Melksham Town’s joint presidents awarded for long-standing service

JOINT presidents of Melksham Town Football Club, Dave Phillips and Mick Perrin have received awards in recognition of their service to the club.

They received silver salver trophies at an awards evening on Saturday 25th February – Dave for attending his 2,000th Melksham Town game and Mick for 60 years service to the club. The achievements were recently featured on BBC Points West.

Dave told Melksham News, “I started with the club in 1976 and have documented every one of the 2,000 games I’ve been to.

“One of my fondest memories is when Town won the Western League Division 1 Championships in 1980.  Another great memory is the FA Vase when we lost in the quarter-finals but were just three games away from Wembley. Plus in recent years, our move to the Oakfield Stadium is a big highlight and seeing the club play in the Western League, the highest level in our history.

“There’s been many ups and downs and I have met many friends and travelled and have made some great memories. I am also the unofficial club historian and will be giving a talk to the Melksham and District Historical Society on 12th April.”

Mick Perrin, who has been awarded for 60 years’ service said, “I started playing with Melksham Town Football Club when I was 16 years old and my first game was away at Peasedown.

“I eventually became the secretary for 15 years, then the chairman for 15 years. I then became the joint president with Dave, something I really enjoy.

“I still help out when I can and still enjoy every minute. As long as the club wants me, I am happy to stay! I have no plans to leave.”

Recalling memories from over the years Mick said, “I’ve got so many memories but one does stick out when we won the Wiltshire Senior Cup in 1969-70 winning the final against Devizes. That was a really brilliant memory! The last time we’d won this was 1906.”