Melksham stalwarts receive Civic Awards

Melksham’s community spirit was celebrated at the Mayor’s Reception on Friday when civic awards were handed out to those who have gone the extra mile for the town.

“Melksham should be proud of all of its achievements,” said mayor Terri Welch. “The Civic Awards are a great opportunity to show appreciation for all of the hard work that people do to support the town.”

Terri presented Community Service Awards to people who have improved the quality of life for Melksham people; and the Enhancing Melksham Award which recognises any person, company or organisation who has improved the physical environment  of the town. She also chose the mayor’s cadet for 2015.

“Community Service Awards were made to the following people,” explained Terri.

“Nick Galpin for his commitment and dedication in organising activities and events, including days out, for the elderly at Ruskin Avenue.

“Nothing is too much for Nick from replacing a light bulb to clearing a garden,” explained Terri. “He also worked for years on the ‘Party in the Park’ committee helping to organise this event. His nominator describes him as an unsung hero.

“Doreen Drew from Melksham & District Link which celebrated its 20th Anniversary during 2014.

“Doreen has been secretary for the past 17 years and 2014 proved a particularly difficult year with the sudden death of the long serving and excellent treasurer combined with the illness of the chairman (now recovered). Without the sterling work and extra commitment of Doreen, the organisation could have disappeared.

“She has overseen the appointment of a new chairman and treasurer and with her help the Link organisation is now back on track.  Her dedication to the scheme is unquestionable.

“Brian and Jean Evans:  Brian ‘Taff’ Evans had his wife Jean have for many years given their time and support to local football teams.

“Taff in his own time has qualified as a physio, welfare officer, FA Level coach and  obtained CRB clearance to ensure his volunteer time is professionally supported by ‘skills’. Taff has managed AFC Melksham Disabled Football Team for 18 months, establishing a weekly club for 22 children and adults with their supporting parents, carers and grandparents.

“Jean is always in the background providing food and drink, washing kit and cleaning the ‘mess’ created by a large group of children. Taff and Jean have lived in Melksham for over 20 years and given just as many years in volunteering for the good of others.

“Tanya and Paul Elling:  Both have been a huge help to Melksham Guiding, for example, in organising and running the fundraising committee and can be seen at many Melksham events promoting Guiding, running a stall or whatever is needed.

“Tanya also runs the Guide shop with other committee members and has branched out, taking the ‘shop’ selling uniform and equipment to other areas.  This has resulted in making money with which the group can update its headquarters.

“Both Tanya and Paul have donated funds raised by running the London Marathon to Melksham Girlguiding.”

“The Enhancing Melksham Award was awarded to the following people,” continued Terri.

“Graham Fryer: For the  extraordinary amount of time and effort he put in to help produce not only the town’s Christmas Lights display, but also in helping Alex Goodhind and his display on Longford Road which raised thousands for charity.

“The hours he puts in so willingly is a great credit to him as an individual and is so appreciated by many in the town.

“Lisa Ellis: For her work over the past two years on  a quite incredible project – the Family Tree of Melksham. She has transcribed and cross referenced every census up to the First World War.  She has worked through thousands of documents and newspapers and photographs to produce an incredible archive, which the people of Melksham can access in the town’s museum, a museum which Lisa set up and paid for herself.

“Lisa seeks no recognition or reward for all her efforts, time and investment.

The final award was the announcement of the Mayor’s Cadet for 2015. Since 2385 Melksham Squadron was honoured with the freedom of the town by the town council in May 2012 to mark their 50th anniversary, a cadet has been chosen by the squadron to be the Mayor’s cadet to escort them at various functions.

Cameron Gerrish from Melksham’s 2385 Air Training Corps (ATC) squadron was appointed as the Mayor’s Cadet, taking over from Corporal Tony Pritchard. Cameron will hold the honorary title for a year.