Eden Shopping Centre is proud to announce the winners of its 12 Stars of Eden campaign, a community initiative celebrating the everyday heroes who make High Wycombe a place full of kindness, generosity, and community spirit.
The campaign invited the public to nominate local heroes making a real difference in their community. The response was overwhelming, with heartfelt entries highlighting acts of dedication, compassion, and positive impact. From volunteers supporting local families to community leaders, teachers, and those creating safe spaces for young people, the stories demonstrated the incredible range of contributions that enrich life in High Wycombe.
After careful consideration by a judging panel of Eden staff and a representative from Heart of Bucks, Eden’s charity partner, twelve exceptional individuals were selected as this year’s Stars of Eden. These remarkable winners represent the very best of the town, demonstrating service, leadership, and selfless kindness in a variety of ways.
Meet the 12 Stars of Eden:
- Amanda Armitage – Supports families and local groups through Kindness in Bucks initiatives.
- Charlie Ponting – Brings energy and dedication to local charity projects and fundraising.
- Yvonne Harris – Inspires others through quiet acts of kindness and selfless support.
- Tony Green – Longtime community leader, former councillor and Mayor, volunteering tirelessly.
- Robyn Dunne – Volunteers regularly, offering care and support across the local community.
- Dalila Salgueiro – Teacher and community advocate helping families and residents in need.
- Yasmin Harris – Leads youth projects, creating safe, inspiring spaces for young people.
- Joe Patrick – Maintains the local environment and encourages the community.
- Mike Dewey – Preserves High Wycombe’s heritage through history projects and storytelling.
- Mohammad Abid – Provides leadership and support.
- Zoe Staines – Headteacher transforming early years education, helping children thrive.
- Michelle Belcher – Selfless community helper and role model.
Tony Parrott, Deputy Centre Manager at Eden, said: “The nominations we received were truly inspiring. Each story reflects the strength and heart of our community. The 12 Stars of Eden is our way of recognising the extraordinary individuals who make a difference, often behind the scenes. We are honoured to celebrate them and share their stories.”
Each Star will receive a special voucher from Eden in recognition of their contribution to the local community.
Eden congratulates all twelve winners and thanks everyone who submitted nominations, reinforcing the shopping centre’s ongoing commitment to celebrating kindness, supporting local people, and bringing the community together during the festive season and beyond.
Among these inspiring individuals, a few stories stand out, highlighting the extraordinary ways they are making a difference in the High Wycombe community, and we can offer interviews with the below heroes on what it means to them to be recognised for everything they do.
Including Amanda Armitage, recognised for her exceptional work supporting families and local groups through Kindness in Bucks. Her nominator highlighted her wide-ranging involvement, from organising Baby Baskets and Christmas Shoeboxes to running walking clubs and coaching girls’ football, as well as providing day-to-day support to families and older residents through litter picks, food deliveries, and other community activities.
Tony Green, a former councillor and Mayor, was honoured for decades of dedication to High Wycombe. For more than 25 years, Tony has been at the heart of civic life, leading the town’s Poppy Appeal, serving as head of governors at a local school, and supporting the HW BIDCO team. His nominator described him as “a great pillar of the community… putting so much of his time and effort into making High Wycombe a better town for everyone.”
Another star, Zoe Staines, was recognised for her transformative work in early years education at Bowerdean Nursery School. Over nearly 20 years, Zoe has ensured that children from all backgrounds receive the very best start in life, bringing enthusiasm and care to the classroom and helping countless children thrive. Her nominator highlighted her extraordinary dedication, noting how she often goes beyond her role to support families facing challenges far beyond education.
Yasmin Harris, was recognised for her outstanding commitment to young people. Through Wycombe Youth Action, she leads youth clubs, holiday programmes, and most recently an anti–knife crime music project, creating safe and inspiring spaces where young people can thrive. Her nominator praised her as “the most selfless person I know… she has the biggest heart and goes above and beyond for the youth in High Wycombe.”
