Melksham’s ‘People of the Year’ honoured with awards

The winners of Melksham News’ Person and Group of the Year 2024 are president of the Lions Club Simon White for 50 years of service to the town and the Sarum Avenue Christmas Lights group for their fundraising display.

Person of the Year, Simon White, was nominated for his dedication to charitable causes that have benefited Melksham. He is a founding member of the Melksham Lions Club and has been volunteering for the organisation for 50 years.

Simon was described by those who nominated him as an ‘asset to the town.’

Group of the Year, Sarum Avenue Christmas Lights, were recognised for their efforts in transforming the street into a dazzling festive display, with houses beautifully decorated and activities to entertain visitors. The event attracted people from across the county and raised over £15,000 for the Wiltshire and Bath Air Ambulance.

The winners of the annual competition, run by Melksham News, were chosen by the town’s mayor, Cllr Tom Price; chair of the Melksham Without Parish Council John Glover and the newspaper’s editor, Ian Drew, following nominations from local people.

Simon reflected on his award, saying, “I have made so many friends over the past 50 years and also lost some dear friends during that time. Stuart Bees, who was the chartered president in 1974, would be tickled pink to learn about this. My wife and family have been so supportive over the years; I couldn’t have done it without them.

“Going forward, I will carry on with the motley crew, who are all such a fantastic bunch of people and I am so proud of every one of them. Our club is expanding and we are appointing new members.”

Stacey Jones, a member of the Sarum Avenue Christmas Lights group, said, “It was a bit of a shock to start with and we didn’t ever expect to be recognised in this way and we didn’t do it for any awards, we solely do it to make as much money as we can, we didn’t do it for any other reason. It’s just really nice that we have been recognised by the community for our effort and hard work throughout December.”

Ian Drew, editor of Melksham News, said, “Both Simon and the Sarum Avenue Christmas Lights group are truly deserving of these awards. Simon’s tireless commitment to Melksham over five decades has had a lasting positive impact, while the Sarum Avenue group’s spectacular display not only spread cheer to the community but also raised a remarkable sum for a vital local cause. They are great examples of what makes Melksham so special.”

Other nominations for Melksham’s Person of the Year included eight-year-old Dexter Holton, who collected toy and food donations for the Salvation Army in Chippenham.

Craig Guthrie, who owns and runs Evie’s Kitchen in King George V Park, also made possible the community Christmas meal held at Forest & Sandridge CE School and helped two older residents fix their heating and water supply.

Colin Goodhind was nominated for his ‘tireless’ work throughout the years for the Melksham community. A former town councillor and deputy mayor, he has helped the Christmas Lights group behind the scenes, raised funds by illuminating his house at Christmas, and been a leading volunteer at the town’s parkrun. He recently stepped down from the volunteer team after seven years of marshalling.

Richard Aylward, who set up and registered Christmas Cheer as a charity. This year, he increased the number of free Christmas dinner hampers through his promotion of the charity and outreach efforts.

Carolyn Fernandes, who runs Shine Friendship Cafe for adults with learning difficulties.

Sue Drew, for her Age UK Fitness and Friendship Class at Bowerhill Village Hall and the enthusiasm she brings to each session.

Alex Edwards, who was chair of the Wiltshire Youth Canoe Club, a volunteer coach, and also won the ICF Freestyle Canoeing World Cup in Germany last year.

Nominations for Group of the Year included Light Fantastic for their efforts in illuminating Holt’s spectacular poppy cascade at night in November; Melksham Lions Club, for their 50 years of volunteering and service to the community; and Friends of Giffords Surgery, which was recently established to enhance healthcare and wellbeing services in the local community.