Council honours six volunteers with Civic Award for charity work (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Council honours six volunteers with Civic Award for charity work

10:00am Saturday 15th September 2012 in News

Some of Chippenham’s unsung heroes have been honoured with a Civic Award for their efforts.

Six town stalwarts were presented with awards last week at a special ceremony.

The individuals were chosen for several reasons, including material contrib- ution to the advancement, well-being and welfare of the people of Chippenham; charitable work carried out in the town; assisting in the work of the town council in a voluntary capacity; or demonstrating outstanding citizenship.

Awards were given to Elizabeth Mills, vice chairman of Chippenham Age Concern; Jane Cross, who has worked for Springboard Opportunity Group for more than nine years; Keith Jones, who has been a committee member of Chippenham PHAB for more than 20 years; Elizabeth Sexton, chairman of the League of Friends of Chippenham Hospital; and Mike Edwards, who has been a member of the Chipp-enham and District Wheelers for nearly 60 years.

A final award was given jointly by Chippenham Town Council and the town’s area board to Folk Festival organiser Bob Berry. Mr Berry, who lives in Potterne, received an exceptional service to the community award.

He said: “It was a lovely day, and a very humbling experience.

“My wife Gill was also given a huge bouquet of flowers as she does so much for the folk festival. It means a lot to have received some recognition for the festival – not just for me, but for everyone who gives their time. It’s really appreciated in particular to have this joint award.”

The Civic Awards, presented in the Neeld Hall, were part of Civic Sunday.

The colourful event included a procession of town councillors to St Andrew’s Church through the High Street, and a reception for award winners. Mayor Andy Phillips, who presented the five Civic Awards, and shared the presentation of Mr Berry’s award with area board chairman Desna Allen, said: “When Gill Berry received her award from us, I used a quote her husband had given to the Gazette.

“He said, ‘She is pretty unsung, but absolutely vital to the success of the festival. Without her support and hard work, it just couldn’t happen. She is absolutely wonderful and the love of my life’. What more could I say to add to that quote? We were delighted to honour her work as well.”

Coun Phillips said he was proud to have been a part of the day, adding, “It was the biggest and best Civic Sunday we’ve had, partly because it was such a colourful and happy event.”