LOCAL people and organisations who have gone ’above and beyond’ to help the local community have been honoured with Civic Awards.
The awards went to Tracy Sheppard of Westbury Lions, the Westbury and District Link scheme, Westbury Area Network and White Horse News. The awards were presented by the mayor, cllr Sheila Kimmins, at a special awards evening on Friday 28th October.
Cllr Kimmins paid tribute to the award winners saying they had ‘gone above and beyond’ to help the local community and the awards recognised the contribution they make to the town.
The award winners :
Tracy Sheppard
“Tracy is a long-standing member of the Westbury Lions and both within the Lions and the wider community, she is among the most active of people within our town, helping to arrange, and working at events,” said Sheila.
Westbury and District Link
“For 25 years, Link have offered transport to the residents of the town and surrounding villages,” said Sheila. “The volunteer drivers pick people up from their homes, ferry them to the doctor’s surgery, the dentist or to hospital for appointments, minor surgery or to visit a loved one; the drivers then wait for their passenger and then take them back home, and all for a donation. The volunteer organisers are the key part of this vital service that so many rely on.” Sheila made the presentation to the chairman of Link, Paul Howard.
Westbury Area Network
“With the cost-of-living crisis, the WAN is an essential charity for our town,” said Sheila. “It is manned by volunteers who pack the food boxes for those in need, man the open food store and ensure the Community Fridge is kept stocked. Both services are open to all, thereby saving food from going to waste. Last year the Westbury Area Network saved 175kg of food going to landfill. All donations are most welcomely received.” Sheila presented the Civic Award to the founder member of WAN, Ian Cooper.
The White Horse News
“For many years, the White Horse News has been an invaluable source of information for our town, delivered free to our doors and giving a balanced view of all that is going on in our town,” said Sheila. “The paper has covered our ups and our downs, the celebrations and events, not to mention the Incinerator, which the paper has followed continually over the years.” Sheila presented the award to owners, Ian and Susan Drew.
