Thanks to all those who have nominated people - as ever the amount of activity ongoing within the Community Area is considerable

Continuing in our efforts to involve all the community area, we are grateful to Collingbourne Village Hall for the use of the Hall this evening and to the Short Mat Bowls Club for giving up their evening, for the presentation of these Awards.

We are pleased to welcome the Deputy Lord Lieutenant, David Margesson, who is standing in for the Lord Lieutenant John Bush, who is indisposed.

 Firstly, for impact on the environment, Mike Cox for his work in the church project, as Chairman of the Parish Council, chairman of Governors of the School and the Great Mere Project.

  Thirdly, for his involvement in the Collingbourne Cricket Club and the wider community, the award goes to Graham Chandler

The Tidworth Community Area Partnership Shield recognises the contribution to the local community, the award goes to Ludgershall Fire & Rescue Team

And finally, the Tidworth Development Trust shield recognises a significant contribution to the Community Area.  

Citation given by Steve Lawton, CEO Tidworth Development Trust:-

This year we present the shield to someone who has spent a lifetime in public service, or serving the community. Most recently, helping the community here in Collingbourne Ducis in particular. This person retired from the Police service and then used his time to help the village. He was on the parish council for many years and until recently was a Kennet District Councillor for the Collingbournes and Everleigh.

He is chairman of the Collingbournes short Mat Bowls Club, was instrumental in forming the local Link Scheme and has been involved in many projects to make this a better place.

I am sure we will never know everything he has done for people but I do know he continues to help others.

The shield goes to Tony Still
 

There were nearly 50 presentations made during the evening the citations continue below:

After the presentations, many of the recipients were interviewed by Castledown Radio 104.7fm. Click here to go to the Castledown Radio website and hear some of the interviews.

Ludgershall Fire & Rescue Service

This team has been nominated for their first class response times to calls, average time 3 minutes, also their considerable efforts in helping the community with fundraising - you will often find them at various events with the fire tender to provide an attraction as well as carrying out fundraising activities themselves or helping others, all in their own time.  They also provide first response cover for the ambulance service in certain emergencies.

Mary Neve

Mary has been honorary treasurer of the Ludgershall Memorial Hall management committee for many years and this nomination acknowledges her commitment and support to the Hall.

David Wildman

During 2007, David was concerned about the level of rubbish around, especially in Ludgershall and Tidworth and brought together interested parties from all agencies to address the issue. The Rubbish Awareness Project, RAP, resulted. The aim was to raise awareness of rubbish and recycling issues generally and to have some hard outcomes at the end of the 10 day campaign. Education was a key part of the campaign and all the local schools took part. Recycling was promoted through the schools with the challenge to produce a ‘RAP' song. Through the campaign some schools linked up with Wiltshire Wildlife Trust to include education on environmental issues.

The campaign ended with a clean-up of two hotspots - one in Tidworth and one in Ludgershall. Many agencies were involved - KDC, Sarsen Housing, MoD, Aspire and the local councils. It is intended to run another campaign this year.

Jane & Kevin continue to be involved in the local community - in 2007 they organised many activities to raise funds for charity. These include weekly bonus ball draw, monthly quiz evenings, monthly big games evenings, and family fun days. They have monthly lunches for older people and are one of the sponsors of the Tidworth Area Festival.

Clare has been the driving force for the T2a club based at Tidworth Leisure Centre. The club is now 2 years old and has a growing membership. The number of activities is growing, having started with wall climbing but now mountain biking, ultimate Frisbee and mountain boarding are all included. Trips are organised and there has been a residential weekend. The members of the club are encouraged to take responsibility for the running of the club. Clare's enthusiasm and commitment to the club has been exemplary.

Mickey & Steve operate the daily scarab machine keeping the main roads/verges and pavements clear of litter, 6 days per week. Both are conscientious and nothing is too much trouble.

John continues to be heavily involved in the community. As a Board member of Sarsen Housing Association, he has represented the tenants at many meetings. His involvement with the family fun days at the Queens Head has helped raise funds for the Ludgershall Skateboard Park and he was part of the group supporting the local youngsters in their drive to build a skateboard facility. He was the ‘Voice of Ludgershall' at Castledown Radio and provided local news and events for the station. He co-ordinates the fundraising activities at the Queens Head which have included raising funds for a second defibrillator for the Fire Station and funds for Newbury Cancer Care Trust and the Charles Clore Clinic. He was involved in the Mayor of Salisbury's Bosnia Shoe Box Appeal, Castle Football Club's presentation of awards evening and also finds time to take older people shopping.

Kevin has served this community as a ‘Special' for over 25 years, a great achievement and has always been fully involved in what goes on in the area. Kevin has been a member of the Tidworth Neighbourhood Policing Team since its inception two years ago and continues to be a committee member of the Team. He is well liked and a respected member of the community.

Sharon has been a Special Constable for 19 years and has served all her time within this community. More recently Sharon has been a member of the Neighbourhood Policing Team. She has always been an efficient, loyal and enthusiastic member of the Team. This will be her last year as a SPC in Wiltshire and we wish her contribution to be recognised.

This is the mobile broadcast and disco facility of Castledown Radio. It has been used to support the Bluez N Zuz discos since it began and is used at various events around the area to provide music and a PA system. The Bluez N Zuz disco runs every month and is currently held at Clarendon Junior School.. Without the commitment of this great team of people, who volunteer their time, the Bluez N Zuz would not have been such a success.

A dedicated member of the Scouting family, John was Group Scout leader for 1^st Tidworth Scout Group. During this time he was involved in a lot of fundraising for the group ensuring all sections ran smoothly. John has now moved on, but has continued to be a source of knowledge and assistance to those both old and new members of the group.

John is a dedicated member of the community and continues to show this as an active volunteer for Castledown Radio where he delivers his own radio programmes and gathers interviews.

Chris retires this year from the Police and has served here in Tidworth as the Neighbourhood Policing Team manager. Chris has maintained his devotion to duty to this community area. He was one of the prime movers in setting up the Bluez N Zuz disco for young people. In wind, rain and shine he has regularly appeared on doorsteps within the community to establish local issues at first hand. He deals with those issues to the benefit of everyone, not only crime issues but other social problems too. He is a willing volunteer in many activities around the area. At work, the community comes first to Chris, closely followed by his team and partners.

Lin has run the 1^st Helmsdeep Explorer Scout Unit in Tidworth for a number of years and for the last few years she has run the unit single-handed. Her commitment to the unit and the Scout group has been unquestionable. The guidance she has offered to the young people is extremely valuable. Last year she organised the venue for the District Scouts Sports Day and also the District St Georges Day Parade, both events involving over 100 scouts of all ages. Lin had some time away from the Unit at the end of last year but during this time she continued to offer 100% support and advice to the group.

Lin is a credit to the community and her dedication to the Explorers is such that she has been persuaded to reopen the Unit.

The wives, whose husbands had served in Iraq, along with CSgt Mich Davies, (the Welfare NCO) ordered and sold wrist bands to raise money for the military ward at Selly Oak Hospital and wounded soldiers, where a number of soldiers from the regiment had been treated.

Mike has made such a contribution to Collingbourne Ducis village life on so many levels during the past year. Mike spearheaded and project managed the work to get water and mains to St Andrew's Church, liaising with the developer of the Old Schools site and persuading him he wanted to do it in the first place. He was also instrumental in getting a major grant from Kennet DC for the project and other ongoing funding. Mike records events for the church website and looks after the Team website, updating and teaching others to contribute.

Mike is chairman of the Parish Council, a demanding role. He never stints in his involvement and commitment, encouraging others to do likewise. In this role he is very keen to work with others who want to improve the facilities for the younger people of the village, supporting his wife in her role as Group Scout Leader and being involved in their activities.

Mike is also Chairman of the Governors at Collingbourne School, very active in his support for the staff and children and ensures their website is up-to-date as well as their policies.

Mike is also involved in the Great Mere Project maintaining and enhancing this area for the benefit of the community.

This group based at HQ 43(Wx) Brigade raised funds for Red Nose Day. They held a coffee morning to raise the funds but also started the day at 7.45 by standing at the main gate of Picton Barracks with buckets encouraging anyone coming into camp to lighten their ‘load' and ‘fine' anyone not wearing red. Cakes were also taken round to all the buildings in camp to add to the funds, over £400 was raised.

Betty has been a volunteer at Clarendon Infant School for ten years. Her grandchildren attended the school but Betty has continued her involvement long after they moved on. Betty helps in classes, hearing readers, helping with spellings, gluing & sticking. She helps with fundraising events, selling raffle tickets, counting Tesco vouchers and providing hot-dog lunches - a real all rounder. Many children have benefited from her understanding and calm ways.

SSgt John Galletly organised a sponsored marathon swim in which 9 members of the dept. swam a total of over 42 miles in the Bulford pool - the equivalent of the English Channel and back - in a time of 6 hours and 18 minutes. John himself completed 13 miles. The funds raised went to Chindits Old Comrades Association, Army Benevolent Fund and Salisbury Hospital Stars Appeal - £1500 was split between them. This was all done whilst maintaining normal service to the regiment and the Sergeants' Mess. Those in the Team included John, SSgt Sadie Hopkins, WO1 Taff Fulford, SSgt Dave Townrow, Cpl Martin Carpenter, Cpl Laura Boorn, LCpl Jay Pykett, LCpl Tommo Thompson and Pte Ashley Harker, Cpl Sean Hurley, Cpl Lee Taylor and Mrs Moira Galletly completed the verification. The lifeguards at Bulford pool also supported the event by offering advice and support beyond their work hours.

Jim has been a stalwart member of the Chutes for many years. His tireless work on behalf of the community is of the highest order and he has had significant impact on the lives of those living in the villages.

He has been the sole groundsman for the King George VIth playing field, a job he does voluntarily and often late into the evening. As a result the football and cricket pitches are in constant use and the pavilion is kept in excellent order. He is also responsible for the diary for the Saturday and Sunday League football teams, which bring in a necessary income.

Jim has served as a Parish Councillor and is a highly valued member of the Chute Fete Committee. In this latter role he makes great efforts, year by year, to ensure the preparation and running of the very important event runs smoothly.

He is also a staunch member of the bell-ringing team for the village church.

Wendy & Cherel have been Brownie leaders for over 20 years in Collingbourne and are now retiring at the end of July. They have provided Brownies in the area with a stimulating, challenging and fun environment where young girls have learnt new skills, expanded existing ones, made friends and most of all had FUN. This can only be achieved by sheer dedication, creative minds, as well as organisation skills and people giving hours voluntarily for the benefit of others.

In April 2007, pupils in the Year 3H & 4 W accepted the challenge to become Eco Warriors and held their campaign on the Zouch Estate. Spurred on by their visit to Hills recycling Centre at Wootton Bassett and taking advice from Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, the pupils surveyed on foot the debris surrounding the estate and used their knowledge to prepare a special assembly to promote their cause to family and friends. The Green warriors made their point using a drama presentation called ‘The Glums' and ‘The Greens' - although amusing, it drove the message home. Follow up surveys, persuasive talking and letters to high places, have resulted in an increased awareness and general improvement in waste management on the estate.

Doodles meet twice a week at the Beeches in Bulford, welcoming all members of the community and providing an essential support network in the area.

In March last year, a group of mums and their children organised a sponsored walk in aid of the Neo-natal unit at Salisbury Hospital, the 6-mile walk raised over £700 towards the appeal.

During the last 12 months, Mr & Mrs Barr have been committed to providing opportunities for young people across the Garrison through the youth clubs, special projects and sports-based activities. They were instrumental in supporting a number of kite-boarding lessons, working with a group to support a peer-led project, which will continue into this year. They have actively encouraged groups from around the area to meet socialise and plan joint activities.

Stefanie Hanf and Emma Davies organised a ‘Wigs n Wellies' football match between staff of the school in aid of Children in Need. All the staff dressed for the occasion and along with the children's donations from a non-school uniform day raised over £500

Janet has been clerk to Ludgershall Parish Council and Tidworth Town Council for many years and is a great asset to the communities. She is a fount of knowledge on the local area and always willing to help people and share her knowledge.

Four soldiers, serving with the UK Signals detachment in Iraq, held a series of fundraising events including curry nights, quizzes and charity auctions during their deployment. They raised over £2000 for the Army Benevolent Fund. They were Sgt Billy Bremner, Sgt Craig Marshall, Cpl Briony Wheal and LCpl Mark Jackson.

Last April, James returned from the Sahara having completed the Marathon des Sables, a footrace across the Sahara Desert covering 151 miles in 6 days - essentially a full marathon every day. To add to the usual difficulties, all food, supplies, equipment and water had to be carried. The MdS has become one of the most prestigious ‘extreme marathons' in the world. The pursuit of this goal took 9 months and filled waking moments and dreams fuelling his ambition to cross the finishing line. He ran it on behalf of the Meningitis Research Foundation.

Tony Reynolds stepped down last years after 7 years as instructor with the Ludgershall Fire Cadets. He has helped train many young people in the range of skills employed by the Fire Service. He has helped those young people develop their skills and potential and two have gone on to become regular firefighters.

Nick is a member of the Ludgershall Fire & Rescue Team but is nominated tonight for his support to the Fire Cadets, giving up his own time for their benefit.

Joe has been patrolling the streets of Tidworth and Collingbourne Ducis, collecting litter and checking the play areas. He has been conscientious over and beyond the call of his paid work.

Tony has been a regular member of the Short Mat Bowls Club here in Collingbourne for many years and is currently their Chairman. He has also actively supported the Link Scheme and Great Mere Projects.

is nominated for his support to the Collingbourne Cricket Club, especially in organising and maintaining the club fixture list and both the adult and youth sections.

Is also involved with the Collingbourne Cricket Club and is nominated for his support to the youth section and his coaching at the club.

Melinda took part in the Playtex London Moonwalk in May last year to raise funds for Breast Cancer Campaign charity in memory of her mother. This marathon is a power-walking marathon that takes place around midnight. All participants wear decorated bras to help raise money and raise awareness for breast cancer. To coincide with the walk, Londis stores in Tidworth hosted ‘Pink days' with a series of fundraising events at both shops on the day to help raise money for this worthwhile cause. Melinda raised £3,000 and the stores £2,500.

During the 2006 season, the Tidworth Royals Under 9s Football team was left without a manager until Caroline offered her service. She dedicated much of her spare time to the organisation of the team, which has gone from strength to strength. This season the team has progressed and is now in third place in the Test Valley League and through to the semi-final of the cup. It is the dedication to the children, her warm-hearted personality and hard work that has been rewarded with success. Under her leadership and management the membership has grown to about 18 children who now have a genuine enjoyment of their football. Her skills however, extend beyond this having created a special relationship within the team where both parents and children have made new friends. Caroline has even managed to rope her husband in who does a great deal administratively for the team and club.

The project aimed to restore the chalk kiwi through removing the grey gravel covering the hill figure to reveal the chalk beneath. The Army, local cubs/scouts, Bulford Conservation Group, Defence Estates and Landmarc Support all took part. Representatives from New Zealand were on site to lend a hand in the work to renovate the monument that commemorated the presence of their countrymen at Sling Camp in the Great War. Having cleared the gravel, the site was surrounded with a rabbit-proof fence. It is intended to hold an annual restoration event, to take place on Anzac Day (April 25^th) with all the participants taking part. It is also to include work with the local schools on the heritage of the area. Defence Estates archaeologists are also examining the training of Anzac forces in the area prior to their fighting at Messines on the Western Front.

Jim is chairman of Tidworth Garrison Football Club and has devoted his time over the last four years to giving the youngsters in the community a sense of purpose through the sport. 119 children have been involved during this time and there are now nine teams, including a girls' team. Through Jim's passion for the sport and a belief in teaching youngsters sound values and giving them a chance to shine, he has become a respected figure in the local community.

Pat & Des have been hosting children for Chernobyl Children's Lifeline for many years. They have two children to stay 3 times per year and have so far hosted 36 children. This couple have always given the children a wonderful time and made a great difference to the children's health, happiness and well being. Pat & Des meet the cost of the children's' stay themselves.

Again in connection with Chernobyl Children's Lifeline, Ann has helped the group for about 6 years. She has hosted four children and also leaders/interpreters. Whenever there has been a need for a bed for someone, Ann has been able to help. She also helps with transport when necessary.

Tom Care, Tom Watson, Steven Mitchell and Richard Rawlings provide the coaching for the Get Kickin session on a Monday evening at the all weather pitch in Tidworth. Initially there were only a few young people but they have developed it into a team with high quality coaching sessions, working with a local football club to develop their players. Without the commitment of these volunteers, local young people would not have these opportunities.