Residents from Melksham have been shortlisted for a prestigious award in recognition of their work in the community.
Howard Yardy, Joe Aygul and the Sarum Avenue Christmas Lights Group have been selected as finalists in BBC Radio Wiltshire’s 2026 Make a Difference Awards, which celebrate people who make a positive impact in their communities.
A volunteer wildlife officer with the Wilts & Berks Canal Trust, Howard has been shortlisted in the Environmental category, which recognises individuals or groups who improve or conserve their local environment and make it better for nature.
Much of his time is spent on the restored stretch of the canal near Naish Hill, Lacock, where he and his team are creating new woodlands, wildflower meadows, hedges and ponds.
In recent years, more than 1,000 trees and around 1,500 wildflowers have been planted, and nearly 100 bird and bat boxes have been installed.
Howard said, “The restoration of the Wilts & Berks isn’t just about building a canal – it’s also a huge environmental project to bring water back into the landscape and address the crisis in nature.”
Joe Aygul has been shortlisted in the Active category for his work running a men’s health programme across Wiltshire, helping men get active, lose weight and talk about mental health.
He said, “We meet every week at the same time and place to provide structure and consistency for guys to come along. It is social and friendly and we do different sports activities each week. In Melksham, we meet in King George V Park and play cricket, rugby, football and rounders. We have been kayaking on the river, we have been in the gym and up to the rugby club.”
The Sarum Avenue Christmas Lights Group has also been announced as a finalist in the competition in the fundraising category. The nomination recognises the thousands of pounds residents have raised for Wiltshire and Bath Air Ambulance through their annual street-wide Christmas lights display, which takes place each December.
The group said, “We do this for the love of it and to raise money for such a deserving charity is the icing on the cake. However, for Wiltshire & Bath Air Ambulance to recognise our hard work really does mean the world to us all. So, from the bottom of our hearts – thank you.”
The annual Make a Difference Awards are organised by BBC local radio stations across the UK.
The winners of the Wiltshire awards will be announced at a ceremony in Swindon in September.
Pictured above: Sarum Avenue Christmas Lights Group . Left: Joe Aygul Below: Howard Yardy
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