WESTBURY resident and stalwart of the local community, Mike Pearce, has been honoured for his continued contribution and philanthropic services to the town, in particular his work with the Westbury Lions and the Bratton Community Orchard.
Mike was presented with the Laverton Cup at the annual meeting of Westbury Town Council and is the first person to be presented with the annual award that recognises people who have contributed greatly to the local community of Westbury.
The mayor, cllr Sheila Kimmins, who presented the award said, “During my year as mayor, I have attended and carried out many pleasurable tasks, but to present the Laverton Cup to someone who has contributed so much to our town is one of the most pleasant things I have done.
“The recipient for this has made a significant mark on his local community for many years. He has served as both councillor and mayor of the town, not to mention the many other titles he has carried, and he has freely given his time, knowledge and charm to assist with matters.
“He has worked hard to support the wonderful building of the Laverton, as well as his dedication to support the Twinning Association, the Bratton Community Orchard and lately helping set up and support the historic apple orchard at the Army Officer Selection Board.
“The Westbury Festival has benefitted from his help, but it is his stalwartness with the Westbury Lions that I suggest he is best known for by everyone in the town, both old and young. He is a remarkable person who shows such strength and how to look after your town and support the community at home. I am delighted to announce that the Westbury Star of the Year is Michael Pearce.”
Mike said, “Thank you so much for this award. When I came here some years ago and had the Civic Award presented to me, I came here that night, looked round to see who would be most likely to be presented the award, I spotted Bill Prior and said ‘Yes, it’s you Bill, you truly deserve this’, so when my name came up, I was in complete shock! So again, thank you to the bottom of my heart for this award.”
The Laverton Cup was given as a gift to Westbury Town Council from the previous mayor, Ian Cunningham, and the cup itself displays a repousse lion mask, floral and swag decoration, and is engraved ‘Presented to Abraham Laverton esq. by the middle and working classes of Westbury, expressive of their gratitude for his munificence in erecting the Laverton Institute and thus contributing so greatly to their hitherto limited means of amusement and edification, January 26th, 1874.’
