Community champions from across Somerset have been recognised for their outstanding contribution at the Chairman’s annual Service to the Community Awards.
The awards were hosted by Somerset Council Chairman Councillor Mike Best at Taunton Rugby Club on Friday 16 October, celebrating individuals and organisations nominated by city, town and parish councils from across the county.
A total of 49 nominations were received this year, recognising the contribution made by people and groups to their local communities.
Councillor Mike Best, Chairman of Somerset Council, said:
“These awards are a wonderful opportunity to recognise and thank people who give their time and energy to their communities across Somerset.
“So much of what they do happens quietly and without expectation of recognition, but their contribution makes a real difference to the places in which they live.
“It was a privilege to celebrate so many of them and to hear about the contribution they make. I would like to congratulate all of this year’s recipients and thank them for everything they do for Somerset.”
A special award from the Chairman was also presented to Somerset’s three Members of Youth Parliament and their Advisory Group, recognising the young people representing the county and supporting the work of the Youth Parliament.
Alongside the main ceremony, Councillor Best is making 12 separate presentations to recipients who were unable to attend the event. These presentations are taking place in their local communities, with the first already presented to Jane Monk at a Compton Pauncefoot Parish meeting.
Award recipients
Those recognised at the Chairman’s Service to the Community Awards were:
- Street – Karl and Allison Hudson
- Meare – Meare Ladies Group
- Wells – Sounds Joyful
- Walton – Paul Ash
- Bawdrip – Justin and Sue Philcox
- Shipham – Victoria Warr and Kate Stead
- Bridgwater – St Mary’s Church, Bridgwater
- Wedmore – Wedmore Tuesday Club
- Axbridge – Roy Shallish
- Burnham-on-Sea & Highbridge – David Norton
- Chedzoy – Rodney Young
- Middlezoy – Paul Baker
- Otterhampton – Richard Best
- Weare – Paul Rolfe
- Bruton – Bernie and Carmel Page
- Drayton – Jacqui Price
- Ilminster – Shirley Farley
- Shepton – Mrs Charlie Pattison
- Crewkerne – Friends of Crewkerne Station
- Fivehead – Fivehead Parish Footpath Team
- Barton St David – Peter R Farrant
- Broadway – Paul Trueman
- Keinton Mandeville – Trevor Ryder
- Tintinhull – Gerry Hunt
- Dunster – David and Brenda Moore
- Creech St Michael – Janet King
- Oake – Frances Gully
- Ruishton & Thornfalcon – Sue Gunstone
- Trull – Martine Naughton
- West Monkton – Bethan Turner
- Wiveliscombe – Helena Mary Trump
- Kingston St Mary – Kingston St Mary Community Speedwatch Volunteers
- Stogursey – Stogursey Arts Trust
- Fitzhead – Chris Summers
- Taunton – Major (Retd) Ed Cullen
- Somerset – Somerset’s three Members of Youth Parliament and the Advisory Group, who received a special award from the Chairman
Community presentations
The following recipients are receiving their awards separately in their local communities:
- Compton Pauncefoot – Jane Monk
- Misterton – Misterton Magazine
- Ash – Sonia Tucker
- East Brent – Barbara Woodward
- Williton – Bryan and Caroline Tyner
- Sparkford – Victoria Rogers
- Minehead – Keith Hunt
- Halse – Carol Windeatt
- Rode – Grant Slade
- Chapel Allerton – Johnny Torrens-Spence
- Watchet – Jim Butterworth
- Old Cleeve – Claire Sawatzki
