Westbury’s community champions have been recognised in White Horse News’ Group and Person of the Year 2025 awards – with Westbury United Football Club and Brownie and Rainbow leader Sara Button picking up this year’s honours.
Westbury United were chosen after one of the club’s most successful years in its history, reaching the FA Cup Third Qualifying Round for the first time in 76 years, with the match screened live on the BBC.
Sara was awarded for over 30 years’ service to local Girlguiding including being leader at 1st Westbury (All Saints) Rainbow and Brownie Unit since 2006. She is also a popular Midday Supervisory Assistant at Bitham Brook Primary School.
The awards, run annually by White Horse News, recognise contributions to the town over the past year with winners being chosen by Westbury Mayor Jane Russ and White Horse News Editor Ian Drew, following nominations from local people.
Sara said, “It was just a complete shock to even be nominated. I run the Rainbow and Brownies unit on my own but I just like to quietly get on with things. It’s a lot of work organising all the activities but it’s something I love doing. To get this award is just the icing on the cake. I don’t do this for the recognition but because I get so much enjoyment to see the children have fun and try new things. That’s what makes it so worthwhile.”
Westbury United chairman Mark Nickels said, “When we heard we were to receive the award of Group of the Year it was a complete shock and on behalf of the committee, managers, players and all involved with Westbury United Football Club we would like to say a big thank you; it is very much appreciated.
“We have turned the year around from the troubles we encountered during last season, resulting in what could prove to be our most successful ever season. We had a very good FA Cup run, beating teams in higher leagues before losing to a late goal against Farnborough in front of the BBC cameras and a crowd of over 1,500.
“We could not have achieved this success without good teamwork. We must mention the managers Ricky and Lewis for bringing the success on the pitch. The players also deserve a lot of credit for their loyalty to the club during our difficult period.
“Keeping a football club going needs financial backing and we now have a Supporters Club who are working with our existing sponsors and always chasing new sponsors. They have also created a 300 club and opened a club shop which are proving successful.
“Behind the scenes we have committee members dealing with the administration and ensuring everything runs well on matchdays with hospitality for officials and food and drinks for supporters.
“We are lucky because we have volunteers carrying out various duties on match days; also our Clean up Gang is the envy of several local clubs meeting up on Wednesdays to carry out maintenance tasks. However, we are always looking for volunteers to join us.
“Finally, a big thank you must go to our supporters who turn up every home game and those who travel to away games. They are certainly a major contributor to the success of Westbury United Football Club.”
Other nominations for the Group of the Year were Team10 at Westbury Junior School and White Horse Ministry and for the Person of the Year – Beryl Drake from Westbury Leigh Community Hall; Beth Mullins from Westbury Youth Club; and Robin-Mark Schols, organiser of The Hilly Helmet Challenge.
