‘Thank you for a memorable year!’ Outgoing mayor reflects on a ‘year like no other’

MELKSHAM’S outgoing mayor, cllr Pat Aves, has reflected on a year “like no other” in the role.

At last week’s town council meeting, cllr Aves handed over the mayoral chain to new mayor, cllr Jon Hubbard, but not before praising town council staff, former councillors, and community volunteers in an address to the new town council line-up.

“As has been said many times lately, this last year has been like no other, including my role as Mayor,” said cllr Aves. 

“There have been none of the usual traditional annual events, and no glamourous parties or receptions, excepting of course, the hugely enjoyable Mayor of Malmesbury’s Virtual Ball, (with Terri Welch in her kitchen!), but I took every opportunity that I could to wear the chain and represent the town, along with my long-suffering Deputy, Geoff. Thank you, Geoff, for your cheerful and sterling support.

“During the year the Town Hall, Assembly Hall and Amenities staff have all had to cope with many changes to their usual ways of working. Some worked from home, some in ‘safe bubbles’, and yet in all these exceptional circumstances, they remained a functioning team, keeping things going as normally as possible. 

“Economics Development Manager David McKnight, continued to support and encourage the business community of Melksham, many of whom stoically remained open, with his fortnightly bulletins, email and telephone support – all the while tackling a myriad of other issues.    

“It was a baptism of fire for our three awesome award-winning apprentices, Alex, Taylor and Dean, three young people with great futures ahead of them.  To Linda, Tim, and all the staff in their teams, I pay homage to you all. 

“We have welcomed some new members to the Town Hall staff – Head of Communications Jeff Mills, Committee Clerk Christine Hunter, and Amenities Manager Hugh Davies. You have all made a big difference to the smooth running of both the everyday and the special projects with which we, the councillors, have tasked you. 

“Also, a very warm welcome back to the uber-talented Miriam Zaccarelli as Community Development Officer. We all loved the impressive ‘Window of Thanks’ art project display at The Hiding Place at New Year! 

“Every cloud has a silver lining, and while the Town Hall was empty of staff, the Amenities Team took the opportunity to do some much-needed redecoration and refurbishment. The Assembly Hall had to close  and it has been sad to see it empty and unused, but I look forward to seeing this premier entertainment venue reopening as soon as conditions allow. 

“As always, I look for the bright side, and thanks to Jeff (Mills), we were able to re-open the Splashpad last summer, alleviating some of the gloom of Covid restrictions. 

“The 4-year refurbishment plan of the King George V Park continued as planned by the KGV working group, with the installation of the outdoor gym, and a new pathway for that essential daily exercise. 

“The 800th market charter anniversary celebration benches, fitted with digital history lessons, have been installed, and the new play equipment for the little ones became an instant success. 

“Whilst watching your children play, you can now enjoy a coffee at the Cricketers Café. In the coming year, I look forward to the refurbishment and reinstallation of the Mosaic, the completion of the Sensory Garden Area, and the installation of the Doggy Agility Area. 

“Work has been ongoing in the Shurnhold Fields Country Park project. Trees have been planted, a spectacular wildflower area has been established, which is about to come into flower, so do go and see it if you can, and plans for the new gateway and car park are nearing completion, all thanks to the co-operation between our Town Council and Melksham Without, and with the help of a band of community volunteers who have turned out in all weathers to plant and water trees, trim foliage and many other unenviable tasks. 

“The same applies to those who work in the Spiritualists’ Garden, and the Bloom Team, who with the Amenities team, create stunning displays in the town centre every year (and last year was no exception), and to The Flags Team, whose outstanding skills with the sewing machine delight us all every year, and to the Town Tidy Team, who relentlessly litter pick. 

“I cannot leave the topic of community volunteers without mentioning those who have continued to assist people whose lives were so affected by the lockdowns, through the Melksham Community Response, and latterly via Age Friendly Melksham, who made such an important contribution to our community and who continue to do so, a big thank you to everybody involved then, and who in some cases, are still involved. 

“It remains only for me now to thank the group who initiated and in many cases were responsible for the many achievements of Melksham Town Council in the last few years, which, let us not forget, were delivered by the Linda and the staff, I am talking about the Councillors themselves. 

“We each of us arrive here at Town Council with our own unique set of life skills, and put them to work for the benefit of the people of Melksham.  I thank you all for turning up to meetings, for your contributions and for taking part in important decisions. 

“Some councillors deserve particular thanks. It was Adrienne Westbrook’s vision of the park, four years ago, which led to the wonderful facility that we now have. 

“Thank you to Hayley Illman for her stream of bright ideas and boundless enthusiasm which along with help from Sue Brown culminated in the recent establishment of the public art programme – Melksham does indeed love Art!. 

“Thank you Terri Welch for leading the Flag making parties. Thank you Kathy Isles and again Terri Welch, along with Vanessa FIorelli, for organising the Town Tidy Team and for our continued success in Melksham in Bloom. That indomitable pair, Kathy and Terri, are also largely responsible for the care of the Spiritualist Garden now coming into the Town Council’s ownership for the benefit of residents. 

“Thank you Jon for all the hard work that you put into caring for the young people of this town. Thank you Mike Sankey, Tony Watts and again Vanessa Fiorelli for your knowledgeable and often wise and considered advice. 

“And thank you all for being there, for your time and for caring about this town. There have been many bumps along the road this year but we have got through it, and at all times I have been proud to be your Mayor. Thank you all for a memorable year.”  

Picture: Cllr Pat Aves in                   Melksham town centre.