Town gives thanks to community champions

PEOPLE who serve the Melksham community over and above the call of duty were presented with Civic Awards by the mayor for their contribution to the town, at a ceremony held last week.

The Mayor’s Reception and civic awards ceremony was held last Friday, 10th March at Melksham Assembly Hall.

Eight local people were presented with awards by the mayor, councillor Terri Welch, for their ‘significant contribution to the local community during the previous year’.

Cllr Welch said, “These awards are given to people, nominated by the public, who have done something special for the town. We are proud of the contributions that they, and all others who volunteer, make to Melksham.”

Six Community Service Awards were given out, to Julie Cannings, Philip Herman, Geoff Elwell and Melksham Country Dancers, Wendy Isaacs, Kate Rainbow, and Tracey Griffin and staff at the Co-operative store on Pembroke Road.

Lisa Ellis was presented with the Enhancing Melksham Award, and Liam Sanford won the Achievement Award.

Julie Cannings received the award for her regular volunteer work tidying up the town. Her nomination read, “Julie is an inspiration, tidying up the town at least once a week, even though she uses a mobility scooter. She has been litter picking for three years and also volunteers on the regular ‘Tidy Town Days’.  She always has a smile on her face and says hello to everyone. I think she brightens up everyone’s day and she should be proud of herself.”

Philip Herman received his award for his work at the Post Office. His nomination read, “Phil has worked in the sorting office in Church Street for many years.  He is unfailingly cheerful and helpful. He remembers a large number of the public’s names and always has a smile and a cheery word. His cheerful demeanour is to be valued and he well deserves to be rewarded.”

Geoff Elwell and Melksham Country Dancers were awarded for the entertainment they  provided for over 30 years. The nomination read, “Geoff, Meg and other country dancers have organised, for over 30 years, a ‘Day of Dance’ for primary school children. Over these years hundreds, if not thousands, of children have enjoyed a day of fun and dance which must surely remain in their memories.

“Age, not enthusiasm, has brought this wonderful tradition to an end. We deserve to recognise this huge commitment to our community.”

Wendy Isaacs was awarded for events she has organised at Melksham Assembly Hall. Her nomination read, “Wendy recognised the potential offered by the Assembly Hall to stage a wide variety of entertainment for the community to enjoy from psychic suppers, Colin Fry, Fawlty Towers, Only Fools & 3 courses to Pongo’s Party children’s theatre show.

“These events require considerable planning and organisation and great personal commitments.  Through her efforts, Wendy has greatly enhanced the entertainment offer provided by the Assembly Hall for the community to enjoy.”

Kate Rainbow received her award for her work as a pharmacist in the town.

Her nomination read, “Kate works tirelessly as the pharmacist in Boots.  She is always polite and very helpful. Nothing is too much trouble. She quickly goes about her job, inspiring so many people with advice and confidence.”

Tracey Griffin and staff at the Co-operative Store, Pembroke Road were awarded for their role in running a welcoming store and organising a popular community event.

Their nomination said, “One is always sure of a welcome in the Pembroke Road Co-op. Nothing is too much trouble for Tracey and her staff; they will go out of their way to assist, at the same time you are served quickly and efficiently. There is always a sympathetic ear to people’s problems and enquiries of their welfare.

“The annual Berkshire Green Queensway Community Day was instigated and organised by Tracey and her staff. They put a lot of effort into it and it has become a worthwhile and happy event bringing people together.”

Lisa Ellis was presented with the Enhancing Melksham Award for her work promoting train services in the town.

Her nomination said, “I nominate Lisa for her hard work as a volunteer in designing and producing all the local information and publicity material for Melksham’s trial train service.

“In December 2016 the trial train service became permanent due to the large numbers of people using the train.

“The information and publicity work produced by Lisa has been distributed widely around the town.  Without Lisa’s presentation and graphic art skills, the train wouldn’t have been known to the passenger base as it is now.”

Liam Sanford won the Achievement Award for his success in youth hockey. Liam, now in the RAF, is a GB and England u21 junior hockey player.

His nomination read, “Since he first picked up a hockey stick at the age of seven, Liam has grown in his skill set, representing club level from age seven, county from age 13, country from age 15 and nation level from age 17.

“Late last year, Liam attended trials for GB Hockey Men’s Senior Team and has been named as part of the future GB and England Hockey Team, which means he is eligible to represent his country at the Commonwealth Games in 2018 in Australia and Team GB at the Olympic Games in Japan in 2020.

“His sporting achievements going forward with England and GB men’s squads and Team Bath Buccaneers will have to be balanced with his full-time commitment to his future career within the Royal Air Force.”