A 92-year-old trampolinist and a wildlife volunteer from Melksham have been recognised for their community contributions at the BBC Radio Wiltshire Make a Difference Awards.
Trampolinist Peter Quinney and Wilts & Berks Canal Trust volunteer Howard Yardy both won awards at the ceremony at Blunsdon House Hotel, Swindon, on 5th September.
Peter is a founding member of the former Christie Miller Gymnastics Club and has been involved in trampolining for more than 70 years.
He still coaches the sport and won an individual over-90 gold medal and a team gold medal at the Portsmouth Gymnastics Adult Championships earlier this year.
Peter received his award in the Active category.
Receiving his award, he said, “I am absolutely surprised and amazed and privileged to have been nominated. I am flabbergasted at being selected as the winner. I would like to pay tribute to the other three gentleman who were selected as finalists and the work that they do.”
Melksham volunteer wildlife officer Howard Yardy won the Environmental category award for his support of nature with the Wilts & Berks Canal Trust.
Much of Howard’s time is spent on the restored stretch near Naish Hill, Lacock, where he and a team are creating new woodlands, wildflower meadows, hedges and ponds.
Howard said, “It’s absolutely amazing to receive this recognition, especially as the other finalists were all so impressive but it’s truly a team effort and I’m lucky to work with lots of great people.
“The local restoration of the Wilts & Berks Canal is progressing well – we recently celebrated the completion of a new bridge and dry dock at Pewsham Locks – but we also want to make it a great place for wildlife.
“This year’s heatwaves and droughts have shown the importance of bringing water back into the landscape, so a restored canal would make a dramatic difference.
“I hope this award will inspire even more people to volunteer with us.
“It’s a great way to learn new skills and make new friends, and every hour of support is always appreciated.”
Other Melksham residents were also highly commended at the awards.
The Sarum Avenue Christmas Lights Group was a finalist in the Fundraising category, following its annual street-wide Christmas lights display, which has raised thousands of pounds for Wiltshire and Bath Air Ambulance.
Joe Aygul was shortlisted in the Active category for his work running a men’s health programme across Wiltshire, helping men get active, lose weight and talk about mental health.
The awards were judged by Cotswold poet Pam Ayres, singer-songwriter Betty Boo and MasterChef winner Thomas Frake.
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