Dozens of volunteers who make a difference in Highbridge were presented with well-earned awards at a special ceremony held on Saturday (November 21st).
Over 70 people attended the Highbridge Volunteers Celebration at the Battleborough Grange Hotel in Brent Knoll, which was organised by the Highbridge police team with the aim of acknowledging and recognising volunteers.
Inspector Roger Tolley said the “invaluable” help of the 28 volunteers had helped the Highbridge beat team’s partnership projects be so successful.
The volunteers, aged from 16 to over 70, and a mixture of retired and working members of Highbridge who dedicate spare time to help make the community safer and stronger.
Certificates were presented to all the volunteers and a special award went to Jason Adams to recognise his outstanding voluntary work in the town. Jason is also a photographer for Burnham-On-Sea.com.
Citations were read by PCSO Gill Bawler, PCSO Claire Chambers, Sgt Ian Kennett and PCSO Allocater Gavin Jennings with the certificates presented by Inspector Tolley.
Pat Farrow, a resident of Highbridge, was presented with a bouquet of flowers by community development worker Sue Quartermass.
Among the projects they contribute to are the Police Pod at the town’s ASDA car park, which is staffed by trained police volunteers, who between them open for six days a week. The pod has had over 660 visitors since it opened.
Inspector Tolley said: “For many years Highbridge has suffered anti-social behaviour. Through working in the Highbridge community it became apparent that there were few safe places young people could meet that didn’t have a cost implication. In response to concerns from the community regarding anti-social behaviour and speaking to young people about what they wanted, two popular initiatives were set up, The Highbridge Community Youth Club and the Dreamscheme.”
Both have been hugely successful, thanks to work between Highbridge police and local community volunteers. Inspector Tolley presented PCSO Gill Bawler and PCSO Claire Chambers with flowers and champagne for organising the event and they were praised for their significant work in Highbridge.
Among the other guests at Saturday’s event was Chief Inspector Yannis Georgiou, Mayor Derick Cooper and County Councillor John Woodman. On their arrival, guests were greeted with champagne, canapés and background music from Taunton Concert Band Saxophone Quartet. The event was funded by Highbridge business Isleport Foods.
PCSO Claire Chambers told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “There are so many people in Highbridge that truly deserve our recognition and thanks for all that they do in the community. None of the initiatives could run without their dedication and support. They’re fantastic people, who are an asset to our community.”
PCSO Gill Bawler added: “I am so thrilled with the how the event developed from a small recognition event to a wonderful evening of celebration held at a beautiful location. This would not have been possible without the kind donation from Isleport Foods and the wonderful support from the staff at the Battleborough Grange Hotel. It was a real pleasure to give something back to our volunteers for all their hard work and dedication, to show them how much we appreciate all they do.”
