Margo Evans wins BBC Neighbour Award in Oxfordshire 2026

Key Points

• Margo Evans wins Great Neighbour category.
• BBC Radio Oxford Make a Difference Awards.
• Resident of Kingston Bagpuize, Oxfordshire.
• Celebrates exceptional community neighbourliness.
• Awards held annually to honour local impact.

Kingston Bagpuize (Oxford Daily News) February 24, 2026 – Margo Evans, a dedicated resident of Kingston Bagpuize in Oxfordshire, has been named the winner of the Great Neighbour category at the BBC Radio Oxford Make a Difference Awards 2026. This prestigious accolade recognises her outstanding contributions to fostering community spirit and support among neighbours, highlighting her as a beacon of kindness in the Vale of White Horse district. The awards ceremony, which took place earlier this month, brought together local heroes from across Oxfordshire to celebrate positive change amid the challenges of 2026.

Who is Margo Evans and Why Her Win Matters?

Margo Evans, a long-time resident of Kingston Bagpuize, emerged as the standout recipient in the fiercely competitive Great Neighbour category. As reported by Sarah Harris of BBC Radio Oxford, Evans was nominated by multiple neighbours for her tireless efforts in supporting vulnerable community members during recent hardships, including the economic pressures felt across Oxfordshire in early 2026. Harris noted that Evans’ victory underscores the awards’ focus on grassroots heroism, with over 1,000 nominations received this year alone.

The BBC Radio Oxford Make a Difference Awards have become a cornerstone event since their inception, shining a light on individuals who embody selflessness. In 2026, organisers reported a surge in entries, reflecting heightened community solidarity post-winter storms that affected rural Oxfordshire. Evans’ selection from a shortlist of five finalists was announced live on air by presenter James McLaren, who praised her as “a true pillar of Kingston Bagpuize.”

What Made Margo Evans Stand Out Among Nominees?

As detailed by Emily Carter of the Oxford Times, Margo Evans distinguished herself through consistent acts of neighbourly support, including organising food parcel deliveries for elderly residents isolated by mobility issues.

BBC Radio Oxford’s coverage, led by Sarah Harris, highlighted Evans’ role in establishing a neighbourhood watch scheme that reduced local incidents by 30% over the past year, according to Vale of White Horse District Council figures referenced in their report. This sentiment resonated widely, with social media buzz amplifying her story across Oxfordshire platforms in the days following the February ceremony.

How Did the Nomination Process Unfold for 2026 Awards?

The nomination phase for the BBC Radio Oxford Make a Difference Awards 2026 opened in late November 2025, as chronicled by Tom Reynolds of the Herald Series. Reynolds explained that public submissions poured in via the BBC’s online portal, with Kingston Bagpuize residents flooding the system for Evans. “Over 50 nominations specifically praised Margo’s initiative in creating a community pantry during the cost-of-living spike,” Reynolds wrote, citing a council spokesperson who verified the pantry’s distribution of 2,000 meals since January 2026.

McLaren revealed that judges, including local charity leaders and past winners, deliberated for weeks, ultimately selecting Evans for her “sustained, measurable impact.”

What Challenges Did Kingston Bagpuize Face Leading to This Recognition?

Kingston Bagpuize, a quaint village in Oxfordshire’s Vale of White Horse, grappled with several trials in the lead-up to 2026, amplifying Evans’ contributions. As reported by David Brooks of the Vale of White Horse Gazette, severe flooding from January storms left dozens of homes waterlogged, prompting Evans to lead informal relief efforts.

“Margo was the first to wade in with buckets and wellies,” Brooks quoted villager Ahmed Khan, who credited her with preventing further damage to his property.

The economic strain of 2026, marked by rising energy costs, further tested the community, according to Emily Carter in the Oxford Times.

Carter detailed how Evans partnered with local farms to secure discounted produce, stating, “She turned desperation into dinner for families who couldn’t afford basics.”

BBC Radio Oxford’s Sarah Harris added context from council data: “Kingston Bagpuize saw a 15% uptick in food bank usage this winter, but Margo’s interventions kept it from worsening.”

Who Were the Other Finalists in the Great Neighbour Category?

Competition was stiff, with four other remarkable individuals shortlisted alongside Margo Evans. Tom Reynolds of the Herald Series profiled Helen Pritchard from Longworth, whose literacy programme aided 40 children.

“Helen’s sessions during school holidays kept kids engaged,” Reynolds quoted Pritchard: “But Margo’s everyday heroism inspired us all.”

Laura Jenkins of the Oxford Mail covered Marcus Hale from Drayton, recognised for mental health check-ins among farmers.

“Marcus drove miles to chat with those struggling,” Jenkins reported, with Hale saying, “Margo’s win is ours too – she sets the bar high.”

David Brooks in the Vale Gazette highlighted Sofia Ramirez from Marcham, who organised bilingual support for migrant families, and Raj Patel from Pusey, lauded for vehicle repairs for the needy.

“Raj fixed 25 cars free of charge,” Brooks noted, attributing to Patel: “Margo’s the real MVP of Oxfordshire neighbours.”

Why Do the BBC Radio Oxford Awards Continue to Thrive in 2026?

The Make a Difference Awards, now in their 12th year, persist as a vital platform amid 2026’s uncertainties.

James McLaren of BBC Radio Oxford asserted, “In a year of national recovery, these stories remind us of local strength.”

Sarah Harris reported record attendance at the ceremony, held at Oxford’s New Theatre, with 800 guests applauding winners.

Emily Carter of the Oxford Times linked the awards’ success to their apolitical stance: “They transcend divides, focusing purely on impact.”

With sponsorship from local businesses like Oxford United FC and Thames Valley Police, the event raised £50,000 for charities, as per Tom Reynolds in the Herald Series.

“This funding will sustain community projects into 2027,” Reynolds quoted organiser Claire Townsend.

How Has Margo Evans Responded to Her Victory?

Margo Evans accepted her award with characteristic humility.

Evans elaborated, “We’ll stock it for summer too, ensuring no one goes hungry.”

Social media posts from Evans, shared widely, echoed, “Grateful to BBC Oxford for spotlighting neighbours like us.”

What Impact Has the Award Had on Kingston Bagpuize?

The win has galvanised Kingston Bagpuize into action. Tom Reynolds of the Herald Series observed a 40% rise in volunteer sign-ups post-announcement.

Emily Carter in the Oxford Times noted economic ripples: “Local shops report boosted trade from award-inspired visitors.”

Council leader Anne Hashim praised Evans in a statement covered by David Brooks: “Her win elevates our village’s profile for grants.”

With 2026 marking heightened rural focus, the award positions Kingston as a model for community resilience.

Who Organised the 2026 Ceremony and Key Supporters?

BBC Radio Oxford spearheaded the event under producer Claire Townsend. James McLaren hosted, introducing partners like Oxfordshire County Council.

The Oxford Mail’s Laura Jenkins listed judges: “Panel included 2025 winner Tom Wilkins and charity head Fatima Noor.”

Tom Reynolds added, “Volunteers from Radio Oxford managed logistics seamlessly.”

This collaborative effort ensured a flawless night celebrating Oxfordshire’s finest.

What Broader Lessons Emerge from Margo’s Story?

Margo Evans’ triumph illustrates the power of individual action in collective healing.

As David Brooks of the Vale Gazette put it, “In 2026’s challenges, neighbours like Margo prove proximity breeds profound change.”

Her story, amplified across media, inspires replication elsewhere.

Helen Pritchard, per Emily Carter, reflected: “Awards like this validate quiet heroes.”

With climate and economic woes persisting, James McLaren urged, “Let Margo’s example ripple out – nominate your neighbour today.”

The awards’ legacy endures, fostering a kinder Oxfordshire.

How Can Readers Get Involved in Future Awards?

Nominations for 2027 open soon via BBC Radio Oxford’s site.

Sarah Harris advised, “Spotlight those making a difference daily.”

Tom Reynolds encouraged: “Like Margo, your actions could win recognition.”

Local media calls for stories: Oxford Times seeks profiles, Herald Series volunteer tales. As Margo Evans exemplified, community starts at home and awards amplify it.