A COMMUNITY stalwart has been recognised for his 'quiet, tireless and conscientious' contribution to the vibrant town of Malmesbury.
Paul Overton was awarded the Citizen of the Year accolade at the annual Civic Awards ceremony - which took place inside Malmesbury Town Hall on Thursday - for his leadership role in helping revive Malmesbury Carnival from the ashes.
He first took on the carnival committee co-chair position in 2018 when the beloved longstanding event was under threat.
However, over the last five years the carnival has gone from strength to strength under his leadership and has raised more than £94,000 for local charities.
The dedicated volunteer is also a trustee of HEALS of Malmesbury, responsible for major grants, and a member of the Athelstan 1100 celebrations, for which he is writing a live multi-media performance to be performed in Malmesbury Abbey.
He was nominated by fellow carnival team member Linzi Renshaw who said: "Paul is such an asset to the town.
"He’s an all-round decent person whose quiet, tireless and conscientious work has achieved so much for so many."
Mr Overton said: “It is an absolute honour to be awarded Citizen of the Year 2024 in a town where so many people give freely of their time and expertise.
"My involvement with the carnival, HEALS of Malmesbury, The Witches and Athelstan 1100 projects, together with my museum volunteering and my work as an independent visitor for Wiltshire Council have all meant that retirement really has been a tremendous opportunity to meet and work alongside some fantastic people.
"I first moved to Malmesbury in 2011 and from the very beginning was made to feel welcome and quickly got involved in town life.
"There is so much going on in this town steeped in history where almost every façade hides gardens and secret places waiting to be explored."
Other exceptional individuals, groups and organisations who have made outstanding contributions to Malmesbury over the last year were also commended at the ceremony.
The Junior Citizen of the Year award was presented to 14-year-old Malmesbury Animal Sanctuary volunteer Freya Knight and the Young Citizen of the Year accolade was awarded to 16-year-old Oxfam volunteer Hannah Pitman.
Both girls said how much they enjoyed spending time with other volunteers at their irrespective organisations.
Meanwhile, a dedicated team of 20 volunteers who run the HEALS of Malmesbury Community Fridge at the town hall seven days a week were named the Organisation of the Year.
Furthermore, published author and historian Charles Vernon was given the Mayor's Lifetime Achievement Award.
Mayor Gavin Grant said Mr Vernon was a 'worthy winner' of this award as he wears several hats in the community such as champion of Malmesbury’s historic buildings through the Civic Trust and Malmesbury Conservation Group, a leading light with Movies@Malmesbury and is also at the heart of the Royal British Legion.
In addition, the 10-year volunteer award certificate was presented to Athelstan Players member Christine Mace who has performed, directed and served on the committee for many years.
Cllr Grant said: “The Civic Awards ceremony is one of the most enjoyable and important events of the year.
“I particularly enjoyed the awards to our two younger age group winners.
"Our young people contribute so much that is good in our community and this is a great opportunity to celebrate their positive achievements.”
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