Westbury Town Mayor Christine Mitchell presented the 2014 Civic Awards at a busy ceremony at The Laverton on 27th February.
The annual awards are presented to local people who have contributed significantly to the community in the past year. This year’s winners were Reverend Jonathan Burke and local musician Leander Morales. Cadet Corporal Alex Brown was also presented with the Army Cadet of the Year award.
Cllr Mitchell said, “This evening is about recognising people in our community who get involved in projects to the benefit of others and who go above and beyond what is expected of them.
“At about this time every year nominees are put forward by members of the public to receive Civic Awards for their good work in and around our town of Westbury.
“My first award goes to someone who has worked closely with the events working group at Westbury Town Council and has done sterling work at our summer evening concert and other events.
“He has been involved in Westbury Music and Arts Festival, and this year he performed live on stage in Westbury, New York, flew back to the UK and performed live here – on this very stage – all in 24 hours!
“This person has been known to fundraise for charity and recently raised £11,000 for the neonatal unit at the RUH in Bath.
“This award goes to Leander Morales.”
Leander hit the headlines last year after repeating Phil Collins’ Live Aid feat of performing in the USA and UK in one night and by raising £11,000 for charity by auctioning a guitar signed by dozens of world-famous celebrities. He was also a nominee for White Horse News’s ‘Person of the Year’ award.
Leander said, “I’m really grateful to have received the award. I had no idea I would gain an award for anything I’ve done. Everything I have been involved with has involved a team in some way or another, whether it was the Westbury to Westbury event, Westbury Music and Arts Festival or fundraising for a local cause, I really didn’t expect an award. I dedicate everything I have achieved to the vast number of people that have supported me in person and via social media.
“2014 was an incredible year involving so many people. I’m really fortunate to have achieved projects I’ve put together over the past 12 months. Again… a big thank you to all those that supported some quite off-the-wall ideas. For me, life is about having adventures as well as the day to day responsibilities of raising a family and holding down a job. I’m glad I could share 2014 with so many people. A special thanks to the Mayor and Westbury Town Council for seeing what I’ve done as being worthy enough to gain the Civic Award.”
Cllr Mitchell continued, “My next award goes to someone who has ceaselessly committed his time to the people of our town since his arrival in 2008 and he has always been there for those in need.
“He has been a driving force in many groups such as the BA13 community group, Crosspoint, and the local food bank, to name just two.
“Unfortunately he is unable to be with us this evening as he is now preparing for his retirement and is soon to leave the town.
“This award goes to Reverend Jonathan Burke.”
Jonathan Burke, who has been reverend at All Saints Church and a member of the White Horse Ministry Team for seven years, has been brought into the limelight in recent weeks after announcing his retirement and decision to move away from Westbury.
He was a founding member of Crosspoint, and continues to have his praises sung by many who have witnessed his work in the community.
Revd Burke said, “It was very humbling to have received a Civic Award from the Mayor. As a Church of England priest, I have always felt it important to get involved in your local community and to meet as many people as possible.
“This has been an important part of my ministry in the Westbury area and it has always been a privilege to meet people. I have found that there is a rich sense of community and many people giving their time to help others, as well as all kinds of groups and organisations who are very active locally.
“To be recognised with a Civic Award for being immersed in the community is icing on the cake!”
For the mayor’s final award Christine added, “The last award is for the Army Cadet of the Year. This young person has been nominated by her commanding officer and her peers, and it gives me great pleasure to present this shield to Corporal Alex Brown.”
