Community heroes from across Warminster were celebrated at the annual Warminster Town Council Civic Awards on Tuesday (December 12).
Invited guests watched on as Warminster Town Mayor, Cllr Phil Keeble presented the Junior Civic, Green Civic, and Civic Awards.
The 2023 winners celebrated were two-time Warminster mayor, Tony Nicklin and his wife Kim, Posi Olofin and Amelia ap Ellis, who were each presented with framed certificates at the annual reception.
The Civic Award winners are nominated by the public and voted for by Warminster town councillors.
The awards are given to highlight examples of community spirit, those who have ‘gone the extra mile’, those motivating others to act positively as well as for individual efforts.
Cllr Keeble said afterwards: “I would like to congratulate all the winners and thank them on behalf of the people of Warminster for the contribution they make to our town.
“It is an inspiration to meet with this year’s winners and celebrate in their success.
“Events such as this one gives a real insight into the community and highlight that community spirit is alive and well across Warminster.”
Tony and Kim Nicklin are long-standing town residents and have been described as Warminster’s rock, supporting the community in countless ways over many years.
Throughout 25 years of loyal service, the couple have transformed the Athenaeum Centre for the community, renovating, and modernising the centre and ensuring that it is an inclusive venue appreciated by all ages.
They were instrumental in saving the Grade II listed building and have made the centre a versatile, multi-functional building fit for the 21st century.
Mr Nicklin, 82, said he and Kim, 66, were “delighted” to receive the award.
“It was nice for Kim and I to be joint nominees. I don’t do anything unless she lets me!”
Posi Olofin, 17, winner of the Junior Civic Award, is an international student from Nigeria at Warminster School.
She was presented with the award as part of her volunteer work with the Tech Support Club. Posi and the team provide a much-needed support network for the residents of Warminster with their IT queries.
Posi said: “I’m very honoured to be given the award. It is nice to be appreciated. I look forward to every Wednesday, it is wonderful to be growing in confidence and meeting new people.”
The Green Award went to Amelia ap Ellis for her work protecting the environment in her lifestyle, her actions, and her work within the local community.
The award citation said: “She works incredibly hard promoting environmental projects to increase sustainability in Warminster.“
Amelia built the Incredible Edible Allotment on Bradley Road where fruit, vegetables, and herbs are grown for people to help themselves to and has ensured that the allotment is fit for purpose for future seasons.
Her involvement in the promotion of the Blue Heart Scheme in Warminster has increased awareness of planting for rewilding and for the benefit of wildlife, whilst highlighting the plight of pollinators.
There was also a special mention for Mike Coleman, 82, for his 16 years of devoted work as a volunteer with the Warminster and Westbury CCTV team, as he takes retirement from the role.
Cllr Keeble said: “On behalf of the whole of Warminster Town Council, I would like to thank you for the endless hours you have devoted to monitoring CCTV.
“You have helped make Warminster a safer place. This was recognised when you won the Civic Award in a previous year.
“On behalf of the council, I want to thank you very much for your hard work and I hope that you have a happy retirement from CCTV.”
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