Town’s champions honoured with Civic Awards

PEOPLE and groups in the community who have gone the extra mile for Melksham during the past two years were honoured last week at the Mayor’s Reception. 

The Melksham Civic Awards were officially presented by mayor cllr Jon Hubbard covering the years 2020/21 and 2019/20.

Eight awards across three categories – ‘Community Service’, ‘Covid-19 Community Hero(es)’, and ‘Achievement’ – were presented to individuals who have made a significant contribution to the local community during 2020/21 year. 

Three Community Service Awards were given to Kay Perry, Geoff Elwell and Tracie Winslow; an Achievement Award was given to lawn bowls player, Connor Rabey while Dawn Whittaker, Carole Stripe, Lyn Cobley were honoured in the Covid-19 Community Hero category; an additional Certificate of Commendation was also awarded to Ken and Deidre Rodgers. 

The mayor’s reception was also an opportunity to honour the Civic Award winners from 2019/20 after their reception was cancelled due to the pandemic. 

Six Community Service Awards were given to Clare Chandler and Forest Fitness; Chris Pickett; Phil Rigg; Farzana Saker; Philip Toop; and the 800th Charter Anniversary Group; two Enhancing Melksham Awards were given to Gias Uddin and Knorr Bremse; and an Achievement Award was given to Melksham Ladies RFC. 

Speaking to Melksham News, mayor cllr Jon Hubbard said, “It was wonderful to be able to celebrate the achievements of these fantastic residents in our town who have done so much – and it was lovely to be able to look back at the people who should have got their award in 2019/20. 

“I’m always blown away when you see what people do in the town – so much of it hidden from the public eye, but deliver so much for our community. So, a huge congratulations and a heartfelt thanks to every one of them, for all that they have done.”

2021/2022 Civic Award winners

Kay Perry received her award in recognition of “the time, effort, and selfless work undertaken to support those who find themselves in need of help”. 

Geoff Elwell was honoured his “great commitment to the ethos of the Riverside Club”, demonstrated over the past 20 years.   

Tracie Winslow received her award in recognition of her fundraising activities for local charities, and the “joy and entertainment” she brings to the residents of Bowerhill, through her annual charity family fun day. 

Connor Rabey was recognised for his achievement in becoming Wiltshire’s Under 25s Lawn Bowls Pairs Champions with his playing partner. 

Covid-19 Community Hero Awards were given to Dawn Whittaker, Carole Stripe and Lyn Cobley, for their ongoing support and commitment to Melksham Community Support and its work with the residents of Melksham during the pandemic. 

Ken and Deidre Rodgers received a ‘Certificate of Commendation’ in recognition of the ‘good neighbourliness’ displayed by them, going ‘above and beyond’ during the pandemic to help their neighbours.

2019/2020 Civic Award winners 

Clare Chandler and Forest Fitness received their award for their ‘incredible work’ to improve the health, fitness and mental wellbeing of the local running community and the wider community through the organisation of regular events throughout the town. 

Chris Pickett received his award for his ‘inspirational commitment and hard work’ organising and running the local group, The Shed. 

Phil Rigg received his award for the help, advice, guidance and support he gave local charity Young Melksham to renovate their facilities.  

Farzana Saker received her award for her voluntary work with the West Wilts Multi Faith Forum, promoting the education, inclusion and confidence of all women of different faiths. 

Philip Toop received his award for his ‘dedication and assistance’ to various charity groups, supporting the elderly and less able residents of Melksham. 

The 800th Charter Anniversary Group received their award in recognition of the events they organised in 2019, including the visit of the Duke of Gloucester, and the medieval fayre in the park. 

Gias Uddin received his award for his work supporting events and maintaining green areas in the town. 

Knorr Bremse received their award for their help improving green spaces as part of the improvements made to the Farmers roundabout. 

Melksham Ladies RFC received their award for their work creating an ‘inclusive and popular’ group to improve health and fitness for women.