It’s that time of year again when we announce and congratulate the winner of the prestigious Lincoln Civic Award– except this year the Award trustees, who received an impressive mix of nominations, have also decided to announce two runners-up, in a addition to the overall winner!
This year the winner, who will be presented with the stunning silver Civic Award at a special celebration in the city’s historic Guildhall on April 30, is Lincoln Wellington Athletic Club. Highly-commended certificates will also be presented to The Royal Anglian Regiment – “The Poachers” and the Founder of Bracebridge Boxing Club, Denny Oliver.
The nomination for Lincoln Wellington Athletic Club was made by former “Welly” member Chris Illsley BEM, whose Lincoln company Running Imp won the Civic Award in 2013.
Lincoln Wellington AC was formed on 20 September 1911 at a meeting held in the upper room at the Duke of Wellington in Broadgate , Lincoln, which is how the name Wellington came about.
Based at the athletics track at Yarborough Leisure Centre, the club is one of the largest in the East Midlands and its members compete enthusiastically at events all around the country, with membership of the club aged eight and over from all groups in the community.
“They offer quality training on Tuesdays and Thursdays and some sessions are arranged on Saturday and Sunday mornings when there are no competitions, said Mr Illsley.
The club is one of only two volunteer-led clubs left in England. Managed by a committee of elected officers, each of whom has a specific responsibility, in 2025 it was named East Midlands Club of the Year at the Regional Volunteer Awards, recognising its legacy, resilience and commitment to athlete development and community spirit.
Club President Terry Timmis said: “What really gets my heart is the friendships that I see developing and these friendships last for years and years. It’s families, friendships and achievements. I don’t mean achievements as in gold medals. I mean achievements in the person competing against the tape and the measure.”
Chris Illsley, who was a Wellington member in the 1980s added that he has “fond memories” of representing the club at the marathon and is “very proud” of his personal best time which he set at Wolverhampton in 1982, of 2hrs mins, 22 secs.
“However, this pales into insignificance when current “Welly” Abbie Donnelly (born 2 September1996) ran a personal best 2:24:11) at the Frankfurt Marathon last October, to top the UK Women’s Ranking last year over the distance. Abbie received a highly commended certificate, in recognition of her achievements at the 2024 Civic Award ceremony when the main award was presented to The ActsTrust ” he said.
“ By its own definition, the Lincoln Civic Award is presented to an individual or organisation for an achievement which has, in the opinion of the trustees, brought credit to the City of Lincoln, and after 115 years of service Lincoln Wellington Athletic Club epitomises this. It’s for this reason why the Lincoln Wellington Athletic Club should join the list of luminaries and be the deserved recipient of the 2026 Lincoln Civic Award.
Two other nominations for the Civic Award will also see highly commended certificates presented to two other parties honoured at the Lincoln Civic Award ceremony, which takes place in the city’s Guildhall on Lincoln on Thursday, April 30 at 7pm.
Former soldier Cristopher Headland, from Swinderby, said: “I wholeheartedly feel that A (Lincolnshire Company of The Poachers is fully deserving of the Highly- Commended Certificate. The Regiment, and the Royal Lincolnshire before it, has given great service to the county of Lincolnshire since its formation in 1685. Thousands of young men have served in the regiment from Lincoln and the county – a tradition continuing to this very day.
“The Regiment has always done its best for the city and the county and is currently serving in eastern Europe. Recently A Company carried out a huge march from their barracks in Rutland to Lincoln Cathedral. This raised over £4,000 for the Royal British Legion in the county.
In 2022, The Battalion marched through the city, exercising its Freedom of the City, as it has done many times before.
“For the Company to receive this great Civic Award, would be a huge honour and further the magnificent bond between the city, county and the soldiers of Lincolnshire.”
Andy Whitelaw, from Lincoln, (who is Vice Chair of Bracebridge Neighbourhood Board) nominated the Founder of Bracebridge Boxing Club, Denny Oliver, for the Civic Award – and Denny will be presented with a Highly Commended Certificate at the Awards ceremony.
Mr Whitelaw said: “I would like to nominate Denny Oliver, owner and founder of Bracebridge Boxing Club, for his extraordinary contribution to young people and the local community over the past 50 years.
“For half a century, Denny has dedicated his life to running a boxing club in the LN5 area, providing a safe, disciplined, and supportive environment for generations of young people.
“Through his tireless volunteering and unwavering commitment, he has helped countless youths become fitter, healthier, and more confident, while also offering them a positive alternative to life on the streets.
“ Denny’s work goes far beyond boxing. He has given young people purpose, structure, and belief in themselves at times when they needed it most. Many who have come through Bracebridge Boxing Club credit Denny with changing the direction of their lives—instilling values of respect, resilience, self -discipline, and hard work. Among the many success stories to emerge from Bracebridge Boxing Club are Nathan de Castro and Kelly Oliver, both champions who exemplify the standards, dedication, and values Denny has championed throughout his career. Their achievements stand as a testament not only to their own hard work, but also to Denny’s ability to nurture talent, inspire excellence, and develop individuals both inside and outside the ring. Nathan and Kelly’s success has provided inspiration for younger members of the club, showing what is possible with commitment, discipline, and the right guidance. They represent the positive pathways that Denny has consistently created for young people over decades of service.
“ What makes Denny’s contribution truly exceptional is its longevity and selflessness. For 50 years, he has worked quietly and consistently, often behind the scenes, motivated not by recognition but by a genuine desire to help others. His drive, compassion, and sense of responsibility to his community have had a lasting and immeasurable impact. Denny Oliver is a cornerstone of the LN5 community and a role model for volunteering and service. His lifelong dedication to improving young lives—and the champions he has helped shape— make him a truly deserving nominee.
