A number of awards are given to the Branch members each year at the AGM to reward those who provide exemplary service to the Branch. The awards are the Andy Simmonds Shield, The Albie Hall Trophy and RBLR Certificates of Merit.
The Andy Simmonds Shield is awarded annually to the person the committee thinks has given more above and beyond for the Branch.
The Andy Simmonds Shield winner in 2025 was Chris Wallis.
The Albie Hall Trophy is awarded to the member/s who the Committee feels has captured the Public’s imagination in his or her fundraising achievements for the Poppy Appeal during the year.
The Albie Hall Trophy winners in 2025 were Matthew Hansford & Kelsea Shea-Hoyle
Certificates of Merit are awarded to a member who fulfils at least one of the three qualifying criteria. (The Criteria can be found on the Awards Page). This year Certificate of Merit were awarded to: Martin Buck, Phil Weston, Graeme Dawson, Kelsea Shea-Hoyle, Christine Adams, Eleanor Portass and Jillian Pentecost.
This year’s award winners have shown exactly what it means to go above and beyond as members of our community. They didn’t set out to win recognition—they simply stepped forward, helped others, represented the Branch with pride, and made a real difference through their dedication and enthusiasm.
Their achievements remind us that every member has the potential to shine. Whether it’s supporting events, volunteering time, helping fellow Riders, fundraising, or quietly keeping things running behind the scenes, every contribution matters. What sets our award winners apart is not grand gestures, but the consistency of their commitment and the passion they bring to everything they do.
They show us that you don’t have to be the loudest, the fastest, or the most experienced—you just have to care, get involved, and make the effort. Their example should encourage all of us to think about how we can do that little bit more, not for the sake of recognition, but for the good of the Branch and the community we support.
And who knows—by following their example and stepping up where you can, next year it could be your name being read out, your achievements being celebrated, and your efforts inspiring others.
Full details of each award and recipients of Awards over the years can be found on the Awards Page and more photos can be found in the AGM 2025 Gallery.