COMMUNITY spirit and civic pride were celebrated at the Mayor’s Reception in Melksham on Friday 7th of March, when civic awards were handed out to those who have gone the extra mile for their town.
Awards presented included the Community Service Award, the Enhancing Melksham Award and the Mayor’s Cadet for 2014 was also announced.
The Community Service Award recognises members of the community who, either as an organisations or individuals, in the course of a year have furthered the welfare and/or improved the quality of life for Melksham people.
Awards were made to the following people:-
Phil McMullen for his involvement in the Chamber of Commerce, Community Area Partnership and the Railway Development Group; Gerald Martin for giving his time, skill and advice freely in assisting of the refurbishment of the Melksham & District Guide Hut; Tom Sangster for organising various community events including Party in the Park and Melksham Music Festival; Andy Strange for his support in the community, particularly with Melksham Girl Guides and Melksham Scouts; and Teresa Strange was also recognised for her role in assisting with Melksham Girl Guides and Melksham Scouts, as well as other community projects.
The Enhancing Melksham Award recognises any person, company or organisation who has completed a project which has improved the physical environment and/or enhanced the profile of the town.
The Enhancing Melksham Award was awarded to the following:-
Forest Community Centre Committee for their outstanding efforts in achieving a community centre for the enjoyment of the community; Town & Country estate agents for their work in improving the shop frontage which has had a positive impact on Melksham; the Railway Development Group for their great achievement in improving the rail service from Melksham which will benefit commuters, shoppers and visitors to the town.
The final award was the announcement of the Mayor’s Cadet for 2014. 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.
Tony Pritchard from Melksham’s 2385 Air Training Corps (ATC) squadron was appointed as the Mayor’s Cadet, taking over from Corporal Lauren Fairley. Tony will hold the honorary title for a year.
Mayor of Melksham, cllr Chris Petty said, “Melksham should be proud of all of its achievements. The Civic Awards are a great opportunity to show appreciation for all of the hard work that people do to support the town.”
Melksham Town Crier, Peter Dauncey, introduced the award-winners.
