THE nominees for White Horse News’ Person of the Year 2016 competition have been shortlisted, and now readers are being asked to cast their vote on who they think should be crowned the winner. In our last issue, White Horse News asked readers to nominate their ‘Person of the Year’ – somebody in the town who deserves recognition for their outstanding actions over the past year or who has had the biggest impact on life in the town. Below are the shortlisted names. You can vote by simply emailing your choice to news@whitehorsenews.co.uk including your name and address or by filling out the form on page 3 and returning it to Westbury Visitor Centre in the High Street or send it to White Horse News, 31 Market Place, Melksham. SN12 6ES. The deadline for voting is 5pm next Wednesday, 25th January.
Radek Evans
Radek has been part of the Westbury Festival committee for years, he regularly picks up litter around town, and has volunteered for Oxfam for 15 years.
This year he successfully campaigned to have a new Westbury road named Gilhespy Way after former Matravers headteacher Nigel Gilhespy. He collected signatures from local people and spoke at council meetings, fighting past town councillors who voted against the idea.
He has lived in Bratton and Westbury for his whole life and went to Bratton Primary School and Matravers. Born with learning difficulties, Radek had to have years of speech therapy to learn to talk, but says he is proud of how much he has achieved despite this, and that he works hard because he enjoys helping people.
The person who nominated him said, “Radek’s tenacious attitude is a strong testament to his good nature and character, and he stands as a fine representative in the community of one who has never allowed disability to hold him back from achieving his goals.
“He is very deserving of recognition for his work.”
Sue Ezra
Sue has lived in Westbury for 33 years and in that time has dedicated her time to the town.
Sue is part of the Credit Union, the Rotary Club and the Patients Participation Forum at the White Horse Health Clinic. She also supports the Leg Club and the Welfare of the Elderly.
Sue has also been Mayor of Westbury twice and been a member of the BA13+ Partnership. She is currently a Westbury town councillor.
Sue said, “I’m very passionate about the town and being able to help people. Working with the elderly in our community is probably the most fulfilling thing I do – so many are isolated and lonely, so if I can help in any way, I will. I’m very surprised to be nominated because I’m not one to shout about things – I like to get on quietly and get things done.”
Sue’s nomination said, “Sue works incredibly hard for so many people in Westbury. She will help anyone if they need it and really cares about the town.”
Dan Gmaj
Dan runs the Westbury Shed, a club for people to work on practical home and garden projects together. He started the group in 2015 and now has over 20 regular members and a growing interest.
Dan has lived in Westbury with his wife and children since 1998, and is a self-employed furniture designer and builder. He also now runs Durapin, a local company that manufactures skittle pins.
He spent two years as a governor at Matravers, and is an avid supporter and committee member of Westbury Festival.
Having suffered with chronic fatigue syndrome, Dan says he enjoys helping people focus on the important things in life.
“I dedicate a lot of my time to the Shed – probably three to four days a week,” he says. “But I could never say I’m not glad about it. Spending time with other people is invaluable for health and wellbeing and this offers a special opportunity to do that.”
The person who nominated Dan said, “Without Dan’s vision, passion and determination, Westbury Shed would not exist. Great things lie ahead for the group and the wider community thanks to Dan’s enthusiasm and dedication to the people of Westbury.”
Sam Gooding
Sam is an active member of the Westbury community, in particular with sport. He has been with Westbury Rugby Club since he was eleven years-old, making his way up through the ranks to be vice captain and seven years ago, after retiring from playing, became treasurer.
Sam has also been involved with Westbury Football Club. He was the captain of Westbury United Reserves and managed the first team from 2011-2013. He now coaches the Westbury United Youth Team.
Sam said, “I love sport so when I’m asked to help local teams I can’t say no, and when I start, I give it 100%.”
Sam has also organised many events for charity, most recently he raised £3,500 for the Bath Cancer Unit Support Group, as well as coffee mornings for the RUH and Macmillan Cancer Support. He is also a member of the local business group, i2i.
Sam’s nomination said, “Sam plays a massive part in the local community and I think his hard work and dedication deserves to be recognised.”
Carole King
Carole King is involved with many organisations and charities in Westbury and has set up services in the town that are vital for many people.
In 2016, Carole was awarded a Civic Award for her volunteer work with the BA13+ Community Area Partnership, the Heritage Society, the Link scheme, and as a founder member of Hope Debt Advice. She also works with community charity Crosspoint, Alzheimer’s Support, and a local church group.
Also last year, as chair of the BA13+ Community Area Partnership, Carole organised and led the town’s Clean for the Queen – a clean up to coincide with the Queen’s 90th birthday.
Carole’s nomination said, “Carole is a true champion of our community. She is caring and compassionate towards those in need and will do whatever is needed to help anyone. She spends so much of her time for others and never seeks recognition, and that’s why she should be nominated.”
Lily Munday
Lily has dedicated many years to volunteering at numerous organisations and charities in Westbury.
In 2016, Lily was presented with a Civic Award in recognition of her contribution to the community. She received the award for her services to St. John Ambulance, with which she has volunteered for 40 years; Westbury Heritage Centre; White Horse Team Ministry; and for her work at care homes in the area.
Also in 2016, Lily was warded the Westbury Heritage Society George Nichols Memorial Cup. The cup is presented each year for outstanding service to the society.
Lily said, “I’m so shocked but it’s nice to be nominated. I love helping people, it’s just a part of who I am. I love Westbury, I’ve lived here my whole life – I live in the house I was born in 66 years ago. Someone called me Miss Westbury the other day!”
Lily’s nomination said, “Lily has contributed to our community for many years and asks for nothing in return – she is a true unsung hero and thoroughly deserves to be nominated. Her work in the community is amazing.”
