At a Civic Medallion Presentation Evening held at Rickards Hall on 19 February, a number of local residents were formally recognised for their outstanding contribution to our community. These awards celebrate individuals who go above and beyond – often quietly and without recognition – to make our area a better place for everyone.
Recipients were carefully considered by councillors, with nominations reviewed and voted on before the final honourees were selected. The last awards were given in 2021. The presentation evening was a wonderful opportunity to publicly thank those whose dedication, kindness and hard work have had a lasting impact on local people, groups and initiatives.
L-R: Cllr Angela Baker (Chair), Dr Simon Morrison, Anthony Shipwright, Susan Oldfield, David Pocock, Cllr Jon Aldridge (Vice-Chair)
This year’s Civic Medallion recipients are:
- Dr Simon Morrison
- Sue Oldfield
- David Pocock (first resident to be awarded second medallion)
- Anthony Shipwright
Chair of the Council, Cllr Angela Baker, said: “Civic Medallions are not awarded lightly. They recognise those who go above and beyond, often quietly and without expectation of recognition. The recipients this evening have each made a meaningful difference – through dedication, kindness, leadership, or long-standing service – helping to make our town a better place for others. On behalf of the Council and the wider community, thank you to our recipients – and to their families and friends who support them in all that they do.”
Civic Medallion recipients
Dr Simon Morrison
Dr Morrison was one of the principal instigators and a driving force behind the campaign to build the new Edenbridge Memorial Health Centre, recognising early on the needs of our growing and future community. His foresight and determination have created a lasting legacy for our town – one that benefits every resident, now and for generations to come.
Before his retirement, he was a deeply respected GP, trusted and valued by so many families in Edenbridge. But his service did not end when he stepped away from his practice.
Dr Morrison continues to give his time and leadership to our community, including serving as Chairman of the Friends of Edenbridge Medical Practice, helping to ensure the Practice continues to meet the needs of local people.
He remains an active and committed member of our town, always striving to make Edenbridge a better place to live.
Susan Oldfield
Sue was one of the founders of The Bridges Centre more than 30 years ago, and she remains a trustee to this day – still actively involved on a weekly basis. Whether baking each week for the café, or braving the cold at Edenbridge Market to sell raffle tickets in the run-up to Christmas, Sue leads not just in principle, but in practice.
Her real gift lies in her ability to connect with people, ensuring that anyone feeling isolated is made to feel genuinely welcomed and valued.
Her commitment to service stretches back decades. In the 1980s, she helped run the Parent & Toddlers Club at St Paulinus Church Centre, later taking on its leadership. She was also one of five women who established Edenbridge Area Traidcraft, championing Fair Trade long before it became mainstream and helping lay the foundations for Edenbridge to become Kent’s first Fair Trade town.
Sue has supported local schools as a Parent Governor, listened to children read, and played the piano for school performances – always quietly investing in the next generation.
Her dedication extends just as deeply through St Peter’s and St Paul’s Church, where she has served for decades as a Pastoral Assistant – visiting the housebound, bringing communion, comfort and companionship. From coordinating Harvest Distribution to organising memorial posies for bereaved families, Sue quietly ensures that care reaches those who need it most.
Through her church, through Bridges, and through countless unseen acts of kindness, Sue has supported residents at some of the most difficult times in their lives.
David Pocock
At 81 years old, David is still conducting our Town Band – still there every Wednesday night, leading with the same kindness, humour and quiet strength that have defined his leadership for decades.
Under David’s direction, the Town Band has played at so many of the moments that bring our community together – from Remembrance Sunday services, to the late Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, the Proclamation of King Charles III, and most recently the VE Day 80 commemorations. At each of these historic occasions, music has helped us reflect, celebrate and unite – and David has been at the heart of it.
His contribution to our community goes far beyond music. Through his dedication, he has brought people together, nurtured generations of musicians, and created a lasting sense of belonging and pride in our town.
David has never sought recognition. He has simply served – consistently, humbly, and with genuine care – motivated by his love of music, of people, and of community. It is therefore only fitting that we shine a light on him.
Having received a Civic Medallion in 1999, he is the first resident to be honoured with a second award in recognition of his continued contribution.
Anthony Shipwright
For over 20 years, Anthony has been a dedicated and selfless volunteer, giving countless hours to youth initiatives within our town, including the Eden Christian Trust. Through his guidance, encouragement and steady presence, he has helped create a safe and supportive environment where young people can grow, develop confidence, and thrive.
He is known for his reliability, his humility, and his unwavering commitment to the community. He simply shows up, time and time again, for the young people who rely on him.
His long-standing service has had a lasting and positive impact on generations of Edenbridge youth, shaping lives in ways that may never fully be measured, but are deeply felt.