Winner of Laverton Cup praised for ‘complete commitment to uplifting the town’

WESTBURY resident, Leander Morales, has been honoured by the town council for his work to promote the town and its growing events throughout the years.

Leander is often the face of Westbury events, such as the Christmas lights switch-on, or he is busy working hard behind the scenes at events such as the Westbury Festival. He is a musician in his own right, having performed at Glastonbury festival last year.

The mayor, cllr Sheila Kimmins, who presented the award to Leander at a meeting of the town council on Monday 6th March said, “Leander first started working with the town council in 2012 and he immediately set about looking into the town’s history to find where Westbury fits within the history of England.

“He is always looking for positive ways to promote and create an interest in our town and, as part of this, he learned of Westbury in New York and so naturally the next step for Leander was to play a gig in both locations within 24 hours; as he would!

“He flew across the Atlantic to play in New York at 1am before racing back to play on stage here at the Laverton by 10pm UK time. This complete commitment to uplifting this town has been mirrored in his work to foster, dream up and promote the town’s growing reputation as a destination for excellent events.”

Speaking at the meeting, Leander said, “Whilst I naturally feel there are people worthier than myself who deserve this award. I hope they also get the recognition I was lucky to receive from Westbury Town Council this week. Thanks to those who nominated me for the award.

“A special thanks to all those I have worked with over the years to create some memorable events in the town. Especially to former councillor and Westbury Festival chair, Ian Cunningham, and the motley crew from the festival. It’s a collaborative effort to pull off the things we have done together. Ian has especially done far more for Westbury than anyone I’ve met over the past ten years.

“Thanks also to all the former/current colleagues, councillors, committee, event working group members and mayors who have had faith in me and my input. A big thanks to Ryan at Westbury Town Council who has kept me onboard while he continues to create some of the biggest and best events to hit the town in recent years.”

The Laverton Cup, created for local benefactor, Abraham Laverton in the 19th Century, was given to Westbury Town Council by former mayor, Ian Cunningham, to be presented to a worthy citizen of the town. The cup displays a repousse lion mask, floral and swag decoration, and is engraved ‘Presented to Abraham Laverton esq. by the middle and working classes of Westbury, expressive of their gratitude for his munificence in erecting the Laverton Institute and thus contributing so greatly to their hitherto limited means of amusement and edification, January 26th, 1874.’

The Laverton Cup was presented for the first time last year, awarded to Mike Pearce for his continued contribution and philanthropic services to the town, in particular his work with Westbury Lions and Bratton Community Orchard.