Fellows’ Award Ceremony 2026
Every two years, our Award Ceremony brings Churchill Fellows together to recognise an important stage in their Fellowship journey – the publication of their reports and the sharing of their international learning.
Held at Plaisterers' Hall in London on 1 October, the ceremony recognised 114 Fellows and welcomed guests and members of the wider Churchill Fellowship community for an afternoon of celebration, reflection, and connection.
The event opened with a welcome from Julia Weston, Chief Executive, before our Guest of Honour, Baroness Lola Young, addressed Fellows and presented them with their Churchill Medallions. The ceremony also featured live music from violinist Caroline Pearsall (CF 2014) and a five-drummer ensemble led by Sam Ward-Hardy (CF 2018).
Each Fellow received a Churchill Medallion, designed by late artist Sir Brian Clarke (CF 1974), in recognition of this significant point in their Fellowship.
A number of special awards were also presented during the afternoon, recognising Fellows whose achievements reflected the spirit behind the awards – from conducting an outstanding Fellowship and sharing it widely, to demonstrating adventure, courage, and generosity.
Speaking at the ceremony, Julia Weston said:
"The Churchill Fellowship network is just extraordinary. And it is an incredibly powerful network when you think that every person, in applying for a Churchill Fellowship, has stepped forward and said I want to make change, I want to improve our society, and I believe it’s possible to do so."
Following the presentation of the Medallions and special awards, Mark Damazer, Chair of the Churchill Fellowship, gave the closing remarks. He reflected on the origins of the Fellowship and how Fellows are bringing about change in their own ways, sustained by commitment, resilience and creativity, before inviting guests to join a toast to the Fellows.
The ceremony was followed by an afternoon tea reception, giving Fellows time to connect with friends, family, and fellow guests.