Three volunteers to be recognised with award
At a meeting of Leighton-Linslade Town Council held on 26 January 2026, it was agreed to award the 2026 Community Volunteer Awards to three very deserving recipients: David Wood, Rosemary Eggleton and posthumously to Fiona Shillito.
All three award recipients were nominated by a fellow resident for having undertaken more than five years of voluntary service to the benefit of the town.
David Wood was nominated for his role in being instrumental in setting up the Leighton Buzzard Voluntary Patient Transport group and his continuing volunteer support as both a call handler and a driver. The group has become a vital resource enabling vulnerable and elderly patients to attend medical appointments at local hospitals. David also has a key voluntary role with the Leighton Buzzard Narrow Gauge Railway.
Rosemary Eggleton was nominated for being the founder of The Lighthouse facility which offers mental health support to local residents. From a small support group in her own home, the service has grown as Rosemary fought for funding to enable the Lighthouse to provide much needed community support for local residents. Rosemary also supports other charities and is well known and loved for her giving nature.
Fiona Shillito was nominated for a range of voluntary work focussed around the environment and sustainability, including work with the Friends of Knolls Wood and in establishing local events such as clothes swishing and charity coffee mornings. She also supported the Great Big Green Week, established an eco-shop and organised litter picking events, as well as raising money for a range of charities. Sadly, Fiona passed away towards the end of 2025. Her family is delighted that she will be recognised posthumously for her community involvement.
Town Mayor Councillor David Bligh said “These three volunteers embody the spirit of community and selflessness, having given their time for years to help and support others. It will be an honour to present our 2026 Community Volunteer Awards to them”.
The 2026 awards will be presented at the annual Civic Service, due to take place at All Saints Church on Sunday, 8 March at 3pm.
The Council is aware that a huge number of people volunteer across Leighton Buzzard and Linslade, making a real difference to many people’s lives. If volunteering is something you might be interested in doing, why not visit websites such as the Town Council, Bedfordshire Rural Communities Charity or Community Voluntary Service Bedfordshire for possible opportunities?
The Council will be welcoming nominations for the 2027 awards between June – October. Full details can be found on the Town Council’s website.