Young people from across the area were recognised and celebrated for their achievements and community spirit at this year’s Westbury Young People Awards.
Held on Wednesday 18th June at Matravers School, the awards, organised by the Westbury Area Board, brought together families, friends, and community leaders for an uplifting evening of recognition. Alongside the ceremony, guests were treated to performances from Matravers students and a live band made up of local young people.
The first award was presented to Chloe Crossman, who received the Young Achiever Award for her work with Wiltshire Police creating an Easy Read document to help people with learning disabilities stay safe. Her work is now used in schools across Wiltshire and nationally. Chloe also sits on the police’s Independent Advisory Group and is described as an ‘exceptional ambassador’ for her peers.
Two Special Area Board Awards were given this year. Dylan Murphy, a young carer, was honoured for his heroic actions in August 2024 when he saved his mother’s life by performing CPR and calling emergency services. Evie Moore was also recognised for her dedicated volunteering with the Pachamama Project, sewing reusable sanitary pads for women in war-torn countries like Ukraine and Lebanon.
Mitch Beeson received the Young Leader Award for his personal growth and leadership at Fairfield Farm College. From reluctant sports leader to a confident event organiser, Mitch has “achieved things he never imagined he could do” and helped deliver events including the boccia competition and a Santa dash.
Robert Dawson, the Young Environmental Champion, was celebrated for his tireless efforts caring for Westbury’s lakes, helping to protect wildlife and educating his peers about keeping fishing areas clean.
In the Young Volunteer category, Evie Platt was honoured for her outstanding commitment to Westbury’s sailing club, where she helps with training and school taster days. She is also working toward her Duke of Edinburgh Award and RYA qualifications.
Charlie Pearce was named Young Sports Individual for his achievements in competitive sailing where he has won multiple trophies and a scholarship to a sailing academy.
The Westbury Youth U11s Lions were crowned Young Sports Team of the year. The team – most of whom have been playing together since they were six – had an incredible season, winning six out of 10 tournaments and lifting the cup at Swindon Town’s County Ground.
Musical talent was also recognised on the night. The Bratton Brass Roots band won the Young Arts Group award. Founded 18 months ago, the group has been going from strength to strength with many members striving to become part of the main Bratton Brass Band and providing a fun and inclusive way for young people to learn brass instruments.
Isabel I’Anson, who plays first horn with the band, won the Arts Individual Award. Isabel recently became the first e-flat tenor horn player in the country to pass all five ABRSM music medals.
Rounding off the evening, Westbury Leigh Primary School won the School Council Award for their outstanding pupil-led initiatives. Their work has improved playtimes, increased access to sports and books, and made school life more inclusive and engaging for fellow pupils.
Chair of Westbury Area Board, Cllr Robert Smith said “It was a wonderful night. It was great to see the young people being recognised for their achievements. Well done to the winners but also everybody who was nominated – the standard and range of the nominations was unbelievably high.”
Stacey Moore, mum of Evie Moore who won a Special Area Board Award for her work with the Pachamama Project, said, “Evie was genuinely surprised by the award. She truly didn’t expect it. There were so many wonderful nominees.
“The competition was strong. She is absolutely thrilled and very grateful to her teacher for the nomination. We are incredibly proud of her dedication and all the effort she puts into her volunteering.”
The sponsors of the awards were Martin & Co, Gooding Accounts, White Horse News Westbury Area Board and Westbury Town Council.
