At the Mayor’s Reception, on Saturday 14th March, our community came together, raising a staggering £3,605.77 for FearFree and Wiltshire and Bath Air Ambulance, celebrating the Mayor’s year and recognising the hard work of Melksham’s community volunteers.
The Mayor’s Reception welcomed residents, volunteers, business leaders and civic guests for a Spanish-themed evening of celebration and community spirit. Thanks to Paul Weymouth, from Lights Fantastic, Melksham Assembly Hall was transformed with bursts of colour and festoon lighting.
Guests were welcomed by Mayor of Melksham, Councillor Saffi Rabey, the Town Crier Ian Pugh, and local cadets, before a surprise flamenco performance and live Spanish inspired entertainment set the tone for the night. Evie’s Kitchen served an authentic tapas spread, featuring artisan bread with olives, roasted Mediterranean vegetables, honey and red wine chorizo, Spanish spiced meatballs and more.
Duff Enyon guided the evening’s schedule, which included a video presentation from the two charities and the announcement of the 2026 Civic Awards. This year’s recipients, Carolyn Fernandes, Wendy Isaacs, Ellis Holloway and Karen Dwyer, were recognised for their dedication and positive impact across the community.
BBC personality Paul Martin led a fundraising auction, encouraging guests to shake their maracas and bid generously on prizes which were all kindly donated by local businesses. A highlight included Joe McCann driving a mini electric BMW across the stage to demonstrate one of the lots.
The success of the Mayor’s Reception was made possible by the generosity of attendees, contributors and business sponsors: TaxAssist Accountants, The Hiding Place, CrossFit Civitas, Melksham Recycling and Skips, Planet Leasing Stanmore, Dick Lovett and Shutterly Fabulous.
Mayor of Melksham, Councillor Saffi Rabey, said:
“I am proud to have demonstrated Melksham Town Council’s commitment to my two chosen charities at the Mayor’s Reception. The evening brought our community together to raise an outstanding £995.77 through the event and an additional £2,610 through our raffle and auction for FearFree and Wiltshire and Bath Air Ambulance. Melksham Town Council continues to be supportive of local organisations, whether that is through supporting Melksham based initiatives, celebrating fundraising heroes or raising money through community events. The Mayor’s Reception was an evening of just that, fundraising for incredible charities, while recognising the individuals who collectively make Melksham a better place. Thank you to everyone who got involved, I hope you had a wonderful evening.”