FIVE Westbury residents have been honoured with Civic Awards for their contribution to the community in Westbury.
David Wakefield, Janet Wakefield, John Osborne, John Rogers and Ken Holloway were revealed as the winners of the 2011 Civic Awards at the Mayor’s Reception at the Laverton building on Friday 25th February.
David Wakefield and Janet Wakefield were presented with a joint award for their contribution to the community. David has given nearly 30 years of support to the 1st Westbury Scout Group, with his commitment instrumental in the successful construction of their brick built headquarters. Among other activities, Janet has been involved in the tennis club, secretary to the governors of Westbury Infants School, and leader of the infant section of the Methodist Sunday School.
John Osborne was recognised for his tireless work in obtaining grants and fundraising for the new Scout headquarters, without which the Scouts would not have the headquarters they have today.
John Rogers has been actively involved in community projects over the years including the Westbury and District Community and Development Trust, Dig for History and the Credit Union. He is a founding member of the Westbury branch of the Wiltshire Family History Society, and current chair of the Leigh Park Community Association. Unfortunately, John Rogers was unable to attend the ceremony and former mayor, Bill Braid, collected the award on his behalf.
Ken Holloway was nominated by a host of organisations: The Blue Circle Bowls Club, the Retired Civil Service Association, Westbury Twinning Association, Westbury Methodist Church, Lafarge/ Blue Circle Pension Committee, Westbury Leigh School governors, and Westbury Laverton Housing Trust. These organisations recognised his commitment, enthusiasm, and courteous manner in all his hard work.
Westbury Mayor, cllr Christine Mitchell, who has attended over 50 functions so far since being elected to the position, looked over the past year in her speech.
She said, “It has been an eventful year for Westbury; our Victorian swimming pool has now become a listed building and the planning application for the new doctors’ surgery has been approved. This is due to the hard work of dedicated people who have the interests of Westbury and its residents at heart.
“Our bi-annual street fayre and concert was a great success and I would like to thank all the volunteers and organisations who took part, making it a day and evening enjoyed by all. The “Christmas Lights switch-on” was another great success, with events taking place in the town right up to Christmas.
“Here at the Laverton, the refurbishment programme has been moving forward in leaps and bounds. In the last year we have seen the installation of the lift, the old snooker rooms have become the staff offices that are bright and airy and the kitchen has been refurbished and we now have a new cooker, glass washer and dishwasher, so no more dish-pan hands!
“The Laverton Trust Management Committee was successful in their grant application to Plain Action and the £90,000 will be used for phase 2 of the refurbishment programme which will include works to the small rooms downstairs, the stairway and this hall.
“We now have the Citizens Advice Bureau here on Wednesday mornings and the Credit Union is here on Friday mornings. This hall has been used as a venue for lots of different functions, from birthday parties to book launches, workshops to exhibitions, as well as the various meetings held by the town council and other groups.
“I would like to thank the people of Westbury, my fellow councillors and the staff for their support. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank my family.”
The mayor also thanked the caterers for their excellent food, the young members of Westbury ATC who greeted visitors, manned the cloakroom and even cleared the tables, and Barbara Mantle and Diana Mansell from the town hall who organised the event.
