Town awards for vaccine centre heroes and Link volunteer

FOR the first time in the competition’s history, Westbury’s Person of the Year award has been given posthumously to Mike Parker, the former Chairman of Westbury & District Link Scheme, who sadly died last August. The Westbury Group of the Year was awarded to all of those involved in the Covid vaccination efforts in Westbury at White Horse Health Centre and Shaunak’s Pharmacy. 

The winners of the competition, run by the White Horse News, were chosen by Westbury’s mayor, cllr Sheila Kimmins, and WHN editor, Ian Drew, following nominations made by local people. 

Person of the Year winner, Mike Parker, was recognised posthumously for the years of service he gave to the Westbury & District Link Scheme, which arranges transport for elderly or disabled people living locally who are unable to use public transport.  

His nomination said, “In the last year, Link made 1,200 trips and covered over 20,000 miles to medical and social facilities between Bath and Salisbury, including Chippenham and Devizes. Over 5% of the households in Westbury have taken advantage of this scheme. The Link scheme was established 18 years ago to address the needs of local residents. 

“Mike became chairman in 2016 and managed the growth of the Link scheme, using his contacts from working at Wiltshire Council, and was at the forefront of promoting and advertising the scheme whenever and wherever he could. 

“But he never forgot his roots and was an active driver during all this time. As part of the Link scheme’s mandate, Mike also arranged donations/ support for other local charities.” 

At the celebration of Mike’s life, a close school friend said, “Mike touched many people’s lives for the good, because he was always giving to the community around him, and always prepared to help out in any way he could…he leaves a very large hole in our lives. Thank you to a lovely man and the truest of friends.” 

Mike’s wife, Liz, and his son David accepted the award on his behalf. 

Group of the Year was awarded to all those in Westbury’s vaccination drive at the White Horse Health Centre and Shaunak’s Pharmacy. 

Their nomination said, “There is a group that stands out miles above any other and that is the team at the WHHC and Shaunak’s Pharmacy, with their commitment to keeping the people of Westbury and surrounding address safe with their vaccine administration. 

“We’ve seen them work tirelessly to ensure the town has the protection it needs, and they always do so with a smile on their faces. 

“It’s great to see the community spirit of the town thrive in times as tough as they are. The guys at WHHC and Shaunak’s are a mix of paid workers and volunteers, and they all work together tirelessly to ensure the people living in Westbury are as safe as they can be in the face of Covid.” 

Dr Zak Mohiuddin, GP partner said, “Speaking on behalf of the partners of Westbury Group Practice, we are delighted to receive this award, it means so much to be recognised for the hard work and commitment the whole practice team and our volunteers have put into delivering the vaccination programme, we are very proud of what we have achieved.” 

Dara Hughes, pharmacist at Shaunak’s Pharmacy said, “Myself and all the team are immensely grateful for this award, which recognises the hard work and dedication of all involved. 

“It’s fair to say at times that the vaccine clinic was intense and challenging, but at these times I got a great deal of inspiration from our awesome volunteers who, without fail, showed up to support us, often at sub-zero temperatures. I want to express my deepest gratitude to each of them for this.”