Melksham stalwarts awarded British Empire Medals

A Melksham couple have been awarded British Empire Medals (BEM) in the King’s Birthday Honours list for their services to the Melksham community.

Jeanette and Mike Nash have lived in Melksham for over 30 years and have supported numerous community groups, helping the town to thrive. Over the years, they have raised thousands of pounds for charities including Wiltshire and Bath Air Ambulance, cancer charities, The Children’s Society, Melksham Hospital, Alzheimer’s Society, and Help for Heroes.

Most notably, the stalwarts were the Melksham Pearlies, a traditional sing-along entertainment group which began in 1993 and ran for around 20 years. Now, they run the popular Singin’ Group, which meets weekly at the Riverside Centre, singing songs for fun and social connection.

“We didn’t know we were getting the medal,” said Jeanette. “We then arrived at the Singin’ Group recently, ready to tell everybody – but of course, they already all knew.”

The Melksham Pearlies

As the Melksham Pearlies, Jeanette and Mike attended parties and events to sing, complete with costumes, props, and lights, raising money for charity along the way.

“All of the proceeds we raised from doing this went to the Wiltshire Air Ambulance. We donated around £18,000,” said Jeanette. “We went to lots of parties and we had fun. In 2006, we travelled 2,036 miles – all over Wiltshire, Somerset and Gloucestershire.”

The Melksham Pearlies also performed twice at Melksham Assembly Hall as part of a variety show and were presented with a Civic Award by Melksham Town Council for their work.

The Singin’ Group

In 2016, the couple launched the Singin’ Group to bring residents together through music and social connection.

What began with just five members has now grown into a group of over 40 people meeting each week, with more wanting to join.

“We celebrate anything that can be celebrated,” said Jeanette. “We often run themed days, which are quite popular with our members – we like any excuse to dress up!”

The group also holds regular charity raffles, days out, and an annual Christmas meal.

“Next year we celebrate our 10th anniversary and we’re planning a group holiday, which all the members are paying for themselves,” said Jeanette. “We’re not a choir and never pretend to be. We don’t sit in rows – we sit in a circle so we can all see each other and have a laugh.

“People can pick their own songs – they don’t always get them, but they have a choice. We also enjoy tea and biscuits, sometimes cake too, and if we have enough notice, we celebrate birthdays.”

For the past four years, the group has also performed a home-produced pantomime, wearing costumes and using props.

Jeanette added, “We read from the scripts because we just do it for ourselves, for fun – and people bring their friends or relatives.”

Reflecting on their love for Melksham and its community spirit, Jeanette said, “It’s a good town, it’s friendly, and there’s plenty for people to do if they want to. There are also enough cafes to go and have a coffee and chat with someone.”