Issue 509 – Thanks to town’s stalwarts at Mayor’s reception

FIVE Westbury people have been honoured with Civic Awards in recognition of their contribution to community life in the town. David McCance, Roy Inwood, Harry Horton, Julie Taylor, and Jamie Harper were revealed as the winners of the 2012 Civic Awards at the Mayor’s Reception at the Laverton on Friday 2nd March. The youngest person to receive an award was ten-year-old Jamie Harper, who collected his Young Person’s Civic Award. Jamie has an unusual hobby – litter picking. He collects rubbish on his way to and from school every day, and even in his free time as well. He also encourages people to be kind to the environment and recycle. Roy Inwood is an unpaid volunteer gardener for Victoria Garden behind All Saints Church, and looks after the lawns, borders, and keeping the area tidy throughout the year. He also organises the Christmas Tree Festival, which sees over 50 decorated trees in All Saints Church. He is now in his second year as chair of the Westbury Music and Arts Festival committee. David McCance of Imperial Charity has been committed for over 20 years to helping improve the quality of life for children and adults. Aspects of this include organising outings, parties, variety shows, and a helping hand. He helps several charities that support children with disabilities and special needs.Julie Taylor has, for 12 years, been an “unsung hero” of Westbury 68 Squadron Air Training Corp. She deals with the administration involved with the ATC, as well as supporting officers and cadets. She is involved in many local events supported by the cadets, and has a role in caring for the well-being of female cadets. Harry Horton was recognised for his work in the community, as a founding member of Probus, a befriender for Age Concern and helping to run their chiropody clinic, and as a regular attender at town council meetings for several decades.Westbury Mayor David Windess presented the winners with their awards, thanking them for their work in the community. He said, “Although Westbury is a small town, it is full of community spirit and this is shown with the number of community groups, organisations, and individuals that work within the town and the surrounding areas.“These organisations are made up of people that work tirelessly in the background for little or no reward, other than the fact that they know that they are making people’s lives just a little bit better. For that, I am privileged to be able to present just a few of these people a well deserved civic award.”Over his mayoral year, David Windess has organised events for his mayor’s charities, Diabetes UK and Wiltshire Air Ambulance. On the night there was a raffle and collection for the charities, which raised £561. Pictured: Julie Taylor, Roy Inwood, Jamie Harper, and David McCance receive their Civic Awards from the Mayor of Westbury, cllr David Windess. Harry Horton receives his Civic Award from the Mayor.