Joy O'Neill (CF 2020) has been selected as a SHE Awards 2027 finalist in the Lifetime Achievement category in recognition of her 34 years of voluntary service across both grassroots organisations and strategic board roles.
By Joy O'Neill, 2026
Rural communities
About this theme
This theme covers topics relating to strengthening rural communities. Between 2019-2023 the Churchill Fellowship ran a designated programme of Fellowships on this theme in partnership with the Royal Countryside Fund. Fellows from across the years continue to explore this theme as part of their Fellowships. You can read more about them, their reports, and their latest activity below. Fellows’ stories
Michael Umney (CF 2025) produced Another Country with James Rebanks, a three-part BBC Radio 4 series exploring the lives of rural workers and communities in England.
By Michael Umney, 2026
By James Allen, 2023
Dr Pauline Milne MBE (CF 2020) and Joy O'Neill (CF 2020) attended the Harvard Women and Power Alumnae Summit, hosted by Cardiff University.
By Pauline Milne ~ Joy O'Neill, 2026
By Paul Smith, 2025
Judith Vickress (CF 2023) was featured in Policing Insight following the publication of her Churchill Fellowship research into violence against women, girls and children in rural communities.
By Judith Vickress, 2026
Samuel Huczmann (CF 2025) presented his Churchill Fellowship research on digital-enabled advanced care practice at the University of Northampton's Fuelling Innovation event.
By Samuel Huczmann, 2026
Samuel Huczmann (CF 2025) helped mark the opening of the Isles of Scilly Health and Care Partnership shortly after returning from his Churchill Fellowship.
By Samuel Huczmann, 2026
By Myra Clark, 2020
James Allen (CF 2023) began production at Cotmarsh Tannery CIC, with the first batch of leather entering the tanning process in April 2026 following the completion and commissioning of the new tannery.
By James Allen, 2026