Corsham is ready to welcome its Olympic hero
1:00pm Thursday 28th February 2013 in Latest News
Stephanie Millward tastes the special sausages made by Corsham butcher Michael Thomas
The final preparations are under way as Corsham prepares to honour Stephanie Millward, who will receive the freedom of the town on Saturday.
Corsham High Street will be closed from 10.30am to 1pm, when Miss Millward will lead a parade from outside the Methuen Arms to the Town Hall, where she will be presented with the freedom of Corsham by town council chairman Peter Anstey.
The celebration will begin with an opening ceremony performed by students from the town’s primary schools, as well as music from the Corsham Town Band.
Councillor Anstey said: “Wiltshire Council has generously given us free parking to celebrate the legacy of last summer, and the team at the Town Hall have done a marvellous job in involving all the local schools.
“I think it should be a magnificent procession.”
The swimmer, who has multiple sclerosis, won five medals at last summer’s Paralympic Games, and regularly works coaching young people in the town.
Councillor Anstey said: “I think that’s probably the most important thing we should be recognising – the enthusiasm she instills in the other youngsters to succeed at their chosen sport.
“The whole town seems to be behind it, and I am sure it will do the town a world of good to have the celebration to commemorate her success.”
Many businesses in the town are getting behind the celebrations. Strakers estate agents is planning a full window display, while Michael Thomas, owner of Thomas’s butchers on the High Street, is producing a limited-edition sausage to mark the occasion.
He said: “I’ve been speaking to Steph about it and she’s given us a few ideas of the ingredients she likes. We’ve got three options so far – Steph’s favourite will be on sale as soon as the parade starts on Saturday.
“We just wanted to do something to help celebrate this special day for Corsham.”
