The winners of Westbury’s Group and Person of the Year are the Westbury Area Network (WAN), the team which runs the town’s food bank and community fridge, and community stalwart Geoff Curtis from Westbury Lions.
WAN were nominated for, “its unwavering dedication to supporting the community through its vital services, the Westbury Food Bank and Community Fridge. Supported by a remarkable group of enthusiastic volunteers, WAN has faced this year’s unprecedented challenges with resilience and determination.”
Lions’ member Geoff Curtis was recognised for his work for Westbury Lions, Westbury Leos (the junior section of the Lions) and Westbury Guides and Rangers and for being an unsung hero in the local community.
The winners of the annual contest, run by the White Horse News, were chosen by Mayor Jane Russ and White Horse News editor Ian Drew following nominations from local people.
WAN volunteer Ian Cooper said the group were ‘absolutely delighted’ to be chosen as Group of the Year.
“It’s wonderful news to receive an accolade like this especially as the nominations come from people in the community,” he said.
“It’s been a particularly busy year for both the food bank and the community fridge and there is no let-up in the support that is needed. With the food bank, we are getting a dozen or more new referrals every month as people find it hard to cope. We’re busier now than at any other time apart from at the peak of lockdown.
“With the community fridge, where anyone can come and collect food donated by local supermarkets, we are saving well over a ton of food every month from going to landfill.
“We could not provide these services without the support of local supermarkets, local firms, schools and churches and many local people who donate to us, either by way of food or cash donations. Anyone who wants to help or find out more can look on our website at www.westburyareanetwork.org”
Winner of the Person of the Year, Geoff Curtis, said he was ‘shocked’ to receive the award. “This is such a surprise; I’m just one of the Lions and the work we do in the community is very much a team effort,” he said.
His nominator said, “Geoff is an active and well-respected member and trustee of Westbury Lions Club, and has completed two years as president, leading on projects that benefit youth in the community and especially working on the committees for Donkey Derby, Santa Float and the organised trips to Marwell Zoo.
“He is also the District Officer for Leos (the junior section of the Lions), actively encouraging other clubs in our area to follow in Westbury Lions’ footsteps to establish Leos clubs across the South and South West.
“He has played a significant part in the successful relaunch of the Westbury Leos club, opening up membership to children from across the community and creating a very positive image of these hardworking and enthusiastic youngsters.
“For as long as I have known Geoff, he has also supported the Westbury Guides and Rangers (his wife Christine and daughters all being actively involved as leaders), fetching and carrying, helping teach skills and crafts and often stepping in on their organised trips, taking care of tents, cooking and much more.
Geoff was also nominated for his support of Warminster Angling Club and the Gudgeons Club, where he encourages responsible fishing among young people. Geoff also works at Westbury Junior School, where he is known for greeting children warmly and offering support to those who may be feeling unwell or anxious, earning respect from both pupils and their families.
Other nominations for the Group of the Year award were: Crosspoint, the Westbury counselling service; Renew Wellbeing which offers a warm welcome and a place to unwind and chat; Westbury Festival and the White Horse Team Ministry.
Other nominations for the Person of the Year were: Cheryl Cotterill, a youth support worker for Westbury Youth Club; David Krzyzosiak, the town ranger; Ian Cunningham, chair of Westbury Festival; Linda Hallowell from Westbury Area Network; and Scott Smith from the Football Fun Factory.
Above: Geoff Curtis with White Horse News editor Ian Drew
Above: WAN volunteers receiving their award from White Horse News editor Ian Drew
