On April 23 2026, Littlehampton Town Council announced the recipients of this year’s Merit Awards during the Annual Town Meeting. The honours highlighted several individuals and groups for their outstanding contributions: the recipients often going above and beyond in the service of the local community.

Chosen by a panel of Councillors through a public nomination process, Town Mayor, Councillor Alan Butcher, presented the awards, stating: “It is a true honour to present these awards, which represent a small but heartfelt expression of thanks for the exceptional dedication and contribution shown by each individual and group to our town.”

And the winners are…

Littlehampton Page

The Littlehampton Page (on Facebook) champions pride in our Town, often promoting the fantastic assets Littlehampton has to offer and promoting local businesses, events and initiatives.  It shines a light on everything that makes Littlehampton a special place to live, work, and visit. In a remarkably short time, it has grown into one of the most vibrant and uplifting community platforms on Facebook.

MenWalkTalk

A group started by somebody who found going outside made a difficult time feel more manageable. It is a safe, steady space where men can go to simply walk and, if they want to, talk. They have helped rebuild routines, restore confidence and form genuine friendships creating a ripple effect reaching into families and across the whole community.

LPOS

LPOS was born out of a desire to expand performing opportunities in Littlehampton, with a particular passion for Gilbert and Sullivan. In the last 70 years it has broadened its repertoire to incorporate a wide range of modern musicals as well as becoming a registered charity with a vision to break down barriers to inclusion in the arts. LPOS welcomes people from all backgrounds and skill levels, boosting confidence, wellbeing, self-esteem and practical skills.

Littlehampton Market

A revitalised and thriving part of the town centre that has restored energy, opportunity and community spirit. The market has increased High Street footfall, supported independent traders, start‑ups, craftspeople and local producers by giving them a platform to grow. Beyond its economic impact, the market has become a genuine community space: inclusive, lively and rooted in civic pride.

Helen Best

The co-founder of Sussex Tornados, an All-Star Cheerleading programme and registered charity, who recently launched a Disability Cheer Dance Team that reflects the inclusive spirit at the heart of the Tornados. She has a rare combination of professional expertise and heartfelt compassion.

Hazel Lodge

A remarkable woman who has been at the heart of the Littlehampton Foodbank for over 12 years. Hazel has created a space that welcomes and supports anybody facing a crisis. People visiting the Foodbank are greeted with a smile and a compassionate ear. Hazel has given her time, energy, and compassion, not for recognition, but simply because she saw a need and responded on behalf of the entire community.

James Rushman

A man whose passion for music has shaped Littlehampton’s cultural life for more than a quarter of a century. Since the Edwin James Festival Choir’s modest beginnings in 1998, James has led a small group of church singers to becoming a vibrant community choir and orchestra, performing four major fundraising concerts every year and welcoming adults of all ages and abilities.

Tracey Harriman

Having been a lifelong avid reader and after many years of book blogging and reviewing, Tracey took a leap of faith and opened a bookshop on the High Street in 2025. In a short space of time, Tracey has grown the shop into a space tailored to the needs of the people around it – always asking what the community needs and finding ways to provide it. In addition, Tracey founded a bereavement group, where people going through grief and loss can find comfort, connections and kindness.

Progress Award Recipient – Tyndall Jones

Littlehampton Town Council has awarded its newly named Progress Award to Tyndall Jones, recognising an individual who has consistently embodied the town’s strong community spirit over many decades. Best known as the long‑standing figure behind David O’ Jones, a High Street institution since 1946, Tyndall has played a central role in supporting local sport, clubs and teams while helping to preserve the independent, community‑rooted character that defines Littlehampton. His contribution extends far beyond his business, through civic involvement on the Town Council Sports Forum, decades of support for the Littlehampton Bonfire Society and tireless voluntary fundraising for mayoral charities and local causes, including mental health organisations, youth projects, the Armed Forces community, Chestnut Tree House and the Foodbank. Quietly, consistently and selflessly, Tyndall has served Littlehampton, earning widespread admiration as a local hero and legend, and this award celebrates a lifetime of dedication that has made the community richer, warmer and stronger.