Over 100 outstanding individuals were recently honoured at Warwickshire ChangeMakers 2025 – a celebration of people in the county’s communities who dedicate themselves to improving life in the county.

At the start of her tenure, His Majesty’s High Sheriff of Warwickshire, Karen Lynch MBE had the idea of changing the traditional High Sheriff’s Garden Party in favour of Warwickshire ChangeMakers, an event to recognise and celebrate unsung heroes and frontline champions who represent community spirit, quiet determination, and collaborative action. 

Hosted by the High Sheriff, and supported by the Lord Lieutenant, civic leaders and the wider community, the day began with a moving awards ceremony at St Mary’s Collegiate Church, followed by a procession through the town and a joyful garden party at Warwick Castle. 

With live music, Morris dancers, and a toast under the sky in Warwick Castle’s courtyard, the day was carefully designed to bring people together in celebration.

Awardees included volunteers, fundraisers, innovators, youth mentors, and professionals from police, fire, ambulance, probation, and judiciary services. 

Our very own Deputy Provincial Grand Master, David Butcher was successfully nominatred under the category of “Changemaking through building efficiency and effectiveness in charitable giving”. The following are extracts from the Citation for David.

“For over ten years David was the Chair of Acorns Children’s Hospice and provided the foundations upon which the care and support of thousands of life-limited and terminally ill children and their families was based.

For the last three years David has worked tirelessly to restructure Warwickshire Freemasonry’s charitable giving and as a result Warwickshire Freemasons will donate £600,00.00 in 2025 to over 160 local charities; this work will allow Warwickshire Freemasons to continue to make similar annual charitable donations for years to come”

I am sure that we all would wish to congratulate David upon receipt of this Civic Award, especially as one of the very first to be so honoured.

The photograph shows David receiving his award from His Majesty’s High Sheriff of Warwickshire, Karen Lynch, MBE proudly wearing his Warwickshire Provincial tie.