This is the time of year, when people who volunteer in our community are recognised for their valuable contributions. Residents and organisations are asked to put forward nominations, from which the recipients are selected by the Council. Winners receive either a cup or trophy and everyone who is nominated receives a certificate.
The Citizen’s and Civic Awards were held at Malmesbury Town Hall, after the Annual Town Meeting last Thursday 27th April 2023. There are six categories, with winners and nominees as follows:
JUNIOR CITIZEN OF THE YEAR AWARD
Nominee: Rhoslyn Millard
Winner: Rhoslyn Millard
YOUNG CITIZEN OF THE YEAR AWARD
Nominee: Ellie Barlow
Winner: Ellie Barlow
CITIZEN OF THE YEAR AWARD
Nominees:
Jenny Cole, Malmesbury Brownies
Lou James, Malmesbury Co-op Pioneer Co-ordinator, HEALS, OXFAM and Movies @Malmesbury
Mike Rees, Malmesbury Amateur Boxing Club
Steve Sanders, The Co-op
Winner: Lou James (Awarded posthumously)
10 YEAR PLUS SERVICE TO THE MALMESBURY COMMUNITY
Awarded to:
Janette Barstow – 1st King Athelstan Scouts/U3A
Jonathan Barstow – 1st King Athelstan Scouts/U3A/Cartmell Mini Bus
Janet Casselden – Athelstan Museum
Glyn Davies – Malmesbury Twinning
Barry Dent – Malmesbury Civic Trust
Carmen Kucharek – The Malmesbury Parkinson’s Society
Maria Marsh – Malmesbury Civic Trust
Ian Cambray-Smith – Athelstan Players/Ukraine Refugees Support
Debbie Cambray-Smith – Athelstan Players/Ukraine Refugees Support
Charles Vernon – Malmesbury Civic Trust
Val Vernon – Malmesbury Civic Trust
Sue White – The Malmesbury Parkinson’s Society
ORGANISATION OF THE YEAR
Nominees:
Malmesbury Amateur Boxing Club
Malmesbury Community Fridge
Parkinson’s Society
The Co-op
Winner: Malmesbury Amateur Boxing Club
MAYOR'S LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Awarded to: John Kerslake
There were some very strong nominees this year, and it was an incredibly difficult job for the Council to choose the winners. So, all of those nominated should regard themselves as being very much recognised and valued for their work, too.
We are always pleased to make awards to our younger nominees and this year was no exception. Also, it is humbling to see the number of people who were awarded the 10 Year Plus Service Awards. These are volunteers who have steadfastly helped with some of the main groups in our town for much longer than 10 years in a lot of cases.
Malmesbury Amateur Boxing Club won Organisation Of The Year and they very much deserve their award. Led by Mike Rees, they have looked after and trained many young people over the years, encouraging their sense of self worth and personal achievement.
The Mayor’s Lifetime Achievement Award is given this year to John Kerslake. A stalwart of the community, he has volunteered throughout his life, still with the Royal British Legion and only recently has given up his role as Mace Bearer, which he carried out for over 20 years.
Lastly, the winner of the Citizen of the Year Award this year is Lou James. Many will know the huge difference she made in our town with different organisations, including the installation of the Community Fridge. Very sadly, Lou passed away at the end of last year, but the award was proudly received by her husband, and of course she is very much missed.
The evening was well attended, and it was a pleasure at the end of my Mayoral year, to celebrate and say thank you to those who volunteer and do so much good for our community.
Councillor Kim Power, Mayor of Malmesbury
Citizen of the Year - Deputy Mayor Cllr. Gavin Grant, Stephen James, Mayor Cllr.Kim Power.
John Kerslake Receiving his award – John Kerslake, Mayor Cllr.Kim Power, Cllr. Paul Smith.
Rhoslyn Millard, Mayor Cllr.Kim Power.
Malmesbury Amateur Boxing Club – Cllr. Wayne Jones, Gareth Thomas, Mayor Cllr. Kim Power.
Photographs by Richard Harris.
