A pub landlord hailed as ‘community hero’ has been presented with a British Empire Medal at a ceremony in Somerset.
Eric Norman, Landlord of the Rest and Be Thankful pub in Wheddon Cross, has been given the award for his actions following a terrible crash in West Somerset in July last year when a coach carrying pupils returning from an end of term trip flipped on to its roof and plunged down an embankment in West Somerset. Tragically, one child died.
Mr Norman (74) immediately opened the pub as a rest centre and refuge for children, school staff, parents and the emergency services.
The citation which accompanied the British Empire Medal reads:
His instinctive generosity and unwavering support for those children and their families in crisis was exceptional. He led by example and his actions became a testament of how a local community responds in times of stress and emergency.
The Lord Lieutenant of Somerset, Mohammed Saddiq, presented Mr Norman with his award. Today he said:
Mr Norman’s actions were exemplary. I cannot praise him highly enough.
Local leaders have spoken in incredibly warm words about his actions and how they enabled the emergency responders to work with pressures immediately removed by his quick actions.
The British Empire Medal (BEM) is awarded on behalf of the Monarch. It honours ‘hands on local community contributions, long term charitable work or innovative local volunteering.’
Mr Norman said today he was honoured and humbled to receive the award but added:
I like to think this medal is for the entire community who within half an hour rallied round on that dreadful day and tried to give help where we could. There were many people involved.
Mr Norman’s medal was presented at a garden party held near Frome, organised by the Lord-Lieutenant, to recognise and honour the work of local charities.
