A campaigner who fought for 20 years to get the Forest Community Centre opened has been presented with a surprise award at the centre’s first anniversary celebration.
Vic Oakman was presented with an award for his services to the community by Mayor, cllr Terri Welch, after he worked tirelessly for two decades to bring a community centre to Melksham Forest. The award was kept as a complete surprise.
The centre hosted a family funday on Saturday to mark the first anniversary since it opened. In that time, it has become increasingly popular as many community groups and individuals have enjoyed the facilities.
Vic Oakman said, “The award is for the whole team. It wasn’t just me that put the hard work in to make the Forest Community Centre possible and this is for each and every one of them.
“I had no idea the award would be presented and I am honoured, delighted and shocked. The future is bright for the community centre as we are always looking to improve and expand and that will continue to be the case.”
Mayor of Melksham, cllr Terri Welch said, “It is with great pleasure that I have been able to present the award that recognises everything great about Melksham and the community spirit in the town. What Vic and his team have done is tremendous and very deserving of the award.
“The centre has just enhanced the vibrant community atmosphere in the area and it will I’m sure continue to go from strength-to-strength.”
The award was organised by those in the community that recognised the work Vic and his team put in to improve the lives of others. Jill Hobbs helped arrange the surprise award and was thrilled to see Vic receive the honour. She said, “It has been fantastic to acknowledge Vic in this way and it was great to keep it a surprise.
“The community centre continues to improve and the one-year anniversary has been a success, with a good turn-out.
“I would like to thank Sievewright and Parsons for sponsoring the barbecue area especially Dave Sievewright; and friends and members of the public who use the community centre and support what is going on here.
“It has been a very successful first year and most of all, thanks to Vic Oakman for fighting for the past 20 years and not giving up, so this could be a reality.”
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