tournament days. There is a clear sense of belonging and inclusivity through "the beautiful game". It's a 3 Star Football Association Accredited Club which has grown considerably since its 1987 foundation. They've maintained a high standard which sees them welcomed back to this presentation evening having been runners-up to to 2021 FA Trophy winners Hornchurch Football Club and 2024 European T20 winners Hornchurch Cricket Club.  Their successful enjoyable "Wildcats program" encourages girls aged 5-to-11 to develop football skills and gain confidence by seeing them thrive in a supportive environment. Children aged 6-to-16 are warmly welcomed to enjoyable sessions. A 3G pitch at Brittons Academy exemplifies a Club commitment to making football accessible. Boys' teams are robust with sides playing every weekend with ages from Under 7's to Open Men's categories. Such a range ensures members of all ages and standards can get a game.  Individual development and team skills are equally worked on. Central to such a large operation is a Committee of dedicated volunteers who work tirelessly behind the scene.  They organise events, promote plans, ensure secure funding and maintain facilities - and are the backbone of Tigers Junior Football Club.  Tigers stand out as a shining example of how grassroots sports can positively impact a community.

 

Alas, and so sadly, there's tragic news as key Club Officer Lisa Di Palma recently lost her life while on holiday with husband Keith in Turkey.  More is to be heard about this very soon.

 

Tigers Junior Football Club demonstrates sport can be a force for good, combining athletic development with community service and a heartfelt legacy. Will it be 3rd time lucky for this popular Club?

  

Runner-up was Romford Golf Club Junior Section.

 

 

. SENIOR SCHOOL TEAM-OF-THE-YEAR (Sponsored by Brentwood M & E Services Limited).  Presenting this award is Mr. Jamie Crowe

 

Winners are REDDEN COURT YEAR 8 GIRLS' BASKETBALL TEAM :This team had an extraordinary journey representing their School and also our wider Havering community. After previously becoming the first Havering basketball team to become Junior National Champions they set their sights even higher in 2025. Competing as year 8s they again made history by being the first Havering girls' basketball team to reach an Essex Cup Final when going unbeaten throughout the campaign. Top Essex schools such as Gateway, Woodlands, Shenfield, Beauchamps and Great Baddow were all overcome by skill, teamwork and resilience. They narrowly missed out on the kudos of Cup Final victory but is was obvious their tenacity never wavered. It was remarkable how far the squad had come in such a short time as 2 years earlier, none had ever picked up a basketball! Their story embodies all that school sport should be about : opportunity, growth and courage to make history.  They achieved something incredible and paved the way for the future of girls' basketball in Havering.

 

Runner-up is Reden Court Year 10 Netball Team

 

 

. PRIMARY SCHOOL TEAM-OF-THE-YEAR (Sponsored by former Mayor Melvin Wallace who is Chairman of Havering Sports Council and presented the award)

 

Winners are ENGAYNE BOYS CRICKET TEAM : They've had an amazing season with a small squad, of whom only 2 had actually played cricket before their journey began. They worked hard to perfect skills prior to a Havering competition. They won all qualifying games to reach a final where they faced opponents whose team contained established Club players. Despite being underdogs they won to become Havering Champions. Then representing Havering they contested the Essex Finals at Billericay where, on a scorching hot day they played superbly in winning every game - so now Champions of Essex!  Now representing Essex in the East Region finals at the famous Chelmsford County Ground, home of Essex Cricket Club, they suffered disaster days before the event. Their Captain and most experienced player suffered injury. Not fazed they prepared with their Captain shouting off-field encouragement. After 4 games 3 teams were on equal points. In this situation victory would go to a team scoring most runs.  In the final game they knocked-up 150 runs off just 40 balls. That was enough to become winners and East Region Champions. What a season - Champions of Havering, Essex and the East Region.

 

Runner-up was Engayne Netball Team.

 

 

. PETER BRUCE LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD (Sponsored by McDonalds Restaurants of Romford) Making this presentation was their Proprietor Mr. Gerry Byrne

 

This is awarded in memory of Peter Bruce, a former long-serving Havering Sports Council President and local sports activist in many roles, who passed-on in 2021. It's presented to a worthy Havering resident who had completed a minimum of 25 years' meritorious service on the Borough's sport's scene.

 

This year, for a 4rd occasion since this category was introduced in 2001 were 2 truly worthy joint winners, who'll each receive mementoes and share this trophy for 6 months.  

 

. VIV ALLAWAY : Viv came to Havering in 1972 and immediately involved herself with Primary School netball going on to run the Primary League for many years.  In 1994 she formed Ingrebourne Netball Club, starting with an Under 12 team competing in the Thurrock League and then evolving to 'all-age' teams playing in the Essex Met league. In 2004 they reached a National Under 14 final, losing narrowly to Oldham - to this day they're the only Havering team to reach a National netball final.  The Club ran until 2009 during which Viv coached 1 member to England level and many others to County level.  She served on an Essex Met Netball Committee for many years helping to promote and organise our area's netball. 2002 saw Viv help set up 'Tornadoes Adult Netball Team' to participate in the Netball Super Cup - a forerunner of the Super League - which they won on 3 occasions.  Since 1993 Viv's been Havering's Netball Team Manager for the London Youth Games, during which time the Borough won 6 gold, 2 silver and 4 bronze medals plus 1 silver and 1 bronze in the Mini-Games.  In 2001 gold was won in both formats.  At a 2014 House-of-Commons reception Viv's name was added to the London Youth Games Roll-of-Honour. Another honour came in 2019 when appointed Havering's first 'Active Schools Hero' for her 'outstanding contribution to getting children into sport and staying active'  That year she featured in a promotional video made by NIKE about involvement in grassroots sport. Since retiring from teaching Viv's coached netball at Engayne Primary School, ran a Club and their school team. Viv still finds time to volunteer at Havering School Sports partnership.

 

. DAVID KING : Hornchurch-based David King is a key figure on Havering's bowls scene, having been so for decades. He's completed 25 years' service as Secretary of a well established Romford Bowling Club.  His CV lists 5 years as Assistant Secretary of that Club. He's their current President having worn the Chain-of-Office with distinction for 4 years. At a higher level he's currently Essex County Bowling Association Group 4 Secretary having filled this post for 10 years.  He's twice served terms as Romford & District Bowling Association President and served for 3 years as their Association's Secretary.  From 2019-to-2025 he occupied the Chair of Gidea Park Bowls League. David's now President of Essex County Bowling.  A tremendous record of service for local sport.

 

 

. Our final award was, sadly, a posthumous one.  It's the first such award made by Havering Sports Council since it's formation. It was the name of a truly worthy person whose contribution to local sport has been immense. Havering Sports Council wishes to mark her contribution and sad passing with an award.  It was presented by Romford MP Andrew Rosindell.

 

Keith Palma accepted our posthumous award in honour of his late wife.  (See tribute below report).