WILTSHIRE LIFE Awards 2018 29
Local Hero of the Year
SPONSORED BY
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”.
George has been
running the Burbage
Christmas Tree Sale and
Market for many years
and is said to think of
Christmas all year