British Wheel of Yoga (BWY) Honours Volunteers at Heart of Yoga Awards 2024

The dedication and invaluable contributions from volunteers nationwide have been celebrated, as the winners of the BWY’s Heart of Yoga awards were announced at an award ceremony following the Annual General Meeting in London on Thursday 9 May.

The awards acknowledge the dedication of BWY’s network of 100 volunteers who support our charitable mission: to enrich lives through yoga, increasing accessibility and promoting inclusivity.

Seven volunteers were celebrated across the six award categories.

Monica Burton BEM was awarded the Anthony Grover Award for her service to BWY, spanning almost 40 years. During this time she initiated BWYs first CPD programme and developed the Yoga for the Third Age module, which earned her the British Empire Medal for services to yoga.

Jan Palmer was awarded Ambassador of the Year for sharing best practices and collaborating with regional and central teams. Christina Bosley won the Education Champion Award for her long-term support of the South West community and her mentorship for other regions. Lynne Jones received the Community Champion Award for her work supporting vulnerable people in South Wales.

WengYee Loke and Melanie Guffogg-Hornby shared the Rising Star Award for their innovative thinking and exceptional event planning skills, while Sue Harding-Smith was presented with the Event Volunteer of the Year Award for elevating the Sangha festival to be a flagship event for the BWY North community.

Di O’Reilly, BWY Chair, expressed gratitude for the winners: “We’re truly thankful for the dedication and creativity of our volunteers, from finding more efficient ways to work to driving initiatives that boost our membership. Their commitment is inspiring.”

The award ceremony also featured the presentation of the Wilfred Clark Bursary Award, designed to encourage BWY teachers to bring yoga to individuals with additional needs. It is named in tribute to BWY founder, Wilfred Clark.

Peter Tyldesley, BWY CEO, who presented the awards, said: “It has been an honour to recognise these hard-working volunteers, whose selfless contributions not only enrich yoga communities but also reflect our shared values and mission. Volunteers are at the heart of our organisation and they are key to our success moving forward.”

The Anthony Grover Award

This award marks tribute to Anthony Grover who served BWY for more than 20 years.

Winner: Monica Burton BEM

Monica, a BWY member since 1986, served as a DCT before becoming London’s Regional Officer in 2000. Her innovative initiatives, such as free yoga shows at Battersea Park and the Royal Albert Hall, expanded London’s committee team and membership. Monica initiated BWY’s first CPD programme and developed the Yoga for the Third Age module, inspiring the Gentle Years Yoga courses. Her remarkable contributions earned her a British Empire Medal in the 2023 Kings Honours List. Having trained more than 40 teachers and countless individuals in yoga, Monica remains an active and inspiring teacher today.

Rising Star Award

Winners: Melanie Guffogg-Hornby / WengYee Loke

As Lancashire rep, Mel has infused new life into the North West community. Through diverse events, from CPD to First Aid, Autumn Festival to beach tidies, Melanie has created a vibrant community. Her positive attitude and networking skills are essential to BWY moving forward.

Since joining the London Committee in 2023, WengYee has brought fresh energy and practical solutions. She’s developed a new template for the regional newsletter using Canva software and supported volunteering colleagues in other BWY communities sharing innovation.

Community Champion Award

Winner: Lynne Jones

Lynne Jones is passionate about bringing yoga to vulnerable populations in South Wales. She has taught yoga at the Caswell Clinic, supporting people with mental health challenges and those at risk of offending. Lynne also collaborates with the Prison Phoenix Trust, offering yoga at Parc Prison. During lockdown, she continued her commitment by recording instructional videos, ensuring yoga’s benefits reached those in need.

Ambassador of the Year Award

Winner: Jan Palmer

Jan has been instrumental in organising successful events in the South East, playing a key role in its growth to become one of the largest BWY communities. She generously gives her weekends to represent BWY at local shows such as the Brighton Yoga Festival. Her invaluable contributions to the BWY central office team, particularly in website development, have supported BWY’s initiatives.

Education Champion of the Year Award

Winner: Christina Bosley

Christina Bosley has been a dedicated member of the South West committee since November 2015. From Wiltshire Rep to Regional Training Officer, Christina then became a mentor for other regions, helping to support BWY’s growth in the South through the launch of a new committee team.

Event Volunteer of the Year

Winner: Susan Harding-Smith

Sue organises the annual Festival in the North for BWY, securing notable yoga teachers like James Rafael and Brenda Ward. She celebrates local BWY teachers with multiple sessions and promotes their work while supporting local businesses through yoga-related stalls.