Dedicated villagers honoured at Twyford Together awards

Twyford was full of community spirit this week as villagers celebrated outstanding businesses, charities, schools, organisations and individuals at the Twyford Together awards.

The annual event, which shines a spotlight on those who go ‘above and beyond’ to enrich the lives of people living in Twyford, saw 11 awards being presented.

Nominations for each category came from people living and working within Twyford, with the winner of Citizen of the Year, a special award, being decided upon by Twyford Parish Council.

Scores of people gathered at village restaurant La Fontana for an evening of special recognition and celebration with Twyford Together’s Rob Yeadon officiating proceedings.

After a drinks reception, citations were read out in each category which included runners-up and winners.

Regardless of their placing, every nominee from organisations to individuals, was praised for making a difference in Twyford.

Businesses winning on the night were Physiocare (Business of the Year), Stanlake Park Wine Estate (Food and Drink Award) and Tom Girdler of T G Carpentry & Renovations, who picked up the Tradesperson of the Year Award.

Two schools were highlighted for their inspirational efforts this year with Paul Smith from The Piggott School and Vanessa Neale from The Colleton School both being awarded Teachers of the Year.

Twyford & District Round Table won Community Group of the Year and the Go Green Together Award went to Adopt-a-Street, for hardworking, environmental initiatives.

Individuals shining through on the night were Karen Leck of the Twyford Comets, winning Sports Person of the Year and the Young Achiever of the Year went to Niamh Musson.

The category that is notoriously hard to judge is Charity of the Year with Twyford Together giving two awards in 2026 to Age Concern Twyford & District and the Happy Hours Preschool.

The evening also highlighted individuals making a lasting impact on Twyford through the Gordon Storey Award, a special category created to honour the legacy of Twyford’s late philanthropic resident and Twyford Together founder, Gordon Storey.

Recipients Amar Sheikh (Bridge House of Twyford), Amy Goodall-Smith (Goodall-Smith Wealth Management Ltd), Kevin Lancaster (Right at Home Reading & Wokingham District), and Dean Cooper (Twyford Comets Football Club) were recognised for fostering community spirit and supporting local initiatives that Gordon would be proud of.

Citizen of the Year 2025 went to David Ostrowski in recognition of his exceptional service and decades-long contribution to village life.

David has been a trusted presence in Twyford for over 30 years, beginning at the former Phillips Pharmacy in the early 1990s and continuing at Newdays Pharmacy since 2007/08.

Known for his professionalism, warmth and dedication, he has consistently gone above and beyond for residents, offering support that extends well beyond his role.

In addition to serving the community, David has mentored colleagues and contributed to the smooth running of the pharmacy, making him a valued figure both publicly and behind the scenes.

As he steps into retirement, the parish council wanted to thank him for his lasting and positive impact on the village.