Civic Awards presented at Civic Sunday

This year's Civic Awards Ceremony took place on Sunday 9th July at the Neeld Community & Arts Centre.

A community church service was held at St. Andrews Church, which celebrates the invited local community groups, organisations, and charities. The service was followed by a civic reception at the Neeld Community & Arts Centre where the Mayor of Chippenham Declan Baseley presented the Civic Awards to the winners.

Civic Sunday is an annual event that acknowledges the work and contribution made by the many local organisations, groups, and individuals who work selflessly to enhance the quality of town life in Chippenham.

Civic Awards

Each year, Chippenham Town Council presents Civic Awards to individuals, organisations, and groups who have made a material contribution to the advancement, wellbeing, and welfare of the people of Chippenham or demonstrated outstanding citizenship.

You must be able to demonstrate that the person(s) nominated has fulfilled at least one of the following:

• Made a material contribution to the advancement, well-being, and welfare of the people of Chippenham

• Supported charitable work carried out in the Town

• Assisted the work of the Town Council in a voluntary capacity

• Demonstrated outstanding citizenship.

This year's winners were:

The RISE Family Visiting Service started in February 2009. This service is free of charge to families with a child under the age of 5. All the family visitors are volunteers and at the outset are requested to dedicate a minimum of 6 months to the role, ensuring consistency and continuity for the families.
The aim of FVS is to support families in their home and in the community to:
• help with feelings of loneliness and isolation.
• encourage parents to develop skills, confidence, routines, and strategies in their parenting role.
• encourage parents to access other local services and groups to further build their confidence and opportunities for interaction with others.
• The aim is for the family to feel empowered to be able to take control of their own lives.

Del Hall has been in the scouting movement for 40 years, this year, which is a remarkable period of time. Del has held several roles, most of his time as Scout Leader. He has seen hundreds of young people grow and develop their skills and has been a fantastic ambassador for the scouting movement. Del has shown great leadership qualities and always encourages the young people to do their best, follow the scouting values and really gain confidence and many skills. He has taken many scouts on camping trips, learning survival skills, showing how to look after our world and the environment.

Springboard Chippenham is a charity that provides support for pre-school children (aged 0-5) with special needs and their families. The team is made up of staff and volunteers who support not just the children but the wider family, to maximise ability, minimise disability; remove barrier to inclusion and generate a better understanding of the children’s needs. The team is always looking at ways to meet the needs of those they support from fundraising to cuppa and chats, workshops, Saturdads and playdates.

Sylvia Gibson is a long-standing member of the local community and has been involved in many community groups and roles over the years, from the rotary, to U3A to the Twinning Association to name a few. For example, Sylvia has dedicated 25 years to enhancing the links between Chippenham and its twin towns La Fleche and Friedberg, in addition to fundraising for the association and promoting the French and German Languages amongst local primary and secondary schools.

Dorryta Hayward is recognised for her committed service to Chippenham Flower Club and its role within community, Dorryta helps organise club meetings and a varied program of demonstrators, workshops and outings for the club’s members. Over the years using her expertise she has used her skills to fundraise for various local causes including the Rise Trust, the Chippenham Men’s Shed and Springboard Chippenham and works with local uniformed groups such as the Chippenham Guides to produce Mother’s Day gifts.