In March 2018, we acknowledged the efforts of George Gordon, the hero of the Burbage Christmas Tree Sale and Market.
Do you know a local hero whose efforts should be recognised with a Wiltshire Life Award? Then click here to nominate them for the 2019 Awards!
Winner George Gordon
George Gordon is the hero of the Burbage Christmas Tree Sale and Market. George has been running the sale for many years, together with a team of volunteers and is said to think of Christmas all year. He holds the organisational meetings for the event at his home, sources the trees from the local area where possible, stores equipment and recruits volunteers. He is the last to leave after everything has been packed away.
About 2,500 people visit over the weekend to buy a tree, browse the market of 50 stallholders or meet friends and family. It’s a wonderful social occasion: if people have moved away from the village, they very often return for the weekend to meet up with old friends and neighbours.
More than 700 Christmas trees were sold in 2016, with one being sold every 30 seconds at times. The event raised £20,000 for the village, with every penny going back into the community, to provide funding for the church, school and village hall. Under George’s management, the event has grown and so, too, have the funds raised.
Second place Marilyn Adcock
Marilyn Adcock is the heart and soul of the Stanley/Bremhill community. A great supporter of the local church, Marilyn is the towering force behind Bremhill Village Show. In 2017, there were 416 entries from 61 people and the show raised £1,000 for the village hall.
She provides a friendly welcome when people move into the area, and is a linchpin of the community, letting everyone know what’s on and when. Marilyn makes recordings for the blind; helps with the annual litter pick; and is a leading light in bringing touring companies to the village hall.
Third place Mike Carter
Known as Wise Mike, Mike Carter is a volunteer working with young people, some vulnerable, at Wiltshire Wildlife Trust. He supports the Water Team, the schools team and the Milestones team, which focuses on youth well-being. A volunteer for many years, last summer he helped deliver holiday activities to young carers, giving them a chance to enjoy their childhood.
Through working with schools, and the Milestones project, he has helped vulnerable young people grow in confidence. He’s positive, pro-active and “a good person to have around”.