Community heroes from across Warminster were celebrated at the annual Warminster Town Council Civic Awards on Tuesday 12th December. Invited guests watched on as Warminster Town Mayor, Councillor Phil Keeble presented the Junior Civic, Green Civic, and Civic Award.
The 2023 winners celebrated were: Posi Olofin, Amelia ap Ellis and Tony & Kim Nicklin, 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 of others to act positively as well as for individual efforts.
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Posi Olofin, winner of the Junior Civic Award, 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 confidence and meeting new people.”
The Mayor of Warminster, Councillor Phil Keeble also expressed his pride and was delighted to celebrate the success among invited guests and councillors. There was also a special mention for Mike Coleman for his devoted work with the 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 of time 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.”
Speaking after the event, Cllr Keeble added: “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.”
The full citations for the winners were as follows:
Junior Civic Award 2023 – Posi Olofin
As part of the Tech Support Club, which takes place at the Civic Centre on Wednesday afternoons, Posi and the team provide a much-needed support network for the residents of Warminster with their IT queries.
Posi stands out for her patience and understanding with each and every visitor. She is a core member of the group, and weekly feedback from visitors to the Civic Centre shows how grateful people are for the help provided and the difference which it makes to them. Members of the public comment about how helpful they have found her and spread the word about the service provided by the Club.
During the recent session on using the car parking app, people were queuing out of the door!
Posi has grown in confidence since helping with the Club and it is a joy to witness her engagement with those less technologically able members of the public seeking help.
Green Civic Award 2023 – Amelia ap Ellis
Amelia is single-mindedly dedicated to protecting the environment in her lifestyle, her actions, and her work within the local community. 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.
Through her tireless campaigning, Amelia is raising awareness in the community about respect for nature, the importance of sustainability, and the protection of green spaces.
Amelia has also been a key member of the Environment, Heritage, and Design topic group for the Neighbourhood Plan review.
Civic Award 2023 –Tony & Kim Nicklin
Tony and Kim are long-standing residents of the town and have been described as Warminster’s rock, supporting the community in countless ways over many years.
Throughout 25 years of loyal service, Tony and Kim 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 have managed the box office and programme bookings, whilst ensuring that the staff are well trained. 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.
The town owes this unique asset which provides professional entertainment, meets the needs of the community, provides a much-needed social benefit through regular chat groups, and encourages the youth in dancing and performing to a team led by Tony and Kim. A wide range of events takes place in the Centre from film shows, to concerts, to the annual pantomime. The Centre also has rooms available for hire and hosts various community groups. Tony has also worked tirelessly as a town councillor and has been Mayor of Warminster twice, helping to improve and regenerate the town, particularly through his involvement with the Neighbourhood Plan. He has always addressed the needs of residents and is a good listener and a wise adviser.
Last modified: 19 December 2023
